The Popular Instagram “Cheap Old Houses” Is Getting Their Own HGTV Show
Scrolling through affordable, historic houses on Instagram has become a soothing pastime, especially during the trying times of 2020. And now, this social media obsession is taking a large step into mainstream television with HGTV’s upcoming show “Cheap Old Houses.”
The eight-episode series will feature the folks behind the viral Instagram account Cheap Old Houses, Ethan and Elizabeth Finkelstein, who also run their own historic homes listing platform and community called Circa. If you’re not familiar with their Instagram, the account highlights surprisingly affordable homes under $150,000 that vary in their state of disrepair, but still have impressive architectural details.
“When HGTV fans told us we needed a show with Ethan and Elizabeth, we listened because we understand how easy it is to fall into the rabbit hole of hunting for cheap old houses,” said Loren Ruch, group senior vice president, programming and development at HGTV, in a press release. “Everyone will be astounded by the incredible, inexpensive property treasures that Ethan and Elizabeth find and they also may be inspired to buy a cheap old house of their own.”
The show will follow the Finkelsteins as they visit two low-priced older homes in the U.S. Viewers will get an inside look at the historic homes and learn all about their architectural significance, then find out which house the couple will ultimately choose to feature on their popular Instagram account. Plus, you’ll hear additional stories of restoring historic homes straight from the people who bought and renovated them.
“This is the true, authentic show we’ve always wanted to make. We’ll be touring actual cheap old houses for sale and then visiting people from the cheap old house community who have purchased and restored their own,” the Finkelsteins wrote in the show announcement on their Instagram. “We’ve been so inspired by all of you and hope this show can inspire more people in the world to restore and revitalize these beauties.”
Filming is underway as we speak, so a premiere date is TBD. But luckily, scrolling through “Cheap Old Houses” is a great way to pass the time while we wait.