The 100+ Best Home Improvement TV Shows, Ranked By DIY Fans

There are two kinds of people in this world: (1) those who watch home improvement TV shows for “inspiration,” and
(2) those who watch them to feel morally superior because their own baseboards aren’t that crooked. Either way,
welcome to the renovation rabbit hole.

Home improvement TV has evolved from “Here’s how a joist works” to “We demoed the entire first floor before lunch,
found a medieval well, and still finished the kitchen by dinner.” Somewhere between those extremes is the sweet spot:
shows that teach real skills, reveal real mistakes, and leave DIY fans itching to pick up a drill (or at least
reorganize the junk drawer with confidence).

How This “DIY Fan” Ranking Works (Without Pretending We’re the Supreme Court of Shiplap)

This ranking is built around DIY-fan voting culture firstespecially large, ongoing fan-voted listsand then
shaped by what DIY audiences consistently reward over time: clear instruction, repeatable techniques, credible craft,
and projects that don’t require a unicorn budget.

The DIY-fan signals we leaned on

• Fan-voted popularity: big public lists where viewers vote shows up and down, creating an evolving “crowd ranking.”
• Staying power: series that keep audiences coming back season after season (longevity usually means the format works).
• Teachability: shows that explain “why” (structure, moisture, wiring, layout flow) instead of only showing pretty “after” shots.
• Practical realism: budgets, timelines, and constraints that feel like they exist on planet Earth.
• DIY delight factor: the intangible thrill of watching someone solve a problem with skill, patience, and maybe one mild panic.

What DIY Fans Actually Want From Renovation TV

1) Skills you can steal (legally)

The best shows don’t just hand you a revealthey hand you a method. How to evaluate a foundation crack. Why
flashing matters. When paint is a miracle and when it’s a cover-up for sadness.

2) The “oops” moments

DIY fans love competence, but we also love honesty. If a host admits, “We opened the wall and… surprise… everything is
wet,” it’s not failureit’s education.

3) A healthy respect for trades

Great shows treat electricians, plumbers, and carpenters like the heroes they are. Because they are. And because
watching someone run new plumbing correctly is oddly soothing.

4) Design you can live with

Trends are fun, but DIY fans want homes that function: storage that makes sense, layouts that flow, finishes that
survive kids/pets/life, and choices that won’t age like a 2012 backsplash.

The Top Picks: Why These Shows Rise to the Top With DIY Fans

#1–#10: The “Start Here” Hall of Fame

1. Home Town Small-town renovations with heart, smart design decisions, and woodworking that makes you whisper “nice.”
2. This Old House The original classroom: restoration, repair, craftsmanship, and decades of how-to credibility.
3. Holmes on Homes A masterclass in what goes wrong when corners get cutand why “making it right” costs more than doing it right.
4. Ask This Old House Quick, practical problems solved by experts; perfect when you need answers, not drama.
5. Maine Cabin Masters Rustic repairs, creative solutions, and the kind of project constraints DIY fans recognize instantly.
6. Fixer Upper Iconic transformations and approachable storytelling; love it or roll your eyes at shiplap, the influence is real.
7. Property Brothers Renovation plus real estate logic, with plenty of budget talk and “here’s what it costs” energy.
8. Love It or List It A timeless concept: renovate vs. move. Design tradeoffs, budget tension, and the eternal question: “Will it be enough?”
9. Flip or Flop Fast-paced flipping lessons: what adds value, what surprises lurk, and why demo is the easy part.
10. Rehab Addict Restoration-minded, detail-heavy work that respects old homes and reminds you that sweat equity is real.

