'Rock the Block' Fans, You'll Be Shocked to Know What the Contestants Get Paid
The fourth season of Rock the Block ended a month ago, and the show is still on the minds of many HGTV fans. The show was a huge success for HGTV, with more than 12.7 million viewers tuning in. Loren Ruch, head of content for HGTV, deemed it a "ratings sensation." As we reminisce on the incredible designs and dramatic moments, we are left wondering: Do those hard-working contestants get paid?
The show attracts high-profile HGTV stars. This season, teams included Bryan and Sarah Baeumeler from Renovation Island; Michel Smith Boyd and Anthony Elle from Luxe for Less; Jonathan Knight and Kristina Crestin from Farmhouse Fixer; and Page Turner and Mitch Glew from Fix My Flip. Michel and Anthony were ultimately determined to be the winners, joining previous season champions Jasmine Roth, Mika and Brian Kleinschmidt, and Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson.
The work can be physically and emotionally grueling. Page said, "That show tested your very reason for living. We had to reimagine a 5,000 square foot house in 6 weeks with not a lot of money. We were there 6 hours after cameras left, so that put us there 12-14 hours a day. It was really, really hard. Am I glad I did it? Absolutely."
But the contestants definitely are not in it for the money. Unlike many reality TV competition shows, the winners do not come home with a grand prize or a giant check. For Rock the Block, it's more about bragging rights for the winning team. According to HGTV, the winning team receives their name on the street sign. Also, a donation is made in their name to the non-profit No Kid Hungry.
So if not for the money, why do contestants participate? Likely, the HGTV stars are hoping to bring more exposure to their other shows on the network. When Michel Smith Boyd was asked about the significance of winning, he told the Daily Comet, "Hopefully it would guarantee one more season of my own show." The designer also said, "It's like king of the network for the entire year."
HGTV has not yet confirmed whether Rock the Block will be back for another season, but judging by the show's success, we expect it to return.
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