HGTV Fans Call Out ‘Celebrity IOU’ as ‘Condescending’ and ‘Tone Deaf’
Celebrity IOU returned for its tenth season on July 9 with a star-studded line-up, including Rachel Brosnahan, Joel McHale, Tyra Banks, and more; however, some HGTV viewers are starting to question the show’s format, saying they find it “condescending.”
The series, hosted by Property Brothers‘ Drew and Jonathan Scott, sees the pair helping Hollywood A-listers surprise their friends and loved ones with dramatic and emotional renovations. For example, the Season 10 premiere saw Superman actress Brosnahan renovate the kitchen and dining room of her best friend’s mom and dad.
While Celebrity IOU is intended to be heartwarming and uplifting, some fans have said the series is just an excuse for multi-millionaire celebrities to show off how “generous” they are, when in reality, they could have used their wealth to help their friends and employees without the cameras rolling.
“Does anyone see Celebrity IOU as a bit tone deaf?” a user recently asked on the HGTV Reddit forum.
The post received dozens of responses, with many agreeing with the original poster’s sentiment. “Always. So condescending,” replied one commenter.
“I dislike the conceit that ‘I always wanted to do something nice for her.’ Uh, you’ve been richer than your dear, dear lifelong friend for decades, what took you so long? Why fix up two rooms in a crappy house when you could move them to a new place?” said another.
“Net worth of $70 million and you’ve ‘always wanted to do something nice’ but it took a TV network doing it for you to follow through? If you really cared, you’d have done it 10 years ago,” another added.
Another asked, “Why are they only helping their friend after HGTV suggested it?”
“These celebrities come on and say how this work has needed to be done for years for this person, and yet they waited until they could be heroes on TV to do it!” one fan wrote. “They could redo these places 10 times over with the money they have, but they wait for the glory.”
“It’s apparent the producers approach celebrities to be on the show, then tell them to find someone to give a remodel to,” added another. “It seems they mostly choose their servants, or nannies.”
Another said it’s “so embarrassing to watch multi-millionaires talk s**t about their servants’ tiny homes, and then to watch those homes be turned into stark white boxes with zero personality.”
The above user specifically called out Fran Drescher for transforming her housekeeper’s home into something “condescending and soulless” and Gwyneth Paltrow for remodelling her assistant’s home into a property that “appears, even after the work, to entirely lack a bed, shower, or closet.”
Though they did add, “Snoop Dog was alright. Brad Pitt was fine. The others have been such tone deaf horror shows that I can’t believe celebrities have willingly signed up for it.”
Another added, “Garbage show! Not interested in celebrities or fake generosity for likes or career revitalization. All of it is gross.”
However, there were some defenders, including one user who wrote, “Did you ever consider that the person would not accept that type of help, but feels more comfortable for the show to do it?”
“Well, I am giving them a pass because the ones who receive are very deserving. Yes, I wish they would just do for their friends, but whatever,” said another.
“While I get thinking it’s a bit tone deaf, I think it also depends on the person. There as sooo many people who are so against handouts and wouldn’t want money for nothing and would be offended by their friend offering,” another added.
What do you think of Celebrity IOU? Do you find it condescending? Let us know your thoughts below.
Celebrity IOU, Mondays, 9/8c, HGTV
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Comments are closed on this story.
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R
I like the show for what it is - seeing celebrities interact with the Property Brothers. If you don’t like the show watch a different show.
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I hope the viewers realize that the stars are contributing zero dollars towards the renovations.
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I didn't know the celebs contributed $0.00 to the homes of "such important individuals" in
their lives.GAG.
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T
I have to say it's a surprise that the show pays for the Reno,,now I'm not interested in watching it anymore. The other shows on HGTV makes the Home Owner Pay for their Home Reno!! And what makes me disillusioned is that they PAY ALL The $$$ for their HGTV Reno! And then some Hosts are so Inept they do NOT hold back 10% - 15% of the money for hidden damage, which causes the Hosts to have bad blood bc they need to beg for more $$$. Examples are Love It or List It and now of course I can't think of the other shows. Plus it angers me that LIOLI films the Home Owners Saying They Love their Home AND They're Listing Their Home! The Producers PICK Which Ending SEEMS Best on FILM!!! MORE Let's Not Deal With Facts in USA. Won't Ever Watch Again. Plus these people PAY A lot of $$$ For Reno, BUT NO ONE INCLUDES The COST Of Furniture! What a Fraud!! If I had an estimate of a Renovation of my home or certain rooms, No Way Would I'd Allow a BILL After to SAY If You Want This great furniture that's matches your pieces, PAY this HIDDEN BILL!! And HGTV Is Showing It's RACISM By ENDING ANY SHOW That Would ANGER Trump's ANTI-DEI Vendetta!!! COWARDS!! HGTV's Support of Trump/Vance's ANTI-LGBTIA+ meant the AWESOME and Highly Rated, plus Original & Forward Thinking HGTV Show #BargainBlock was ENDED! Bc the 2 Hosts who are Changing #Detroit One Dead, Condemned House in One Detroit Block at a Time! The Gay Couple Renos & Black Family w/ Real Estate Agent are BEST!
