Where Have All the HGTV Garden Shows Gone?
Do you ever wonder what happened to gardening shows on HGTV? Gardening enthusiasts once enjoyed a plethora of Hgtv Television Shows dedicated to their passion, but those days seem to be gone. A decade ago, the lack of gardening content on HGTV was already a topic of discussion. Today, the situation has only worsened.
Network television operates on a business model, and profit drives programming decisions. After seventeen years in television, hosting shows on HGTV, DIY, and PBS, the mechanics of which shows are successful and which are cancelled become clear. Network executives, producers, and media buyers prioritize profitability. Advertising revenue dictates which programs are aired, their time slots, and even the hosts.
Creating a television series, especially a gardening show, requires significant resources, meticulous planning, and a degree of luck. Each episode involves a dedicated team, travel, equipment, and the unpredictable nature of working with living plants.
Producing high-quality gardening content is a labor of love, driven by a passion for inspiring new gardeners and sharing stories of sustainability. However, passion alone cannot sustain a show. Production costs must be covered, which is where the challenge lies for garden-focused HGTV television shows.
Advertisers heavily influence programming decisions. Currently, millennials are the target demographic, and if they aren’t drawn to a gardening show, networks will prioritize content that attracts advertisers seeking to reach that audience. Home renovation shows offer abundant opportunities for product placement and appeal to a broader demographic, making them more attractive to advertisers.
Renovation shows also provide the instant gratification that today’s fast-paced audiences crave. A thirty-minute episode can showcase a complete transformation, unlike the slower, more nuanced processes featured in gardening programs.
The rise of “extreme makeover” style shows further shifted the television landscape, favoring high-energy action and charismatic young hosts. This trend contributed to the decline of classic garden shows that lacked the same dramatic appeal.
The changing preferences of network executives also played a role. New leadership often prioritized younger hosts, phasing out established experts who might have been older but possessed invaluable knowledge and experience.
Recognizing the void in gardening programming, Growing a Greener World® (GGW) was created to provide educational and inspiring content focused on sustainability and organic gardening. Airing on PBS allowed for greater control over content but presented the challenge of securing independent funding.
GGW has successfully found underwriting partners and continues to thrive, even winning an Emmy award. The show’s commitment to storytelling and showcasing individuals making a difference in the world of gardening resonates with viewers.
GGW’s success underscores the importance of authentic storytelling and connecting with audiences who are passionate about gardening and sustainability. The show demonstrates that there is still a demand for high-quality gardening content.
While traditional gardening shows might be struggling on network television, GGW’s success and the rise of alternative platforms like YouTube and streaming services offer hope for the future of garden-related programming. The key is to adapt to changing viewing habits and find innovative ways to connect with audiences.
The way people consume information has dramatically changed. Many viewers, particularly millennials, prefer streaming content on devices rather than watching traditional television. This shift necessitates new revenue models and delivery systems for content creators.
Crowd-sourcing and membership services are emerging as viable options for funding productions. Platforms like HortusTV offer a curated selection of gardening shows, catering to the specific interests of gardening enthusiasts.
The abundance of online content requires viewers to be discerning and seek out reliable sources of information. Expertise and credibility are crucial when navigating the vast landscape of online gardening advice.
Growing a Greener World continues to evolve, exploring new avenues to reach its audience and ensure its long-term sustainability. The show’s commitment to providing valuable content and fostering a sense of community remains strong.
Adapting to the changing media landscape is crucial for survival. Growing a Greener World has embraced this challenge by expanding its presence online and through social media, offering viewers diverse ways to engage with its content.
The creation of joegardener.com, a companion website to Growing a Greener World, provides additional resources, blog posts, podcasts, and videos, catering to a wider range of preferences and consumption habits.
Embracing social media platforms allows for direct interaction with viewers and provides opportunities to share real-time updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and answer questions.
By embracing change and actively seeking new ways to connect with viewers, Growing a Greener World remains a vibrant force in the world of gardening, proving that passion, innovation, and a commitment to quality can thrive even in a challenging media landscape.
