It has been a long time since I’ve watched HGTV. A few years ago, the big thing was that Joanna person and her shiplap. She loved that stuff so much that I wouldn’t have been surprised to see her bring back “woody” station wagons by hanging shiplap on the side of her Chevy Suburban.
We’re in the middle of some renovation here at Squirrel Manor, so I gravitated toward HGTV once again. The formula hasn’t changed. Like all reality TV, there is little real about it, and nothing much happens during the hour-long episodes. They seem to exist merely as vehicles for Home Depot and Lowes commercials. But, there is now a whole new cast of people with sledgehammers busting down drywall and breaking up tile. I’ve also noticed shiny, brass plumbing fixtures and kitchen hardware are the hot things. I keep expecting to see one of the designers install a solid brass toilet.
I seldom see shiplap on the newer shows where the latest buzzword is “beachy.” If you are into alcohol, “beachy” could make a good HGTV drinking game. Watch out, however, you’ll get sloshed! My wife and I just shout out “Beachy!!!” every time we hear it.
Amanda Mull’s article for The Atlantic has some observations on The HGTV-ification of America.
Thought In Memory Of Thomas Brown
A flower blossoms for its own joy.
Oscar Wilde
