Raise your Expectations!

When ABC cancelled Extreme Home Makeover Edition I was highly disappointed.  Even though there were gratuitously exaggerated moments of tears and joy on the show - so what, the intent  and results were good!   From the companies that donated their resources & products, to the construction teams and neighbors who all seemed eager to come in and rebuild - literally lives, resulted in some of the best reality programming offered on the air.  It almost seemed unfair that the show would end at a time when American families are now more in need than ever.


The message of helping your neighbors live their best lives was extremely powerful.  The show displayed human nature at its best!  It supported the belief that our very survival as humans relies on our ability to be compassionate and help each other.  It's not only spiritually uplifting to do so, but immeasurably gratifying to both you and the beneficiaries.   Also,  the show inspired people to do great things and be better people - unlike many reality shows that show people demeaning themselves and each other (i.e., House Basketball, Mob - Wives - why all wives :), Bachelor etc...).   This show raised the proverbial bar and hopefully our expectations of what type of television we'd like to see.  


Speaking of raising the bar, why not Raise The Roof?   HGTV& DIY Networks along with the non-profit organization, Rebuilding Together have developed an initiative called "Raise The Roof."  This effort raises money and provides low-income homeowners with much needed repairs and renovations.  As April has been declared National Rebuilding month, over 70,000 volunteers have donated their time and skills restoring homes in need.  On April 28th, HGTV and DIY will announce the Tradesperson of the Year award which is given to a notable volunteer.  To learn more about ways to help, check out The Rebuilding Together website.  You can help in this effort by donating money and/or your time.


This initiative has Carter Oosterhouse as its spokesperson and has new show potential written all over it - hopefully HGTV will agree.  It's a natural and great replacement for Extreme Home Makeover Edition!