#11–#25: Modern Favorites With Serious DIY Energy

11. Good Bones Big transformations, big messes, big learning moments.
12. Fixer to Fabulous Classic family-home renovations with strong craftsmanship and warm storytelling.
13. Windy City Rehab High-stakes reno decisions and the reality of complex projects.
14. Rock the Block Competition format, design strategy, and “Would I actually live with that?” debates.
15. 100 Day Dream Home Deadlines, builds, and decision-making under pressure (aka: real life, with cameras).
16. Unsellable Houses Value-focused updates and relatable “we need this to work” problem-solving.
17. No Demo Reno Smart refreshes that don’t require a wrecking ball (and your sanity will thank you).
18. Help! I Wrecked My House Fixing homeowner mistakes with empathy and practical guidance.
19. Yard Crashers Outdoor makeovers that remind you curb appeal is a power move.
20. Bargain Block Budget transformations and creativity under real constraints.
21. Renovation Island Big island builds, big logistics, big “how did they even ship that?” moments.
22. Married to Real Estate Market-savvy renovations and polished design choices.
23. Celebrity IOU Renovation storytelling with a feel-good core (and surprisingly solid design decisions).
24. Home Town: Ben’s Workshop A woodshop spin that scratches the “make something” itch.
25. Curb Appeal A reminder that the outside of your home deserves love too.

The Full 100+ Ranking (Fan-Favorite Edition)

Below is a ranked mega-list of home improvement, renovation, design, and “make it work” shows that DIY audiences
consistently binge, debate, and recommend. Some are pure renovation; others orbit the genre through organization,
design strategy, restoration, or house-hunting with heavy upgrade focusbecause DIY fans don’t watch in neat categories.

