Why Erin & Ben Napier Can’t Host New Season of ‘Home Town Takeover’
Understanding Why Erin & Ben Napier Can’t Host New Season of ‘Home Town Takeover’
Erin and Ben Napier have become household names thanks to their charming HGTV series, including the popular spinoff, Home Town Takeover. Fans eagerly anticipated their return as hosts for the show’s fourth season. However, the couple recently revealed that they won’t be able to serve as hosts for the new season. The reason? The upcoming season is set in Canada, and due to Canadian broadcasting regulations, the Napiers—who are American—are legally restricted from hosting the show. This article explores the reasons behind this change, the impact on the show, and what fans can expect from Erin and Ben moving forward.
The Shift to Canada and Its Legal Implications
Home Town Takeover has always been about revitalizing small towns across the United States. The first three seasons took viewers to Wetumpka, Alaska; Fort Morgan, Colorado; and Sebring, Florida. For the fourth season, however, the show is making a significant leap across the border to Canada. While this new location offers exciting opportunities and fresh scenery, it also introduces complex legal challenges.
Erin Napier explained in a recent interview that their production company is Canadian, and Canadian broadcasting laws require that a majority of the on-screen talent be Canadian citizens. Specifically, Canadian regulations mandate that 90% of the hosting and creative roles must be filled by Canadian talent to qualify as Canadian programming. Because Erin and Ben are Americans, they are not legally permitted to host the show. Instead, they will appear only as guest stars.
Ben Napier elaborated on this, saying, “A Canadian broadcast show has to be hosted by Canadian talent. Ninety percent, I think, was the number. I thought it was just a majority, but it’s actually a higher threshold.” These regulations were reinforced in 2023 by the Minister of Canadian Heritage, who emphasized maximizing Canadian creative resources in broadcasting.
What This Means for ‘Home Town Takeover’ and the Napiers’ Future
Although Erin and Ben won’t be hosting the new season of Home Town Takeover, they remain enthusiastic about the show’s direction and their ongoing projects. Erin expressed excitement about visiting Canada for the first time, describing the prospect as “magical, especially in the summer.” The couple also hinted at their replacements, revealing that the new hosts will be another husband-and-wife team whom they personally like and support.
Meanwhile, Erin and Ben’s flagship series, Home Town, will return for its tenth season on January 4, 2026. Additionally, their new show, Home Town: Inn This Together, is set to premiere the same year. This series follows the Napiers as they collaborate with friends and family to restore a historic building in Laurel, Mississippi, transforming it into a hotel and community space. Despite setbacks like a fire at the hotel location, the show’s premiere remains on track.
Fans can rest assured that while Erin and Ben are stepping back from hosting Home Town Takeover in Canada, they continue to be deeply involved in home renovation and community revitalization projects that showcase their signature style and warmth.
The Broader Impact of Canadian Broadcasting Regulations
The situation with Home Town Takeover highlights the broader implications of Canadian content regulations. These rules are designed to protect and promote Canadian culture and talent within the country’s broadcasting system. By requiring a high percentage of Canadian involvement in production and hosting, the government aims to create economic opportunities and fair remuneration for Canadian creators.
For American shows and talents, this means that cross-border collaborations must navigate these legal frameworks carefully. While it may limit some participation, it also opens doors for Canadian artists and professionals to gain prominence on national television.
Conclusion
In summary, Erin and Ben Napier can’t host the new season of Home Town Takeover because the show’s move to Canada triggers strict broadcasting regulations that require Canadian hosts. Although this change means the beloved duo will appear only as guest stars, they remain committed to their other exciting projects, including the upcoming seasons of Home Town and Home Town: Inn This Together. Fans looking forward to seeing Erin and Ben’s magic can still catch them on HGTV in 2026.
If you’re a fan of home renovation and community transformation shows, be sure to stay tuned for the latest updates on Home Town and Home Town: Inn This Together. Don’t miss out—subscribe to HGTV’s newsletter and follow Erin and Ben Napier on social media to keep up with all their inspiring projects!
