The Renovators Moves In: Will You Get Into the Series?

After weeks of promotion, viewers were finally able to watch the debut episode of Network Ten’s new show The Renovators last night. To open the series, a huge challenge was given to the 26 contestants: they had to renovate a whole house, inside and out, in 48 hours. The judges checked their progress often to come to the conclusion of who they felt contributed most to the house’s makeover — their choice was 42-year-old secretary Joanne. As a result, Joanne was given the first keys to one of the six houses they’ll have to do-over later in the series, and she picked the ’60s suburban in Castle Hill.

Sound confusing? There’s a lot to digest, especially when we’re being introduced to 30 people (one host, three judges and the contestants) and the concept of a whole new show in one hour. The next two weeks will see the contestants competing in a series of more skills-based challenges that will determine who gets to work on which rundown house, and who they’ll be working with. Like MasterChef, it will air six nights a week, so if you want to follow the show properly it’ll take time. With just two weeks of MasterChef left and The Renovators set to take its timeslot, is it a show that will become part of your essential weeknight viewing?