In the era when TLC stopped being “The Learning Channel”, Trading Spaces was a huge hit show. It helped put TLC on the map to compete with the basic cable elite. When Paige Davis was fired a few years ago, TLC took the show in a “different direction”. That direction drastically changed the feeling of the show, and removed what made it a hit in the first place.

Now it appears that they have realized what was missing, and have brought back Davis for the new season. DailyBreeze.com has:

With her gone, the unpredictability that had been key to the show’s success devolved into chaos. Gone, too, was the cadre of designers whose personalities and reputations gave the show continuity and something for viewers to identify with. Rules were broken, budgets were padded, deadlines were ignored - it was anything goes, and ultimately that included viewers. Ask any fan, and you’ll hear “Trading Spaces” was at its best with Davis at the helm.

I agree. The host-less show was a nightmare to watch. Not having a consistent format really took much of the enjoyment out of the show. They seem to be staging things more often, trying to keep up with network reality shows. The designers were forced to be hosts as well as designers, and it just never worked.

The new season begins this Saturday on TLC.

via TvSquad.