Amazon Prime Video has become a streaming behemoth, offering a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content. For home improvement enthusiasts, the question naturally arises: Does this include a healthy dose of HGTV’s addictive renovation, design, and real estate programming? The answer, as with many streaming-related inquiries, is a bit nuanced, but fear not, we’re here to break down everything you need to know about finding HGTV shows on Amazon Prime.
Understanding the Landscape: HGTV, Discovery+, and Streaming Rights
Before diving into specific titles, it’s essential to understand the streaming landscape and the relationship between HGTV, its parent company Discovery, and Amazon Prime Video. HGTV is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, a media conglomerate that has increasingly focused on its own streaming platform, Discovery+.
Discovery+ is the primary home for HGTV content. This means that new episodes and exclusive series are typically found on Discovery+ first, and many classic HGTV shows are exclusively available there. This has undoubtedly impacted the availability of HGTV content on other streaming services like Amazon Prime Video.
Streaming rights are complex. Networks license their content to various platforms for specific periods. What might be available on Amazon Prime Video one month could disappear the next, depending on these agreements. Therefore, regular checks are always advised.
HGTV on Amazon Prime Video: What’s Currently Available?
While Discovery+ holds the bulk of HGTV’s library, some HGTV shows are indeed available on Amazon Prime Video, either included with a Prime membership or available for purchase or rent.
Content availability varies by region. A show accessible in the United States might not be available in Canada, the UK, or other countries. Always check your local Amazon Prime Video library.
Available Titles Fluctuate: The streaming landscape is constantly shifting. Licenses expire, new deals are struck, and content is added and removed. This means any list of currently available HGTV shows on Amazon Prime Video is a snapshot in time.
Finding HGTV Shows on Amazon Prime: Search Strategies
The best way to discover what’s currently available is to use Amazon Prime Video’s search function.
Be Specific in Your Search: Don’t just search for “HGTV.” Try searching for specific show titles like “House Hunters,” “Property Brothers,” “Fixer Upper,” or “Love It or List It.” You might be surprised at what you find.
Explore Channels and Add-ons: Amazon Prime Video offers numerous channels and add-ons, some of which may include HGTV content. Look for channels like “Magnolia Network” or other home and lifestyle-focused options. Keep in mind that these channels often require an additional subscription fee.
Popular HGTV Shows That Have Appeared on Amazon Prime Video
While availability changes, certain HGTV shows have been known to grace Amazon Prime Video’s library at various times.
House Hunters and Its Spin-offs: This is perhaps the most consistently available HGTV franchise on Amazon Prime Video. Episodes or entire seasons of “House Hunters,” “House Hunters International,” and “House Hunters Renovation” are often available.
Property Brothers: The Scott brothers’ various shows, including “Property Brothers,” “Buying and Selling,” and “Brother vs. Brother,” have also appeared on Amazon Prime Video.
Love It or List It: The design showdown between Hilary Farr and David Visentin is another popular HGTV show that Amazon Prime Video subscribers may find.
Fixer Upper: While heavily promoted on Discovery+ and the Magnolia Network, older seasons of “Fixer Upper” have occasionally been available on Amazon Prime Video.
Other HGTV Favorites: Keep an eye out for shows like “Flip or Flop,” “Income Property,” “Rehab Addict,” and “Design Star.” Their availability tends to be more sporadic.
Beyond Included Content: Purchasing and Renting HGTV Shows
Even if a particular HGTV show isn’t included with your Prime membership, you might still be able to watch it on Amazon Prime Video by purchasing individual episodes or entire seasons.
The Cost of Purchasing or Renting: Prices vary depending on the show and the resolution (SD, HD, or UHD). Renting is typically cheaper than purchasing, but you’ll only have a limited time to watch the content.
Consider the Value Proposition: Before buying or renting, compare the cost to a Discovery+ subscription. If you plan to watch a lot of HGTV content, Discovery+ might be the more economical option.
Alternative Streaming Options for HGTV Fans
If Amazon Prime Video isn’t delivering your HGTV fix, other streaming options are available.
Discovery+: The HGTV Hub: As mentioned, Discovery+ is the premier destination for HGTV content. It offers a vast library of current and classic HGTV shows, as well as original series and exclusive content.
