In the premiere episode of HGTV’s new season of “Rock the Block,” host Ty Pennington welcomes home designers to Berthoud. Pennington praises the town, saying it is “often dubbed one of the top places to live in the U.S.,” while footage of the Rocky Mountain foothills and cyclists enjoying a local trail flash across the screen.
The show pits four two-person teams against one another to finish building out identical homes on the same cul-de-sac, and its fourth season is the biggest and most luxurious so far, Pennington promises. Each dwelling is more than 5,000 square feet with a starting price tag of $1.9 million. The team that adds the most appraised value wins.
Earlier this year, mountain home renovation show “Building Roots” featured the southern Colorado communities of Pagosa Springs and Creede, among others, and come April, another Colorado town will take the spotlight when HGTV’s new season of “Home Town Takeover” comes to Fort Morgan to renovate and reinvigorate 18 existing stores, homes and public spaces.
Finally, “Rico to the Rescue,” a brand new series that follows local remediator Rico León as he tackles the Mile High City’s worst home renovation projects, was just renewed for a second season after recording more than 11.8 million viewers.
If it feels like there is currently an abundance of locally-based HGTV shows, that’s because there is. The network has been on a filming blitz here, capitalizing on the state’s natural beauty.
“We definitely have more this year than in the past,” said Loren Ruch, HGTV’s head of content, by email.
The network develops shows in a variety of ways, but Ruch said the process often includes workshopping concepts with production companies and then scouting locations that fit the premise and vibe of a particular show. Part of Colorado’s allure is the diversity in topography and lifestyle.
“It’s obviously a very beautiful state with many varieties of towns and communities that range from mountain towns to desert communities, traditional neighborhoods, thriving urban centers and more,” Ruch said. “It’s a very production-friendly state.”
Logistically, it helps that Colorado is centrally located and Denver boasts an international airport since HGTV films across the country, he added. The new seasons of “Rock the Block” (now airing) and “Home Town Takeover” (premiering April 23) offer insight into the spectrum of possibilities here.
Where “Rock the Block” focuses on upscale new builds, “Home Town Takeover” features historic charm. The former takes place against the backdrop of towering mountains, while the latter is located in the Eastern Plains.
Turns out the scenery in Colorado makes for good television.
“The sunsets and the sunrises were absolutely stunning in Colorado. I don’t know if there could be a better panoramic backdrop for a show this big,” Pennington said in an interview. “To be honest with you, the state itself was like an extra cast member.”
HGTV's "Rock the Block" brings stars from its other shows together for a home renovation competition unlike any other. Left to right: Designers Jonathan Knight and Kristina Crestin of "Farmhouse Fixer"; Page Turner and Mitch Glew of "Fix My Flip"; Bryan and Sarah Baeumler of "Renovation Island"; and Anthony Elle and Michel Smith Boyd of "Luxe for Less."(Provided by HGTV)
Designers Michel Smith Boyd (left) and Anthony Elle unpack their dining room ceiling lights during HGTV's "Rock the Block." (Provided by HGTV)
Designers Page Turner and Mitch Glew take down a wall between the main bathroom and a closet to expand the main bathroom during their home renovation on "Rock the Block." (Provided by HGTV)
Designers Michel Smith Boyd (right) and Anthony Elle check on construction progress in the main bathroom of their renovation project on HGTV's "Rock the Block." (Provided by HGTV)
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In fact, the scenery plays a “huge” role in HGTV’s decision to film here, Ruch said.
“What I find the most fun is that the natural landscape and scenery can be so wide-ranging,” he said. “There are literally no two cities more different than Berthoud and Fort Morgan, and yet they both worked perfectly for our needs.”
Not that filming here isn’t without its challenges. “Rock the Block” was shot in September and October, offering the show’s participants insight into how quickly and drastically the weather can change.
“It was 100 degrees the day before and the next day we were all in our parkas and hats and crying. Well, I was crying because I was so cold,” said Page Turner of “Fix My Flip” in an interview.
As local homebuilders know, one of the first things to consider in Colorado is the view. Since the designers craft their plans ahead of time, the view wasn’t something they could fully plan for before arriving at the filming site.
“All of us made sure to showcase our views as much as possible with how we approached moving and adding doors, and really framing it out as much as possible,” said Michel Smith Boyd of “Luxe For Less.”
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This season, the competitors also got to tackle some elements unique to the Colorado lifestyle. “Farmhouse Fixer” host Jonathan Knight, for example, particularly enjoyed designing outdoor patios and spaces where prospective homeowners could enjoy expansive mountain vistas.
Locals can expect more Centennial State cameos to come on HGTV, too. The network is currently casting homeowners for the second season of “Rico to the Rescue.” Beyond that, Ruch said, “we absolutely anticipate coming back to Colorado to film.”
And HGTV isn’t the only networking enthralled with our great state. Bravo’s “Winter House” is reportedly filming season three in Steamboat Springs, though a premiere date has yet to be announced.
