HGTV has been viewers' home to the best home renovation and flipping shows anywhere.
Then cameRock the Block.
But there’s one steadfast force holding down the fort on every block:Ty Pennington.
Image by Zanda Rice
The celebrated star has, as he’s said, been around the block.
He’s seen it all, which makes him the perfect host for this hit season.
“Everybody wants to win, there’s no doubt about it.
Image via HGTV
I guess it’s a full on ‘don’t steal my sod,’' he said.
This time it’s veterans and rookies.
How excited are you for the new season?
TY PENNINGTON:This is gonna be amazing, honestly I am so excited.
You got the DeBoers from a farm with farm animals.
It’s just awesome.
You got your city slickers with Alison and Michel.
And of course, you have to Knight brothers, who clearly need no introduction.
They’ve been working together forever.
We got some veterans.
COLLIDER:Rock the Blockhas been one of HGTV’s most successful series.
Why do fans love it so much?
TY: I think it’s because, two things.
Everyone likes a good competition, but I also think we all design.
Oh my God, I wish that was my bathroom.”
It’s got bigger houses this year.
There’s like a whole acre of land, so everyone’s gotta bring up their game.
This is the Cadillac.
Let’s do the pinstripe paint job.
And I love it cause that’s what I expect from these designers.
Look, I’ve been in the trenches a long time.
I know how hard it is to build a house in 5, 6 days.
I’ve done it, to try and pull off miracles.
That’s what it is.
And so you’ve got to bring your best.
I think that’s why people tune in cause they know it’s going to be a real competition.
TY: Well, I can’t pull favorites.
COLLIDER: Fair enough.
COLLIDER: That’s my favorite, too.
I’m like, “Dude!'
Well done, boys.
They’re very good, but we know that.
I mean these guys are super talented.
That’s one of my favorites, but at the same time I don’t know.
That’s what I mean.
Like I love a room in this house, but another room in another house.
It’s tough to say.
I mean honestly the Baeumlers' kitchen area in last season was pretty spectacular with a curved wall.
It’s like “woah,” you know?
Talk to me about how this theme came to be and why it works so well.
I mean Michel Boyd first time on the block was a rookie and won the whole thing.
They’re not exactly rookies, but they are definitely new to the block.
It’s great because everyone’s cocky.
Everyone thinks they got what it takes.
Everybody wants to win, there’s no doubt about it.
I guess it’s a full on “don’t steal my sod.”
COLLIDER: Dare I say they all had right stuff.
TY: Oh my God, I tried every day.
“Guys, can we just sing one?”
And then Jordan’s like, “I can’t.
I’m not gonna do that.”
Can we change our name from NSYNC to Inept, even though I know you weren’t in NSYNC.
But they’re a lot of fun.
And I have to say they are super champs.
How did this impact the season?
TY: Two things.
I just love it.
I love seeing judges just floored.
Like, “Oh wow, I did not expect this.”
That’s why we tune in, because you’re dealing with the best of the best.
When the judges are floored, then you know you’ve got a good looking space.
COLLIDER: These homes that the teams have are absolutely stunning.
What is it like using Utah as the season’s canvas?
TY: Oh my God, it was like having a choir in your ear the entire time.
I mean, it really was.
It was just stunning.
And at the same time, the weather became a drama too.
It’s so unexpected, and I think it’s great.
it matched the show.
We had no idea what was coming next.
So it was great.
COLLIDER: We see some different strategies from the vets and the rookies, especially with the design surprise.
What is it like watching the teams tackleRock the Blockbased on whether they’ve participated before?
TY: I’m sort of the mentor to everybody because I’ve been on the block.
This is the hardest thing any of these teams are gonna go through.
They have to be separated from their family for almost 6 weeks.
You’re separated from all your other jobs you have going on.
And you have to create magic.
You’re gonna have to figure it out.
I think the stress that comes with that, it breaks you down.
It’s the toughest competition on the web connection for a reason.
It’s not easy.
COLLIDER: We have some incredible judges stopping by this season.
Anyone you were excited to welcome to the block?
TY: All of them.
HavingBobby [Berk]there was fantastic.
He really knows what he likes, what he doesn’t like.
That’s the making for a great judge.
And you’ve also gotKim Myleswho’s super funny, very eclectic.
We’ve gotJonathan Scott.
Of course, the block wouldn’t be the same without Scott Brother on it.
We got a medley of judges.
They’re all fantastic.
And it’s gotta be tough for them.
That’s a job.
Choosing which is the best, even though they’re also different.
It’s like choosing which painting is the best.
It’s hard to say.
Mina Starsiak Hawk is ready for redemption on the HGTV competition show.
You’re partnering again withNo Kid Hungry.
Why is that a special and important element for the series?
Hunger sucks and I love it that we can make a small difference.
COLLIDER: How hasRock the Blockevolved since season one?
TY: Since Season 1?
Well I mean, it’s funny.
It’s gotten bigger every season.
But I think we’ve all learned a little bit from that.
but at the same time, you gotta see to it you dazzle every single room.
So it’s not just one person’s opinion, one judge.
“So that’s a challenge.
You gotta be logistical.
Sometimes not everybody has that perfect balance, and that’s the trick.
COLLIDER: Part of the joy is seeing the HGTV all-stars unite for this incredible project.
TY: Well, I think that’s the beauty of beening part of the HGTV family.
We got such a deep reservoir of talent.
I’ve seen it.
I’ve been through it.
We build houses in a week.
I know what it’s like.
it’s not easy.
COLLIDER: I just really love the show.
It’s probably my favorite HGTV show because it has everything you said.
Seeing everyone in a different light.
It really is such an incredible show.
TY: Yeah, I love it too.
When I tell you, when I was a kid, my dream was to be onTrading Spaces.
Believe me, I was ready to go with anybody who was paired with.
TY: That was such a fun show.
COLLIDER: I will manifest that it can come back one day with you by its side.
Thank you so much for chatting.
It is truly an honor getting to speak with you.
TY: Thanks so much man.
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