HGTV star Jenn Todrick opened up about the reasons behind her decision to leave the hit series "No Demo Reno," admitting that she was grateful to have ended the show on her own terms rather than having the ground pulled out from under her.
Todrick, 37, rose to fame in 2021 when her show debuted on the home renovation channel. Todrick served as both star and executive producer. The show became one of the most popular on HGTV, attracting a huge audience and earning Todrick a slew of fans.
So when the Texas-based renovation expert announced she was putting the series on hiatus in 2023, it stunned many. Some even questioned the circumstances that led her to leave such a popular show.
Now, Todrick has shed light on the reasons behind her decision, joking in an interview with People magazine that she experienced a "reverse" period of fame, effectively ending her career just as it was reaching its peak.
Recalling her rise to fame, the TV presenter explained that her rise to television fame began in 2018 when she was spotted by producers who took note of her growing popularity as a home goods blogger.
HGTV star Jenn Todrick opened up about her hit series "No Demo Reno" and how she left the show on her own terms. (Sumi Sarkar)
«"It was just the perfect coincidence: I found myself on Instagram at the right time. This was before anyone was making money from it. I was a stay-at-home mom. I did it for fun, as a way to express myself," she told the publication.
While Todrick was hopeful about the show's potential success, she admitted that producers were skeptical.
«"I remember telling someone [at the TV station], 'I have an audience that I'm going to attract to my show.' And they said, 'Just because you have an audience doesn't mean it's going to work. It wasn't like that before,'" she said.
She also attributed much of her success to the influence of her followers and her experience as an influencer.
«"My audience is here. They're amazing," she added. "I was the first one to really catch on on HGTV. I was the first influencer to move to another channel, find success, and last longer than one season.".
Thanks to such widespread fan support, Todrick was able to secure lucrative deals.
«"Sometimes it was difficult because they didn't like it when I said, 'No, I'm not doing that,' or 'I don't want it done this way.' I wasn't allowed to post anything on my Stories, and I'd say, 'No, no way. Then I can't do the show,'" she explained.
The home improvement expert noted that she has become accustomed to the fact that shows and publications have become her "job.".
Ultimately, Todrick and the producers reached a compromise: "I couldn't show anything that felt like a revelation, and that's fine. I completely respect that," she explained, adding that it was a "rewarding experience.".
After Seasons 1 and 2, Todrick sought to become an executive producer. She eventually became an executive producer for Season 3.
Todrick, 37, was the face of the series since its premiere in 2021 and since she began serving as an executive producer. However, in 2023, she decided to take a "break." (HGTV) Now, the renovation expert is opening up about how grateful she was for the opportunity to control the show's run and how it ended. (HGTV)
However, after the end of the season, she burned out trying to do everything.
«"By the end of the day, I was incredibly tired trying to juggle everything," she said. She produced and hosted the series while also caring for her three children. Vone , Berkeley и Vivien , whom she raises together with her husband Mike .
«"My husband said, 'Jenn, you can give up a little bit of control here or there.' But I couldn't do that because from day one, I've controlled everything that happens online because I do it myself," she admitted.
Eventually, she decided to take a break from the series and informed the producers about it.
«"We were discussing Season 4 and the concept, and we had a big meeting the next day, so I called and said, 'I'm so sorry. I know we've been discussing this concept for four months, but I think I need to take a break, and I'll let you know when I want to come back or anything,'" she explained.
Now the TV presenter is focused on creating content for social media and creating a schedule for her children.
«"There was nothing dramatic about it," she said. "There were no disagreements, no animosity. I'd worked so hard to get into this perfect, well-oiled comfort zone where I had so much influence over the content and what the show would be like, and I just felt completely in control. And then I left.".