It’s been a whirlwind of a year for Bargain Block stars Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas. The HGTV bloodbath found many beloved personalities left off the lineup as the network quietly purged a large portion of its programming. One main way fans learned about the cancellations was social media posts from the stars themselves. Despite Bargain Block being greenlit for Season 5, it was ultimately pulled, with the remaining episodes airing months after Bynum’s reveal. As much heartbreak as it caused, it didn’t mean the end for the couple in the flipping-and-renovation space. In fact, the duo might be set up for something bigger and better—and on their terms.
Of the shows that were axed, there was a massive outcry about Bargain Block. With a devoted fanbase and a proven, reliable concept, Bynum and Thomas might actually be well-positioned for new life beyond HGTV on another network or digital platform. As the landscape of television continues to shift, especially on HGTV, many personalities are forced to realign and keep up with the swiftly changing trends. Though they may not fit the blueprint for HGTV’s current vision, Thomas and Bynum’s proven success does not mark the end of their media careers.
HGTV’s Flip Flopping on ‘Bargain Block’ Was Not a Reflection Of the Series, But of the Network’s Stability
Diving back to where the drama all began, right before the summer fun began, HGTV made headlines as they seemingly canceled several popular shows, including Bargain Block, Married to Real Estate, Farmhouse Fixer, and Izzy Does It. Taking viewers by storm, even some long-running personalities were victims of the axing as the next batch of shows to be canceled included Christina Haack‘s Christina on the Coast and Tarek El Moussa‘s The Flipping El Moussas. While the latter are still represented on the network with The Flip Off, the other stars found themselves without a home.
At the time of the news, Bynum shared his disappointment and frustration on social media, claiming Bargain Block had been given the go-ahead for another season, only for it to be walked back months later. “Our entire business and lives have been put through the wringer at the hands of a giant corporation, yet we persist lol,” the HGTV star posted on his personal Instagram. “Though you may not be seeing us for much longer on HGTV, we’re excited that we’ve built such an amazing base of followers, and we’re very excited about the future.”
As many fans expressed their displeasure with the decision, HGTV assured viewers that there would be new content that would be exciting. They were just no longer going to be the renovation programs viewers had become accustomed to. Out with the flipping, in with the hoarding. Some of the titles HGTV proudly announced focused on bargain-hunting properties and on highlighting “messy” concepts that might make viewers feel better about their own personal struggles, given the current housing backdrop. With this new mission in mind, Bargain Block sadly didn’t work as it was. Bynum and Thomas did an extraordinary job over five years, putting in hard work to turn dilapidated properties into extraordinary dream homes. Perhaps knowing that viewers may not have that freedom to renovate any longer, the cancellation was not a reflection of the series but the instability the network was facing. At the end of the day, as they say, it’s the entertainment business for a reason.
‘Bargain Block’ Fans Are Hungry For More
Devoted fans had the opportunity to say goodbye to Bargain Block as the final episodes aired this fall. “It’s sometimes surreal to look back on that time, everything we’ve been through, everything we’ve accomplished, everything that has changed in our lives and in our business, with a lot of it captured for television,” Thomas reflected in a post on Instagram. “Whether it was securing properties, securing funding, designing floor plans, selecting finishes, checking on job sites, performing various construction tasks on houses ourselves, etc, all while filming most days of the week, we lived and breathed Bargain Block. And now, that chapter has ended.” It may not have been the send-off they desired, but they had an opportunity other personalities did not.
By airing the remaining episodes, the fans rallied behind the couple, proving that there is a backing should they need proof why another media venue needs them. Simply stated, if you look at the flood of comments Thomas and Bynum have received on their posts, expressing support for future endeavors and how much they’ll miss the series, the demand is present. Just as fans have an emotional attachment to other couples, including Chip and Joanna Gaines and Erin and Ben Napier, Bynum and Thomas brought that same energy. They were scrappy visionaries who just so happened to be a same-sex couple; something bold and daring, yet necessary for visibility in the genre.
Renovation couples have been the backbone of the network for more than a decade. HGTV had tried its hand at recreating the success of Fixer Upper and Flip or Flop by revitalizing a similar format with an array of duos across the country. It worked until it became stale and no longer viable, given the climate. Yet, through these shows, the personalities established their own brands. Bargain Block was the show. Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas were the brand. They can easily repurpose their success in a new way. And if you read between the lines, there may be some new opportunities on the horizon.
Evan Thomas and Keith Bynum Tease More In Store Post-HGTV
The couple has put on an optimistic front, saying their time on HGTV is not the end but a new beginning. As they enjoy some travel and family time, they have been teasing some projects along the way. Accompanying a series of photos, Bynum wrote, “Been a fun week! 9 states visited, got to see my dad, my sister, my niece, Texas, Vegas, LIZ, and of course Evian. Excited to show y’all some of the projects!” Meanwhile, Thomas’ post was a bit more leading: “Pride weekend in Palm Springs went a bit longer than expected, but who’s complaining? Maybe some Cali projects are in order, cus you fun Palm Springs.” Could there be some fun in the California sun that viewers will be privy to?
Whether they’re alluding to a new television project or simply growing their personal business around the country, they are showing signs of resilience and forward momentum. There is no defeatist attitude to be found. Whatever the soft launch is, they are taking their cancellation as an opportunity for a new adventure. Until they reveal their next step, we all wait in excitement and anticipation.
Bargain Block is available to stream on HBO Max.
