21 Things You Didn't Know About HGTV
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Celebrities love HGTV and frankly, so do we. The channel has brought us hits like Flip or Flop with Tarek and Christina el Moussa, Property Brothers with Drew and Jonathan Scott, and so many more.
However, even the most dedicated HGTV addicts can be forgiven for not knowing much about the history behind the cable powerhouse. Fortunately, we're here to help.
It's Over 20 Years Old
The network launched in December 1994.
They Had a Digital Presence Early
HGTV.com launched in 1996.
They're Doing Really, Really Well
The company announced that the second quarter of this year exceeded earnings estimates.
Ratings Are Growing
As of August 2015, HGTV has seen 13 consecutive months of ratings growth.
They're All Over
HGTV is in approximately 100 million homes in the United States.
You Can Buy HGTV Products
The network has a line of furniture, fabric, paint, plants, and more called HGTV Home.
They're Picky About Who Gets on the Air
Network president Kathleen Finch told Variety that HGTV is very selective about which experts get shows on their network. She said, "That’s one of the reasons that, as a brand, HGTV’s been so successful. We’re known for our expertise and the quality of our information."
They Launched in Asia
HGTV Asia began broadcasting in Singapore in September 2014.
They Invest Big in House Hunters
The network aspires to have a new episode of House Hunters almost every weeknight!
They Try New Things
Not content to rest on their ratings laurels, HGTV is experimenting with TV Everywhere, a service that allows live-streaming of television on the web.
Viewers Actually Watch HGTV Live
The proportion of viewers who actually watch HGTV shows as they air is much greater than those who DVR programs.
It's Run by the Founder
Kenneth W. Lowe launched the network in 1994 and still presides over the enterprise today.
It Has Southern Roots
HGTV is headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Property Brothers Are Big
Network honcho Kathleen Finch referred to Jonathan and Drew Scott as "the cable equivalent of box-office movie stars" in The New York Times. As a result, the network endeavors to have one new show from the twins on weekly.
It's Part of a Big TV Family
HGTV is owned by Scripps Networks Interactive, which also runs the DIY Network, Great American Country, the Food Network, and the Travel Channel.
Originally, There Were a Lot More Lawns
The channel was first conceived as the Home, Lawn, and Garden Channel. The "Lawn" part obviously was dropped.
They Go Country
For many years, HGTV has hosted a pop-up called "The HGTV Lodge" at Nashville's CMA Music Festival.
They Give Away Homes
Since 1997, HGTV has been giving away beautiful houses through their "Dream House" initiative.
They're Popular in Print
HGTV magazine, a partnership with Hearst, brings the network's content to life in print.
Women Really Like HGTV
From June to August of 2015, HGTV ranked first among television channels watched by women ages twenty-five to fifty-four.
They Collaborate With Celebs
HGTV has green-lit various shows starring celebrities, including The Vanilla Ice Project, Ellen DeGeneres's Ellen’s Design Challenge, and The Jennie Garth Project.