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Exactly!! Therefore, there’s no self-promotion!!
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O
I agree with all these comments. What's taken these well off celebs so long to "do something nice" for people who've been so important in their lives especially knowing these assistants, nannies, housekeepers, support people have been with them for decades and living in these homes needing attention all that while?
I also agree that the formula for these shows have gotten very tired.
I rarely watch HGTV anymore but when it was new and fresh, my family thought it was the only channel we got; it was always set to it.
It used to show programs where I could do decorating myself with not a lot of money. One of my favs was Design on a Dime. I still have several of those projects gracing walls or rooms that I learned from that show.
Bring some of those kinds of shows back and I'll be a regular viewer again. The lineups now are old, worn out, and don't offer one new concept!
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R
These celebs don't pay for it...the show does, so they are both cheap and bad friends/employers.
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O
I love this show, who cares about the givers intentions, the end is heartwarming. Folks are just jealous no one feels that way about them. Keep the show please, HGTV has canceled too many good shows in 2025.
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O
LOL, I love how 'jealousy' is always the go-to accusation. I thought Extreme Makeover was 'heartwarming' too, but there are lots and lots of articles talking about how the new houses made in the show caused the family unforseen problems.
The point is the same for both shows: what's seen on TV is done strictly for TV and ratings / viewers. Viewer's emotions are being manipulated for profit. And the so-called celebrities get credit for generosity that they were PROMPTED to offer.
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O
I totally agree and have been feeling this way from beginning.
If these A-listers were really appreciative and wanted to do something for these people ..... they should have done it already and with their own money.
Tat would be so much more meaningful.
Not a fan of the show.
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B
I agree..there are so many underprivileged people that could use a hand up...
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G
Funny how people are suddenly against this show after so many seasons on air. I think people are carrying over their feelings about the recent cancellations over to the Property Brothers and by extension the shows they’re involved in.
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B
You may have something there!
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O
I think we don't know the whole story. How do we know the celebrity hasn't already done something nice for them.(Financial etc..). This could be a way to have something done to their home,backyards..
extra.?? I certainly don't have a clue,but giving the benefit of doubt. Just a thought.... Also...I haven't watched many episodes,maybe 6,so I could be 100percent faked out.
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And we don't know how many would refuse ANY help outright except thru a show.
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O
I don't watch anything on HGTV... didn't realize this show has been on for so many 'seasons.' 🙄 But I too have thought that these 'celebrities' could have helped their friends or family members at any time, but just... didn't. Not until the chance came to do it on TV & make a big deal of it. Nah, that's not questionable at all....
Similarly, I always thought Extreme Makeover: Home Edition went way, way, way, WAAAY overboard with their homes. Instead of creating a nice, safe, reasonable house for the family, they make a doggone theme-park out of it, and end up causing the family a lot of unexpected problems.
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P
Didn't care for the concept. Seemed self serving for the celebrity, so I never tuned in.
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P
I don't read that much into it. I'm more interested in the before and after. It's HGTV, upgrades are why I watch. That's it. I do think the emotional tones are a bit of overdoing it which is why I tape everything...so I can fast forward.
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G
Exactly. I'm more interested in the before and after. It's HGTV, upgrades are why I watch.
It's not nannies and servants. Melissa McCarthy was for family; Brad Pitt for a friend; Viola Davis & Rebel Wilson for a friend.
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G
I love the show. New ideas and seeing the joy it brings makes me feel good. Watch something else if you don't like it!
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C
Well said. Rich celebrities should help others privately without a showy display. AND Smashing cabinets and walls in the name of renovations is tacky. THE SAME OLD property brothers Reno’s. HGTV has lost direction. I wish we could go back to the “old HGTV”.
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Please try to donate old cabinets, granite countertops, etc. Whenever you can. Some of what I see destroyed could be used by others.
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B
I loved some of the "one season" fun ones.
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B
I’m getting tired of the Scott brothers in general. Is their 15 minutes of fame up yet?
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Not as sick of them as past years with Pennington making his Billions.I miss the old shows where the actual decorators gave
Ideas talked about how to use this or that to make it your own.This goes way back.