Hulu + Live TV: Hulu + Live TV includes several channels owned by Warner Bros. Discovery including HGTV.
YouTube TV: Similar to Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV also offers a package that includes HGTV.
Sling TV: Sling TV is a more affordable live TV streaming service that also carries HGTV in some of its packages.
Tips for Maximizing Your HGTV Viewing Experience
Regardless of where you choose to stream HGTV shows, here are some tips to enhance your viewing experience.
Check Episode Guides: Before diving into a show, check episode guides to see which episodes focus on the types of renovations or designs that interest you most.
Engage with Online Communities: Join online forums or social media groups dedicated to HGTV shows. You can discuss episodes, share design ideas, and get recommendations for other shows to watch.
Take Inspiration from the Shows: Don’t just passively watch HGTV shows. Use them as inspiration for your own home renovation projects. Pay attention to design trends, problem-solving techniques, and budgeting tips.
Conclusion: Your HGTV Streaming Journey
While the presence of HGTV shows on Amazon Prime Video can be inconsistent due to the complex nature of streaming rights, there are still opportunities to catch your favorite home improvement programs. By understanding the streaming landscape, employing effective search strategies, and exploring alternative options like Discovery+, you can ensure you always have access to a healthy dose of renovation, design, and real estate inspiration. Remember to check frequently for updates to Amazon Prime Video’s library and consider purchasing or renting options if a particular show isn’t included with your Prime membership. Happy watching!
Are HGTV Shows Directly Available on Amazon Prime Video?
However, there are alternative routes. You might find individual seasons or episodes for purchase or rent through Amazon Prime Video, but these would be charged separately. Also, services like Discovery+, which houses HGTV content, can often be accessed as an add-on subscription channel through Amazon Prime Video Channels, allowing access to HGTV’s streaming library for an additional monthly fee.
What’s the Difference Between Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video Channels?
Amazon Prime Video Channels, on the other hand, are separate subscription services that you can add on to your existing Amazon Prime Video account. These channels, like Discovery+, Paramount+, or Showtime, offer specialized content from different providers, but they each come with an additional monthly charge beyond your Amazon Prime membership fee. So, while you use the Amazon Prime Video platform to access them, they operate as individual subscriptions.
How Can I Watch HGTV Shows on Amazon if They Aren’t Directly on Prime Video?
Alternatively, check the Amazon Prime Video store for individual episodes or seasons of specific HGTV shows available for purchase or rent. This can be a more economical option if you only want to watch a limited number of shows or specific seasons. Be sure to compare the costs of buying or renting to the monthly cost of a Discovery+ subscription to determine the best option for your viewing habits.
Does Discovery+ Work with Amazon Prime Video?
When subscribing through Amazon Prime Video Channels, your Discovery+ content will be integrated into your Prime Video interface, making it easy to browse and watch. This provides a seamless experience, allowing you to manage your subscriptions and view a wide range of content from different sources all in one place. Keep in mind that managing your Discovery+ subscription (canceling or changing plans) will also be done through your Amazon account settings.
Are There Any Free HGTV Shows on Amazon?
Keep an eye out for promotional periods or limited-time offers that might include free trials of Discovery+ through Amazon Prime Video Channels. These offers can provide temporary access to HGTV content without requiring an immediate subscription fee. However, these are usually short-lived promotions, and you’ll need to pay to continue accessing the content after the trial ends.
Can I Download HGTV Shows to Watch Offline on Amazon Prime Video?
If you purchased or rented individual episodes or seasons of HGTV shows directly through Amazon Prime Video, you may also be able to download them for offline viewing using the Amazon Prime Video app. However, the availability of downloads may vary depending on the specific show and licensing agreements. Always check the download options within the app for each specific title.
How Often Does the HGTV Content on Discovery+ Through Amazon Prime Channels Change?
Furthermore, Discovery+ may occasionally add or remove older seasons or specific episodes of HGTV shows based on licensing agreements and content availability. It’s a good practice to periodically check the Discovery+ library for new additions or any changes in availability. Also, look for announcements from Discovery+ regarding new shows or content updates.