Is 'Happy to be Home with the Benkos' a Must-Watch? An Overview of Reviews
Critics commend Happy To Be Home With The Benkos for breathing new life into the home improvement genre, while acknowledging its unoriginal formula
Article Overview
Critics praise Happy to Be Home with the Benkos for its fresh take on the home improvement genre, particularly due to Gray's bold and eclectic taste.
The show excels at designing beautiful rooms that perfectly combine the homeowners' preferences with Gray's distinctive style.
In contrast to typical reality shows, the Benko family's dynamics feel genuine and not contrived for entertainment, making the series truly enjoyable to watch.
Happy to Be Home with the Benkos, a reality home improvement show, has garnered significant attention from critics during its six-episode series. Premiering in January 2023, the show centers around the Benko family: Gray, a former photographer turned interior decorator; her husband Mike, a skilled Renaissance handyman; and Gray's father, known as "Grumpy," who defies his grouchy name as a contractor.
Set in the vicinity of Charleston, South Carolina, the series follows the traditional format of many beloved HGTV home improvement shows, where the Benkos embark on enhancing various older homes in their area. Adding a personal touch, the show also features the Benkos' children, Farris and Charlie, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Gray's distinct taste emphasizes modern elements, characterized by vibrant colors and eye-catching patterns. As with any home renovation show, the hosts' charisma and the success of their remodels are discussed extensively by critics in their reviews of Happy to Be Home with the Benkos.
Critics Found Happy To Be Home With The Benkos A Fresh Take On The Home Improvement Genre
Home improvement shows typically follow similar formats, but Happy to Be Home with the Benkos season 1 stands out as a superior renovation series. The main reason for this is Gray's unique and tasteful style, which never veers towards tackiness. According to a review from Decider, "Her ideas are bold, yet they manage to work." Unlike other interior decorators on TV who often play it safe to please guests and viewers, Gray fearlessly uses bold colors, patterns, and designs to create stunning rooms that pleasantly surprise audiences. As one reviewer from Dwell writes, "...the end result always harmoniously reflects the homeowners' preferences and Gray's distinctive aesthetic." In addition to the captivating designs, Happy to Be Home with the Benkos also boasts a more authentic portrayal of the characters' dynamics compared to other reality shows. Decider notes, "...she, Mike, Grumpy, and their kids don't come across as manufactured personalities in an influencer-esque manner." While the family may have disagreements, they are portrayed in a genuine manner, avoiding unnecessary drama for the sake of entertainment.
Some Critics Noted The Formula For Happy To Be Home With The Benkos Is Unoriginal
Critics only had one complaint about Happy to Be Home with the Benkos - it suffers from the same issue that plagues most home improvement shows. The setup is virtually identical, regardless of the concept behind the series. Happy to Be Home with the Benkos follows the typical formula of introducing the renovators, finding a family in need, and going through the motions until the actual renovations begin. However, according to the Dwell review, the Benkos, Gray and Mike, are a classic designer-contractor/builder duo from Summerville, South Carolina. They renovate homes for their clients, with the assistance of Gray's father Joe, who serves as the voice of reason on the show. Although this may sound like any other HGTV series and thus unappealing, the review assures that the Benkos stand out because of the end results they achieve.
Happy To Be Home With The Benkos can be watched on various platforms.
Editor's P/S
As an enthusiastic fan of home improvement shows, I was thrilled to hear about Happy to Be Home with the Benkos. The show's fresh take on the genre, with its bold and eclectic design style, immediately caught my attention. Gray's unique taste and ability to combine the homeowners' preferences with her distinctive style is truly remarkable. Each room she designs is a work of art, and I find myself constantly inspired by her creativity.
Another aspect that sets Happy to Be Home with the Benkos apart from other shows in the genre is the genuine portrayal of the Benko family's dynamics. The interactions between Gray, Mike, Grumpy, and their children feel authentic and heartwarming. It's clear that they are a close-knit family who truly enjoy spending time together. This adds a level of relatability to the show that I appreciate.
