From ‘Fixer Upper’ to ‘Flip or Flop’: The Biggest HGTV Scandals Ever

Sometimes the hosts of HGTV shows just can’t behave themselves, and other times, the network just isn’t upfront with viewers and creates its own scandals.

by Michelle Kapusta

Published on June 1, 2018

8 min read

Home and Garden Television (aka HGTV) is a cable channel that focuses on everything from home improvement and remodeling to gardening and interior design tips. The HGTV network was founded in 1994 and broadcasts a variety of popular shows today, including Fixer Upper, Flip or Flop, and House Hunters.

However, being around for as long as the network has and delivering hit shows hosted by several different personalities means there is bound to be scandals. Sometimes the hosts of the shows just can’t behave themselves, and other times, the network just isn’t upfront with viewers.

Let’s take a quick look at the biggest HGTV scandals ever, including America’s favorite HGTV couple being sued for $1 million (No. 8) and one property brother getting into a bar fight (No. 6).

15. Dream home winners can’t keep the homes

The outside of a newly renovated house with a porch and manicured lawn — One of HGTV’s lovely featured homes | HGTV

Since the ’90s, HGTV has been giving away one dream home a year to its sweepstakes winners. However, winning the lavish home doesn’t come without expenses. The estimated taxes for the $1.5 million 2016 property were about $693,000.

The hefty taxes are a big turnoff — and the main reason why just about every winner since 1997 has had to sell their property to avoid going into debt.

Next: One host is sued for defective furniture.