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O
I think the show is just ok. I would swap it out for one of the shows HGTV cancelled. Like Bargain Block, that helps a whole neighborhood. It elevates an area that really needs it. I think that means more.
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I personally hate the show. It is so fake.
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C
This is so unfair. They could have done nothing at all. Celebrity IOU gives a celebrity an opportunity to help others. Plus not all celebrities are filthy stinking rich as so many of you declared. A kitchen remodel costs tens of thousands of dollars. How many people have that lying around to just throw at a friend? This is my favorite property brothers show. I don't think they are being tone deaf, they are just trying to do nice things while making an entertaining show out of it. Some people just have to have something to hate about. Don't change anything Drew and Jonathan Scott. You are doing great work and making a real difference in "real people's" lives. If you want to come up with a show where real people see real change try Extreme Makeover where many people couldn't afford to keep the home they were gifted on the show.
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P
I think these people that are complaining are just a little bit jealous and tone deaf. It’s a show, it’s entertaining, who cares that the cameras are rolling. None of these complainers or haters know what these celebrities have done for their nannies or assistants in the past. Maybe they have done really nice stuff before this. We don’t know that so we need to take that into consideration when putting out our thoughts and opinions which really before Internet we just kept to ourselves so please people do the same now. Unless you want to say it to their face go say it to their face but don’t hide behind your computer and complain to other ‘woke’ or tone deaf people hiding behind their computer. None of you have the right to pass judgement on anyone.
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O
This is one of the ones that HGTV should have canceled. I am in agreement with others who have said these people have been working for these celebrities for years and they just now decided to do something for them…. it’s not a good look.
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G
I just watch for entertainment. I DON'T try to analyze it.
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P
I hate this show. Stopped watching. HGTV cancels the good stuff.
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G
I didn’t look at the program this way at all. At least they are doing for someone else and not themselves. It is their money and they can do with it what the want. Giving to others is always good no matter the timing and reason. I don’t like the shows when the builders are giving to themselves remodeling their own homes, properties, stores, event centers. That’s when I think it’s condescending. I don’t want to see thousands spent on their own elaborate properties. I don’t watch those episodes.
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Iif viewers don't like the show they aren"t being forced to watch it. I hope. 😊 The brothers and celebrities have worked hard for their money and they're under no obligation to publicly give it away. There are a lot of people who would see this as charity, and respectfully decline. When asked over the years, they see it for what it is, not a handout but a gift coming from respect, caring and gratitude for the person/people who've touched their lives, and graciously accept it, as you would any gift. I love the generosity of the celebrities and it warms the heart that they do it. Also, you have no idea how much money they give to charities or other individuals without fanfare. Don't be so quick to judge something you know nothing about, but think you do.
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G
Funny how some of these commenters can name several episodes of a show they allegedly hate. Stop "hate watching" shows you dislike and change the channel to something that you enjoy. It will benefit your mental health.
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We have no way of knowing what generosity had been shown over the course of time. Renovation is a big gesture, but a hundred lesser kindnesses may have been offered that we will never know about as viewers. People are pretty quick to slam those who are wealthy and famous. Often deserved and often not deserved. It's just fun to celebrate with the lucky beneficiaries! In my opinion, of course.
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R
Agree! It's way to easy (and tasteless) to slam a show. As others said don't like it? Easy! Don't watch! I like it! Wonder how they like the reno 3 months later!
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G
To all of you haters out there. Do you do a nice thing for your friend the second you think you should? Didn't think so. If you don't like the show don't watch it. Some of us like it and don't agree with you.
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Some of you are ridiculous! How do you know these celebrities haven’t done anything for their families or friends. Just because it’s not on video for your approval doesn’t mean it hasn’t been done. You can’t buy every single person you know a house or renovation, they will be broke. Get real people!
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Enough of the property brothers already. It's been quite a while since they've done anything I'd care to watch. Same for a program about lottery winners and how they are spending their money on lavish, all too often, over the top properties.
How about we get back to the basics of renos we can all afford. or more importantly, shows with changes the average jack\jill can do on their own?
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O
Also, from what I have read, the celebrities don't even pay for the reno, nor does HGTV, the production company does... Which is the Property Brothers. They are the ones actually footing the bill.
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C
Look at the one with Anthony Anderson. It's funny. He renovated his brother's house but his brother actually lived in a raggedy house for years.
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G
I love the show! The people who are on the receiving end seem to appreciate the changes that were made to their property. Most of stars that are on the show mention that they’ve tried to help the recipients that they’ve chosen but many refuse their assistance.
