That Housing Bubble? Blame It on HGTV

Is the Obama household’s preferred television network to blame for igniting the global financial crisis? Yes, writes Jim Sollisch, the creative director at Cleveland ad agency Marcus Thomas, in an op-ed published recently in the Wall Street Journal. So, how does empowering Americans to maximize their foyers and install unique tile backsplashes lead to the biggest money meltdown since before Dot Draper penned Decorating is Fun!?

As the viewership reached a critical mass over the past decade—HGTV is now broadcast into 91 million homes—homeowners began experiencing deep angst. Suddenly no one but the most slovenly and unambitious were satisfied with their houses. It didn’t matter if you lived in an apartment or a gated community, one episode of House Hunters or What’s My House Worth? and you were convinced you needed more. More square feet. More granite. More stainless steel appliances. More landscaping. More media rooms. More style. You deserved it.

He goes on, describing the network’s unceasing parade of “mediocre, unworthy-looking homeowners” and ultimately concluding that “HGTV is an evil empire that never rests.” In other words it’s just like the Food Network (hello, obesity crisis!), but with less fondant.

Previously on UnBeige:

Obama Household Favors HGTV

Create a social media strategy, launch your campaign, and track the results in our Social Media Marketing Boot Camp starting February 16. The online event and workshop will feature speakers including The Onion‘s Baratunde Thurston (left), Facebook’s Morin Oluwole, and bitly’s Tim Devane. Register now.