Everything We Know About HGTV's Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge
Barbie is making a big comeback, and we don't just mean for kids. With the upcoming release of the "Barbie" movie starring Margot Robbie, people are getting nostalgic for everything the plastic doll stands for. Quite possibly the most iconic part of Barbie — and one of the most coveted toys there was — is the Barbie Dreamhouse, though. The Dreamhouse was first released back in 1962, just a few years after the Barbie was introduced. Throughout the years, the Barbie Dreamhouse got bigger and better, switching from a cardboard material to plastic and adding things like balconies, stained glass windows, and furniture.
With the resurgence of Barbie, HGTV is also leaning into the trend, creating a whole new series surrounding the Barbie Dreamhouse. Their new show "Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge" has been in the works for quite some time, but it is now officially coming to fruition. With a premiere date scheduled for this summer, here's what we know so far about the show.
'Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge' originally had a different host
The trailer has been released for "Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge" on HGTV and the best part, besides the overly pink ambiance, is the host. Supermodel Ashley Graham is set to host "Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge," already showing her love for all things Barbie as she arrives to the house in her pink convertible. And while Graham is perfect for the role — she even had her own Barbie created in 2016 – she wasn't the original choice. According to Deadline, Stephen "tWitch" Boss and his wife Allison Holker were originally slated to host. After Boss died in December 2022, execs at HGTV put things on pause to weigh their options.
After giving the project some time to cope with the loss of Boss, they eventually moved forward with the concept. "Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge" will have similar vibes to the popular "A Very Brady Renovation," which premiered back in 2019. Except this time, the cast is huge. In fact, per the trailer, this is "the largest HGTV team ever assembled."
What to know about the cast and the concept
The home that will be renovated is located in Southern California and as the teams tackle each room, they must keep one thing in mind: What would Barbie do? Each team will tackle a different space in the home, featuring Barbie's style from all of her iconic decades. According to HGTV, viewers can expect "Ken's Den" and a kitchen straight out of the 1960s. Once the home is completed, one winner will get to stay in the home — a Barbie fan's dream come true.
Starring in the show are some of the most beloved HGTV names out there. "Christina on the Coast" star Christina Hall will be joined by her husband, James Bender, and New Kids on the Block musician Jonathan Knight will be joined by "Farmhouse Fixer"'s Kristina Crestin. You'll also get to see teams like Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson from "Married to Real Estate" and Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt from "100 Day Dream Home." "Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge" will premiere on HGTV and Max this summer.