Also, to my knowledge, the makeovers are based on the individual taste of each recipient (or what the various celebrities say the recipients like) so who cares if any of the viewers like the end result. It’s not about us or our individual taste. The basic premise of the show is based on helping others …so what’s there to criticize?
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G
I think that there is a lot of jealous people and if they can’t have it done for them then they have to tear every else down too. Celebrities give a lot to charities,
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B
Don't like the show..Don't watch it.
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B
Gee, I don’t know, maybe they didn’t know how to ho about it. Who knows, but I’m not going to judge them
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J
Agree and their new one is a joke, it's just another house hunters only out west, 8 don't like it at all
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R
What a bunch of nonsense! You people need to chill out, it's great that these celebs are doing something for their friends, regardless of who is paying for it. Maybe they wanted to help for years but had no idea where to start, do you ever think anything good or do you just sit on your toosh & wait to criticize? If you don't like the show, watch something else & keep your negative immature attitude to yourself!!!
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The celebrities don't even pay for it all, the Property Bros do and use it as a write off...that's why I think the show is a bit odd. If the celebrity wants to do something nice for a close friend, you'd think they'd use their own money!
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B
I'm more bothered by their new ranch show. Let's go find ranches for millionaires.
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P
Atleast for all the assistants, housekeepers & nannies I am wondering why these ultra rich celebrities aren't paying their employees enough to afford to do the remodel themselves or to buy better homes to begin with.
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C
I absolutely love the show. I think many celebs find this as a chance to help those close to them. I enjoy watching the show!!
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G
The first ting that comes to mind is Jealous, there friends might not want to move and how do you know that they do not give to there friends. My sister is very rich and I don't expect her to show off her weather and gi e me a house or new car. Get over you Jealousy.
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P
I love the show. I think these remarks are ridiculous! I cry every episode. It's so sweet.
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O
What's even worse is that HGTV pays for the reno NOT the celebrity.
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G
I think the show is great, why is everyone negative, they have nothing better to do
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P
I love the show and love to see the celebrities!
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G
I enjoy watching the show. It is a good thing and should be taken that way. TV or not
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G
I love the property brothers. I think the show is wonderful 🥰🥰
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R
I agree..what took so long?. Possibly pay them better so they can make their own improvements.. maybe buy them a new home ! I don't watch it very much any more. Love Drew and Jonathan, but they could promote a better show.
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G
Only when the world could see do they do it. I will never watch these shows. All the so called little people are out there with no fanfare like the flooding in Texas or the wild fires in California. They are the heros. Not these libral elites.Hollywood just stop. Most of us do not care what you do.
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I am a former HGTV & DIY network bing watcher, and I am also a licensed real estate agent. I stopped watching everything after hearing stories about what the cameras don’t show, and after going through an experience when the lights and cameras came through my town. The makeovers and renovations happen very quickly and quality of work is not as big of a concern as the aesthetics. The houses look great, but the mess left behind is the responsibility of the owners to clean up. Construction debris, and destroyed landscaping. Also, like with House Hunters, too much of this is staged anyway. You have to take it with a grain of salt. When filming starts on House Hunters, the “buyers” have already purchased the house and moved in, so they go and view 2 listings plus their own house and pick their house. If after years of making owners foot the bill for the renovation, HGTV wants to make good by paying for a celebrity friend, that’s admirable. If the celebrity has a friend that they want to do something nice for, kudos for thinking of them at all. We can’t assume that they are only doing it because cameras are rolling. There are several people that would take offense to an independently wealthy person GIVING them anything. Especially if they don’t think they need it, and let’s be honest, they don’t really NEED these renovations. I have to fight just to pick up the tab for dinner with my friends. It could be the same thing only with a lot more money.
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G
This show had always left a bad taste in my mouth. Enter Anthony Edwards home Reno on Jeff Lewis’ show v. Celebrity IOU of his brother(‘s) (an essential medical prof during Covid) ramshackle place in South Central(?). That was so disgraceful I was embarrassed for Edwards.👎
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F
I'm not so much bothered by the content of the show as I am that it's yet ANOTHER vehicle for the Scott Brothers. How many shows do they need? HGTV recently cancelled some really good programs yet the Scott boys get as many shows as they want to do. It's enough already!!!
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O
All these negative comments about the show. People, it starts with you, change your outlook on life. Think more positively and find the good in everything, and you will see the difference in your life. I believe the show's intention is to make a better life for these people. I find it uplifting to watch because you see the joy in them and the difference the remodel makes in daily functionality. I lived with the same small kitchen for over 25 years. When I remodeled it oh my what a difference in my daily cooking experience. I love it now.❤️
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P
I totally agree. Better served helping those in need. Oh wait, then HGTV and their stars can only make millions as others can only watch and dream. So sad.
