How HGTV Can Become Your New TV Obsession

When it comes time to think about some of the best shows on television, the list usually comprises major network programs that get the most attention. But as my top shows have come to a close this season, I've been forced to venture into unknown territories. Upon doing so, I've found some real contenders that have entertained me more than 'The Office,' '30 Rock' and all my other standbys did this year.

Those shows are on HGTV.

Yes, I know that it sounds ridiculous to believe that a channel about "home and garden" could actually captivate audiences, but it can. As a relatively new homeowner, I've found all sorts of great interior design ideas from the channel. I'm also keen on watching first-time home buyers try their luck at buying that first place. Not only does it examine common pitfalls when buying a house, it also sheds some light on how we got into this housing crisis with buyers attempting to own a home that's outside of their budget.

But I digress. HGTV is not doom and gloom. In fact, it's one of the only places on television where you can get away from all the horrors of the world, and just enjoy watching some shows.

For example, 'The Antonio Treatment' follows Antonio Ballatore (pictured above, with Mario Lopez), last year's winner of the channel's "Design Star" show, as he does wonders on the inside of homes. Antonio delivers an entirely different take on interior design. He once "graffitied" an entire bathroom. He also stuck a pink rhinoceros head over a bar. It might sound crazy. But when you see his outrageous designs completed, you'll get more design inspiration from him than anyone else on the channel.

'Holmes On Homes' is a more heart-warming show. Mike Holmes, a skilled contractor, goes into people's houses to fix the mistakes other contractors have left in their wake. On more than one occasion, he has taken bathrooms apart, ripped out an entire kitchen, and replaced all the plumbing, electrical, and roofing in a house. He's a "fixer" that does some good for families in need.

Watching home buyers determine how much they can afford also makes HGTV so intriguing, because vanity reigns supreme. Rarely will you find a buyer looking for a home that fits nicely in their budget. Instead, they're looking for the best and biggest home they can (and in far too many cases, cannot) afford. And if they need to adjust their budget to get that home they fall in love with, so be it. Watching HGTV is like watching sports. It's not a question of adequacy, but a question of who wins and who loses.

Shows like 'House Hunters' attempt to show what a certain amount of money can buy in a given location. It's not simply a desire to find the adequate; it's a desire to find the best of the best. Another worthwhile venture: view an episode's production date from your cable box. You might be surprised to see how little buyer desire has changed between pre-recession episodes and post-recession episodes.



'Property Virgins' is another winner. The show, which is hosted by real estate agent Sandra Rinomato, helps first-time home buyers find their dream home. Sounds easy enough, right? Think again. The show brings you along with the buyers as they look at three homes that fit their parameters on price, location, and size. Sometimes, they find the first house and fall in love. Other times, they modify their requirements to find what they want. In either case, the show takes you from the searching process to closing the deal. And practically every show leaves you wondering if these first-time buyers are really ready for home ownership.

But that's just a small sampling of the fun that ensues when watching HGTV. You'll get great ideas for decorating your home. You can see what you should (and shouldn't) do when you start buying real estate. You'll find out ways to remodel some parts of your house. And learn what to do when those renovations go totally wrong on 'Renovation Realities,' another favorite of mine that shows the trials of novices remodeling a home.

All the while, you'll be addicted to the channel and you won't even know why. After all, by description alone, some might wonder why watching people buy a house is worth watching. But it is. It just is.