HGTV Is Looking for Families Who Want to Be on ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is coming back to TV, and producers are looking for deserving families who are willing to let a team of designers and builders transform their houses. Those chosen will be featured on 10 new episodes of the popular renovation show, which will air on HGTV in 2020. And in a new twist, you don’t need to be a homeowner to apply — renters and people interested in relocating are also welcome.
What producers are looking for
Those who watched Extreme Makeover: Home Edition during its initial 2003-2012 run on ABC will remember that the show always featured families who were desperately in need of a remodel. Among those who appeared were a family whose home was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, people who had lost everything in a tornado, and many who were dealing with serious health issues and disabilities.
This time around, producers are looking for more of those inspiring stories. “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and HGTV are searching for stories that are so uplifting and inspirational, they must be told,” according to the casting website.
Specifically, they’re on the hunt for families who have “incredible stories of strength and perseverance” and who give back to others and their communities, even when faced with personal challenges. Candidates should not “have the resources, ability, or time to fix their house issues.” Those who don’t yet own their own home are eligible to apply, and they may receive a brand-new place to live.
How to nominate a family or apply for yourself
If you think you’d be a good candidate for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, you can apply online. You’ll need to complete the application, which asks for information about who lives in the home, your family story, what kind of community service you do, and why you deserve to be on the show. You’ll also need to submit photos of your family and your home. Applicants are also encourage to upload a short video showing their home and introducing their family.
Hundreds of applications are received every week, so your chances of being selected for the show are slim. Even if producers are interested in your family, it may take several months for them to get back to you.
If you know a family who you think deserves a home makeover, you can nominate them. You can even nominate a family who you don’t know, but whose story you’ve read about in the media.
Are there risks to being on the show?
While getting a massive home renovation for free is a dream come true for many families, being featured on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition isn’t without its risks. Some families struggled after the crew and cameras went home and they were left to deal with higher energy bills and property taxes. One family mortgaged their updated home to start a business, and when it failed, they lost the house to foreclosure. At the time, producers said they offered families financial counseling so they’d be prepared to deal with additional expenses.
The opportunity to get a state-of-the-art home for nothing also brought out some bad actors. One family who appeared on the show was later accused of lying about their daughters’ medical problems in order to get cast. In another case, a group of five orphaned siblings
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