HGTV’s newest “beach hunting” real estate show is being cancelled after just three episodes, two of which resulted in deep depression for the participants, and one which resulted in an apparent suicide.
As is typical with such shows, a couple of average income, in this case all three were dual income families, first meets with a local real estate agent familiar with the target beach community in which they wish to live. The goal is to come to an understanding of what they are looking for, and what might be available. What was different about this show was the degree to which this meeting took on in detail the couples’ beach dreams, complete with video and soft music meant to illustrate their lifelong fantasies of living at the shore.
Following the meeting, the couple is shown exploring three different options, typically at low, medium, and “challenging” pricing levels, each of which, according to the agent, meet at least most of their stated goals.
It was this last viewing in all three episodes that led to the unfortunate reactions by the couples involved. As an answer to nearly all of their beach dreams, they were shown a plush condo with ocean access and views, along with resort-like amenities. Unfortunately, this option also included extraordinarily expensive monthly fees.
Finally realizing their “beach dreams” were totally unrealistic, two of the three couples chose the one attainable, affordable option shown to them, which turned out to be, in both cases, the one closest to the mental health clinic they had enrolled in when visited a month after moving in.
“The beach is a 20 minute drive on a good day, but the clinic is just down the block,” one participant volunteered. “That, alone, is helping us cope.”
When it was discovered that the husband of the third couple apparently walked into the ocean, choosing to end his torment of life dreams unfulfilled, HGTV pulled the show from it’s lineup, stating that they were “reworking the concept” to match more closely the realities of income disparities inherent in modern day America.
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