Is 'Farmhouse Fixer' fake? The truth behind HGTV show featuring Jonathan Knight-Rodriguez
Reality shows have always been a crowd-pleaser, and if there is a specific genre that does particularly well, it would have to be home-makeovers. Keeping these shows interesting is no easy feat, but HGTV has definitely managed to crack the code. So, it comes as no surprise that one of its newest shows 'Farmhouse Fixer' is an instant hit.
Hosted by 80s boy band heartthrob Jonathan Knight-Rodriguez of New Kids on the Block, the show follows Knight-Rodriguez as he goes about restoring and fixing New England farmhouses. Alongside designer Kristina Crestin, the host ensures that some timeless properties stay eternal as ever.
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As per HGTV, the show's summary states: "The nostalgia, charm and history behind New England farmhouses are a few of the reasons Jonathan Knight loves to restore old homes. With the help of his designer, Kristina, Jonathan works to keep that history alive by breathing new life into the homes."
However, the show is no exception when it comes to speculation that often surrounds reality TV, the biggest question being, is the show fake? Here's a look at what goes on behind the scenes that confirms the show's authenticity.
Is Knight qualified to be a host?
After leaving NKOTB in 1994, Knight-Rodriguez began his career in real estate and maintained a low profile, steering clear from the public eye. He has worked on over 200 homes during the course of his career, so he definitely knows what he's doing, seeing that he has 20 plus years of experience backing him up.
'Farmhouse Fixer' was instantly slated to premiere in 2019, seeing that HGTV announced the same in 2018. However, due to undisclosed delays, the show finally made its debut in 2021.
Who pays for the renovations?
A big question when it comes to home makeover shows is that where does the money come from to put together and carry out these elaborate repairs.
Concerning 'Farmhouse Fixer', there is a good chance that the clients pay for the renovation. However, as reported by Reality Tit Bit, there might be some perks that come with, seeing that clients probably pay for the design work along with the potential bonus of HGTV providing with an additional item. The clients do not pay the hosts, as HGTV usually covers the talent fee.
How are people cast on the show?
As reported by TV Over Mind, getting on the show isn't particularly difficult, although there are a few prerequisites. Northshore Magazine put out a casting call in 2020 for the show, which read as follows: "The team is looking for homes built before 1940, a location within 50 miles of Ipswich, and an existing renovation budget of $150,000. The renovations will encompass four or five spaces in each home, and homeowners must be comfortable with vacating during the remodel and with Jonathan and Kristina taking the reins." The casting call also carried a link that let you submit an application for the same. If you fit the bill, house and budget included, you could've well been on your way to having Jonathan Knight renovate your home!
So, is the show fake?
While certain reactions might seem exaggerated (it is reality TV, after all), all the facts point out to the show being as authentic as it can get! Apart from an NDA that the cast has to sign in order to keep the details under wraps, the show and cast do go about renovating the home, as seen on tv.