26. House Hunters Choosing homes, spotting potential, learning what buyers value.
27. House Hunters International Global quirks, compromises, and “why is the laundry in the kitchen?”
28. My Lottery Dream Home Budget shifts, wish lists, and the joy of big possibilities.
29. Christina on the Coast Coastal remodels and approachable styling updates.
30. Christina in the Country Country-home design choices and renovation planning.
31. Fix My Flip Investor mistakes, rescue plans, and lessons in scope control.
32. Battle on the Beach Design competition + real constraints + seaside chaos.
33. Building Off the Grid Tough builds, remote logistics, and problem-solving under pressure.
34. Barnwood Builders Timber, salvage, craftsmanship, and restoration know-how.
35. Salvage Dawgs Architectural salvage and the art of reuse.
36. Restoration Road with Clint Harp Craft, heritage, and what restoration really means.
37. Restored Period homes brought back with style and respect.
38. The Established Home Elevated design and renovation planning.
39. Nate & Jeremiah by Design Makeovers with strong design reasoning.
40. The Nate & Jeremiah Home Project Design-focused transformations and family function.
41. Dream Home Makeover Polished design reveals and accessible style ideas.
42. Instant Dream Home Fast renovations with high-risk planning.
43. Get Organized with The Home Edit Systems, labels, and a new personality type: “container confident.”
44. Tidying Up with Marie Kondo Organization as lifestyle renovation.
45. Tiny House Nation Small-space ingenuity and building choices that matter.
46. Tiny House Hunters Tiny living decisions and space planning logic.
47. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Big builds, big emotions, big lessons about logistics.
48. Trading Spaces A classic: bold ideas, DIY chaos, and the occasional design decision that haunts.
49. Design on a Dime Budget makeovers and practical shortcuts.
50. While You Were Out Surprise renovations and project inspiration.
51. Sell This House Staging strategy and value-driven updates.
52. Holmes: Buy It Right What to look for before you buy (so you don’t inherit a nightmare).
53. Holmes Makes It Right Repairs, rebuilds, and “quality first” insistence.
54. Holmes Family Rescue Family-focused fixes and safety-minded renovations.
55. Holmes Inspection What inspectors flag and why it matters.
56. Holmes and Holmes A family-team spin with practical renovation energy.
57. Property Brothers: Forever Home Renovations designed for long-term living.
58. Property Brothers: Buying and Selling Renovate-to-sell strategy with buyer psychology.
59. Brother vs. Brother Competition renos and design strategy under time pressure.
60. Fixer Upper: The Castle Historic renovation with unusual constraints.
61. Fixer Upper: Welcome Home A modern continuation of the franchise.
62. Fixer Upper: The Hotel Hospitality renovation: durability meets design.
63. Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse A destination-style renovation with big decisions.
64. Fixer Upper: Mountain House A franchise expansion with a new setting and new challenges.
65. Fixer Upper: Colorado Mountain House A location-forward “renovation meets nature” vibe.
66. Fixer Upper: Behind the Design More process, more decision-making, less mystery.
67. Home Town Takeover Community-scale renovation and the reality of many moving parts.
68. Home Town Kickstart A booster shot of curb appeal and small-town pride.
69. Renovation Aloha Island renos with unique climate and materials considerations.
70. Castle Impossible Big historic-property renovation with long-term restoration scope.
71. Rehab Addict: Detroit Restoration, grit, and old-home respect.
72. Rehab Addict Lake House Rescue Vacation homes, repairs, and practical upgrades.
73. Rehab Addict: Rescue Helping homeowners finish what they started.
74. Fixer Upper: The Castle (Bonus/Behind-the-Scenes Specials) Extra context for the brave.
75. Farmhouse Fixer Old-home charm, practical fixes, and period-friendly decisions.
76. Flip This House Flipping fundamentals and cautionary tales.
77. Flipping Out Design drama with real project stakes.
78. Million Dollar Decorators High-end design process and client management.
79. Cash Pad Rental upgrades and short-term-stay logic.
80. Stay Here Vacation rental makeovers and guest-first design.
81. Queer Eye Lifestyle transformation where home design is a key chapter.
82. Hot Mess House Organization help for real households with real clutter.
83. House Crashers Surprise makeovers and fast decision-making.
84. Bath Crashers Bathrooms, budgets, and practical upgrades.
85. Kitchen Crashers Kitchen renovations with big-impact design choices.
86. Decked Out Outdoor structures and build planning.
87. Yard Wars Landscaping competition and outdoor design strategy.
88. Beachfront Bargain Hunt Coastal buys, tradeoffs, and “salt air changes everything.”
89. Beachfront Bargain Hunt: Renovation Renovation planning in high-wear environments.
90. House Hunters Renovation Renovation math meets house-hunting reality.
91. Income Property ROI thinking and upgrades with financial goals.
92. Love It or List It: Vancouver A regional spin with familiar tradeoffs.
93. Flip or Flop: Vegas Faster flips, bigger swings, more lessons.
94. Flip or Flop: Nashville Design and flip decisions with regional flavor.
95. Flip or Flop: Atlanta Market-specific flips and cost realities.
96. Flip or Flop: Fort Worth Regional decisions and renovation scope.
97. Rock the Block (All-Star Seasons) If you like competition pressure, dial it up.
98. Designing Miami Bold choices and upscale renovation strategy.
99. Fixer Upper (Specials & Spin-Offs) The extended universe of demo day.
100. Home Inspector Joe Inspection insights and “fix it before it fails” thinking.
101. First Time Flippers Beginner mistakes you can avoid (if you’re paying attention).
102. Flea Market Flip Upcycling, resale logic, and thrifty creativity.
103. Man Caves Specialty spaces and build-outs (sometimes ridiculous, often impressive).
104. Sweat Equity Homeowner labor, practical transformations, and real effort.
105. Renovation Realities The unscripted chaos of DIY.
106. Escape to the Chateau Giant restoration scope and long-haul perseverance.
107. Grand Designs Ambitious builds and the reality of “architectural dreams vs. budgets.”
108. George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces Small builds, creative constraints, clever solutions.
109. The Great Interior Design Challenge Design competition with practical room challenges.
110. Backyard Builds Outdoor projects with genuine build planning.
111. Kitchen Nightmares (Design/Operations Angle) Not home improvement, but a masterclass in “fix the system.”
112. Open House NYC Real estate + interiors + “how spaces sell.”
113. Sell It Like Serhant Presentation, staging, and market psychology.
114. Cheat sheet: any local PBS home series with hands-on demos Regional gems often deliver the best how-to.
115. DIY Rescue / DIY to the Rescue Problem solving under constraints.
116. Louisiana Flip N Move Moving homes, flipping strategy, and “waityou can do that?” energy.
117. Made in Milwaukee Local renovation stories and practical fixes.
118. Renovation Rookies Beginner journeys and relatable decisions.
119. Ugliest House in America A fun concept with real renovation takeaways.
120. Zillow Gone Wild Weird listings, big opinions, and surprising design lessons.
121. Help! I Wrecked My House (Special Episodes) More fixes, more cautionary tales.

