HGTV exec insists network is full steam ahead as it announces slate of new shows despite fan fears

An HGTV exec has vowed the network will be going ‘full steam ahead’ in 2026 as he confirmed a bumper slate of shows for January.

After a summer of slashing fan favorite content and leaving viewers worried about the channel’s future, Howard Lee, Chief Creative Officer of US Networks at Warner Bros. Discovery, has promised they will be starting strong in the new year.

Lee confirmed that popular programs including Zillow Gone Wild and Castle Impossible will be on television screens back next month and also introduced Wild Vacation Rentals.

He said: ‘HGTV is going full steam ahead into next year.

‘We’re bringing back shows like Zillow Gone Wild and Castle Impossible that deliver both ratings and entertainment value to our viewers and trying new escapist formats like Wild Vacation Rentals that will take fans to places they never dreamed of from the comfort of their own home.’

Wild Vacation Rentals will follow actresses and comedians Sherry Cola and D’Arcy Carden as they embark on an epic girls’ trip to visit America’s extraordinary vacation homes.

In each of the eight half-hour episodes, Sherry and D’Arcy will explore three of the most enchanting, eccentric and downright bizarre rentals that the country’s hot destinations have to offer.

They will ultimately pick one ‘must stay’ property per episode.

HGTV has promised the network will be going ‘full steam’ in 2026 with shows like Zillow Gone Wild returning in January

Castle Impossible – hosted by Daphne and Ian Fig – will also return with new episodes

‘With today’s endless getaway possibilities — from a cave to a bird’s nest and a missile silo to an old western town — the duo will find the top spots that are worth travelers’ time and money, sharing the homes’ hilariously honest reviews, unbelievable stories straight from the owners, and incredible designs and unique quirks,’ the synopsis says.

Meanwhile, HGTV’s breakout hit Zillow Gone Wild will return for 16 fresh episodes.

The hugely popular show – hosted by actor and comedian Jack McBrayer – inspired by the Instagram account of the same name will continue to take viewers on tours of the weirdest, wackiest and wildest properties on the market.

Jack will meet the characters who have embraced non-traditional homes with their distinctive décor and imaginative architecture.

He will explore also each home’s unique history, as well as the intriguing backstories of the buyers and sellers.

Castle Impossible is also returning in 2026.

After attracting 14.1 million viewers across linear and streaming to its first season, renovators Daphne and Ian Fig will continue the restoration of her late grandfather’s 500-year-old chateau on a 130-acre estate just outside of Paris, France.

‘After a year of tireless work on the sprawling property, this season the Figs will focus on the revival and sustainability of their historic Chateau de Lesigny by expanding their wedding and event businesses to finance the much-needed renovations,’ reads the synopsis.

Actress D’Arcy Carden will co-host the new series Wild Vacation Rentals

She will be joined by comedian Sherry Cola for the show, which will see them uncover extraordinary vacation homes

In the eight new episodes, Daphne and Ian will work on pivotal rooms for their businesses including a honeymoon suite in the dove tower, a tea salon, a dungeon tavern and a library, in addition to restoring the chateau’s gatehouse as a residence for Daphne’s granny.

The new additions to January’s slate came weeks after the network announced the return of three popular shows.

Earlier this month, HGTV confirmed that Home Town, Ugliest House in America, and Cheap A$$ Beach House will be back on television screens with nearly 40 new episodes beginning in the new year.

These new episodes will air six months after the channel slashed several popular programs, including Bargain Block, Married to Real Estate, Farmhouse Fixer, Izzy Does It, Christina on the Coast, The Flipping El Moussas, and Battle on the Beach.