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O
It depends on the indivudual perspective. Such negativity does not make for condescending nor does positivity makes it acceptable. Everyone has an opinion either for or against. Why not just enjoy the show or turn your TV off. No one is held hostage to criticize. Your view is just that - a view!
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O
How do these celebrities know how they can reno their friends house. If someone was to reno my house, I'd want to be involved in how I would want it done. What happens if the person comes home and doesn't like what was done? Redesigned? Probably, so it wouldn't be a surprise.
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O
This is why I love Bargain Block! It is realistic. So sorry that HGTV cancelled it. That was my favorite show!
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C
These celebrities don’t pay for these remodels HGTV DOES
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R
Never watched it, tire of watching the hosts.
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G
I think you canceled the wrong shows. No one cares about so called celebrities anymore. Its all about their egos and the brothers egos too. Hate the show. I DO NOT WATCH IT! IM SOOO OVER THESE PEOPLE
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R
I agree with the above! This show was one I thought should go some time ago! I never watch it!
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O
Don't get HGTV anymore. But when I did, watched a bit. Then switched channels. The boys have evolved into self serving with the glitz and glamor.
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G
I have lost interest in the program, after a few shows it was all the same. In this day I would rather they build homes for the homeless, they really need a home More.
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B
I've felt this way for some time and even wonder why, if the celeb is the employerand fekt bad about the poor living conditions of their employee, why didn't they pay a wage that would enable them to fix up and maintain their homes themselves?
The most offensive one I remember seeing is Jane Seymour saying her assistant/housekeeper/nanny was family yet the woman called her Miss Jane and Jane admitted she had never been in her house and was only in her yard once for the gender reveal.of the woman's grandson. The behavior of the woman towards Jane was very reserved. Most Celeb IOU recipients and celebs at least seemed comfortable with each other and showed some affection. My opinion of Jane dropped considerably.
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G
What many don't know is the celebrities don't pay for the work that's covered by the brothers or their Network it does not come out of the celebrities pocket not one penny
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P
I dislike this show from the very beginning for the same reasons others have posted. Wealthy celebrities appearing to be so indebted to the receiver of the renovations seem so phony. All along the celebrities could afford it, but what is worst is that the celebrities don’t pay a cent. The show puts up the money! So phony!!!
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O
Totally agree. I’ve always thought the same thing. That’s why I haven’t watched it since the first season. Just doesn’t do it for me. 🤮
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P
I no longer watch HGTV…removed all the good shows.. everything is properly brothers or house hunters…yuk!
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B
I hate the House Hunter shows.Very fake.Dislike the arguing between pairs of people.
Those shows were pushed onair during writer's strikes.Just Fillers to keep HGTV on air.
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O
I must like it, because I watch it. I don’t lose sleep over its concept. To me it’s entertainment. Nothing was funnier than when Zach Braff was delivered a tiny pizza for his lunch. People should watch what makes them feel good.
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B
AMEN!
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P
I think that I am sick of the brothers regardless of what show they're doing.
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P
its fun to watch this show. I don't find it condescending at all. if you do, you need to relax & stop overthinking things...
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G
Yes because who needs help more than filthy rich celebs. I feel so bad for them having all that money & nowhere to put it. We should have telethons for them. PTTHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
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C
I love Celebrity IOU. I don't think that people realize that some of these celebs don't make "millions" of dollars. Also, I am sure that they have done wonderful things for their friends over the years. it's a show people, if you don't like it, why do you watch it? Just because it's being done on TV and for their friends, I think a lot of people are probably just jealous because it's not them getting a home make over. Just my opinion.
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C
Show is attention seeking ultra rich celebrities showing off "look what i did!" attitude for the public. They should do it anyways without all the fanfare. Only watched it one time.....NEVER watched it again....and wont.
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C
I blame the Brothers. It comes off as them just trying to suck up to anything Hollywood.
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O
The show SUCKS
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B
Then don't watch it!!
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G
I love the show, just not the Host !!!!!!!
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P
Hate the show
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O
A handout is a handout whether it comes from someone they already knew or a stranger. How someone been working for a person for 20 years and that person couldn't help them out with all the millions they've made in 20 years? Just another freebie for the elite.
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R
I was so happy to see this!! I have been thinking the same things as all these people commented on Celebrity IOU. I have thought many times this is so ridiculous!! So many of these celebs could easily buy these people they love so much a brand new beautiful home. I find insulting to the people they are supposedly helping.
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G
Just another repeticious show for Drew and Jonathan to make more money doing the same crap over and over again, geez, give it a rest already!! How much money do these 2 need to make??? Time for them to go away!!
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