How to Use These Shows to Become a Smarter DIYer (Not Just a Better Couch Critic)

Pause for “project math”

When a show says “We can do that in a weekend,” pause and translate: “We can do that in a weekend… if we already own
every tool, have a helper, and live inside a hardware store.” Use the show as a starting estimate, then add buffers
for reality: drying time, surprise damage, and the universal law that the wrong part will be out of stock.

Steal the planning habits

The most valuable part of many episodes isn’t the revealit’s the sequence: assess, design, budget, demo, rough-in,
close up, finish, style. Even if your “project” is repainting a bathroom, that order prevents chaos.

Learn what to outsource

Great renovation TV quietly teaches a crucial DIY skill: knowing when not to DIY. Electrical panels, structural
changes, gas lines, and complicated plumbing aren’t “confidence projects.” They’re “call-a-pro” projects.

Watch for the repeatable techniques

The best episodes contain small, repeatable wins: proper caulk lines, hardware upgrades, lighting placement, cabinet
organization, paint prep, and curb-appeal improvements that actually move the needle.

DIY Fan Experiences: What Watching 100+ Reno Shows Feels Like (And Why We Keep Coming Back)

If you’ve ever told yourself you’re “just going to watch one episode” and then resurfaced three hours later with a
color palette in your notes app, congratulationsyou’ve had the classic DIY-fan experience. Home improvement TV is
comforting because it turns messy problems into solvable stories. Even when the house is a disaster, the episode
promises a path: diagnose, plan, fix, finish. That structure is soothing, especially when your own home projects are
scattered across weekends like unfinished side quests.

Another common DIY-fan moment: you start noticing your own house differently. A show explains why moisture ruins
everything, and suddenly you’re staring at your bathroom fan like it owes you money. You hear someone mention
“grading away from the foundation,” and now you’re outside after a rainstorm watching water patterns like a detective.
These shows don’t just entertainthey rewire how you observe spaces. You begin to see not only what looks dated, but
what’s inefficient, unsafe, or simply annoying to live with.

There’s also the “confidence curve.” At first, you feel unstoppable: “We can totally install a backsplash!”
Then you watch an episode where hidden wiring, uneven studs, or mysterious leaks appearand you learn the more mature
kind of confidence: “We can do some of this, and we can plan the rest.” That’s a win. The goal isn’t to become a
one-person construction crew; it’s to become a better decision-maker. DIY fans often report that the best shows make
them more realistic about timelines, more thoughtful about budgeting, and more respectful of the trades. (Also, more
likely to buy painter’s tape in bulk. No shame.)

Then comes the “taste evolution.” Watch enough episodes and you develop strong opinions about lighting temperature,
hardware finishes, layout flow, and whether open shelving is charming or just a pantry with commitment issues. You
learn that design isn’t only about trends; it’s about how you live. A beautiful kitchen that can’t handle weeknight
chaos is just a showroom with groceries.

Finally, the biggest DIY-fan experience is the spark: the urge to start. Not the fantasy of a full gut renovation,
but the practical itch to improve one thingswap a fixture, repaint a room, add storage, reseal a drafty door,
declutter a closet, or fix that cabinet hinge that has been squeaking since the last presidential administration.
Home improvement TV works because it makes progress feel possible. Even if you never build a deck on camera, you can
finish a small project and feel that same satisfaction: “I made my space better.” And thatmore than the revealsis
why DIY fans keep watching.