Channel Seven will debut a new renovation reality show to rival Aussie favourite The Block – and it could be hosted by Dr Chris Brown.
The details for the show are limited; however, it will be called Dream Home and is expected to air next year.
But the creator and executive producer of The Block has told The New Daily he welcomes Seven’s latest foray into the reality-renovation format, and is confident those who love The Block won’t abandon the show.
In a casting call posted online, Dream Home was dubbed an “inspiring new renovation show”.
“Not only will you get a luxury makeover of your house for free, you will also be competing for a life-changing cash prize!” Endemol Shine Australia’s casting call said.
“You don’t need to be a builder or a tradie, just someone with an eye for design and a drive to get your hands dirty.”
When asked whether Brown, a recent addition to the Seven stable after 15 years at the Ten Network (where he hosted Bondi Vet and I’m a celebrity … get me out of here!) would feature on the show, a network spokesperson said no formal announcement had been made.
Dream Home ran for 11 seasons in New Zealand between 1999 and 2013. The original format involved having two couples work together to renovate a dilapidated house.
However, it is expected the Australian version of the show will be updated for a 2024 audience.
Dream Home existed long before The Block and the producers of Dream Home actually took The Block to court over a copyright claim.
“Prior to making The Block, Nine licensed the right to produce and broadcast Dream Home in Australia from Ninox,” Arts Law reported in 2005.
“Dream Home was screened by Nine during 2000 and after this Nine decided to discontinue the licensing deal. Nine then went on to produce and broadcast The Block series.”
Dream Home did not win the lawsuit.
The Block stands firm
The Seven Network is attempting to emulate Nine’s renovation show success.
However, The Block‘s creator Julian Cress wasn’t too worried about a bit of competition.
He told TND that over the years other networks had put out renovation shows, but The Block had remained strong.
“It doesn’t seem like they are coming at us with anything new. But good luck to them. I wish them well,” he said.
He said he was grateful that The Block’s audience had stayed with the program for two decades.
Mr Cress said he was “thrilled” with how the 2023 season was playing out, and was excited for people to see it in the second half of this year.
The 19th season of The Block would hit a “sweet spot” on a par with what it was at the height of its success, Mr Cress said.
He also believes the renovations in suburbia will resonate with families.
Mr Cress said he had received many messages over the years from people who had said The Block inspired them to start renovating their homes.
“I love that. It’s great that we’ve been such an inspiration to so many people over so many years,” he said.
“It’s one of the reasons that we still love making the show.”
