When Michel Smith Boyd became the only HGTV star to win two seasons of “Rock the Block” in May 2025, fans hoped his history-making win would result in more airtime on the network for the Atlanta-based designer.
When that didn’t happen, fans took the matter into their own hands, creating a stir on social media and even starting a petition to bring back his show “Luxe For Less,” which only aired for one season in early 2023. It may have taken longer than his die-hard fans hoped, but Boyd is finally back — not only as a judge on the latest season of “Rock the Block,” but with a new show coming this fall.
Michel Smith Boyd Will Be the Design Mentor & Judge Alongside Celebrity Host Anna Camp
On May 14, HGTV announced that Boyd will be the design expert on a new show this fall called “A Very Haunted Renovation.” In a press release, the network said the “new nightmarish competition series” will premiere on September 15.
The six-episode series, according to HGTV, will “follow six brave renovators and designers who will stay at one of the most haunted houses in America for 31 days with only one mission: completing the renovations.”
Actress Anna Camp, who’s starred in some pretty spooky shows and movies, including February’s “Scream 7,” will host the series, which will “follow the contestants as they face off to transform one of America’s most notoriously tormented homes into a fully livable masterpiece,” per HGTV.
They’ll face “frightening” design challenges in each episode, renovating different spaces while trying not to freak out over their surroundings. Boyd will serve as mentor and judge alongside a different celebrity guest in each episode.
In an Instagram post about the new show on May 15, Camp wrote, “Do you like ghosts? Extremely haunted mansions? Insane stories, and KILLER renovations??” She went on to admit, “What I witnessed made chills run down my spine…you’re never alone in a haunted home…”
Petition & Social Media Outcry May Have Reminded HGTV of the Gem They Had in Michel Smith Boyd
HGTVBoyd won season four of “Rock the Block” in 2023 alongside his former “Luxe For Less” co-star Anthony Elle. Two years later, he won season six alongside HGTV veteran Alison Victoria in May 2025.
It had already been announced by that time that Victoria would soon star in a new series she also produced, “Sin City Rehab,” but there was no word on a new show for Boyd.
As social media began buzzing about rumored tension between Boyd and Victoria, and demands for him to get a show, too, film and TV casting director Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd started a petition on Change.org to bring back “Luxe For Less.” Boyd shared the post in his Instagram stories and wrote, “Wowwwwww”
Describing the goal of the petition, Byrd wrote on Change.org, “In a world where black culture is consistently thriving, pushing boundaries, and setting new trends, it’s disheartening to witness moments where black voices and talents are sidelined.”
There’s no telling how much the social media buzz and Byrd’s petition influenced HGTV, but it couldn’t have hurt! Fans will get their wish as Boyd returns in “A Very Haunted Renovation” on September 15 at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
