HGTV’s Ben and Erin Napier Champion the Appeal of Simpler Living in "Home Town Takeover"
HGTV stars Ben and Erin Napier, the dynamic duo behind the immensely popular "Home Town" franchise, believe a growing segment of the American population yearns for a return to slower, simpler lifestyles. Their latest endeavor, "Home Town Takeover," sees them venturing beyond their familiar territory of Laurel, Mississippi, to revitalize struggling small towns across the nation, breathing new life into forgotten communities and celebrating the unique stories of their residents.
This season of "Home Town Takeover" focuses on Sebring, Florida, a town that immediately captured the Napiers’ hearts with its nostalgic charm. According to Ben, Sebring embodies a bygone era of Florida tourism, representing the "old Florida" that predates the sprawling theme parks and overdevelopment that now characterize much of the state’s coastline. Erin echoes this sentiment, reminiscing about her grandparents’ vacation photos from similar Floridian destinations, expressing a desire to recapture that sense of tranquility and authentic experience.
"We want it back," Erin passionately stated, emphasizing the collective longing for a less frenetic pace of life. She believes many viewers connect with the show’s underlying message: "I think there’s a lot of us who are craving slower, simpler, less is more. We want a beautiful lake and a quiet town to go have a really great meal."
Season three of "Home Town Takeover," which premiered on March 9th, delves deep into the personal narratives of Sebring’s inhabitants, highlighting the individuals who contribute to the town’s unique identity and resilience. One poignant example is the story of a kindergarten teacher who purchased a historic house that once belonged to her own former teacher.
Ben describes this narrative as a "magical storybook small town" experience, underscoring the interconnectedness and sense of community that often define small-town life. Erin further elaborates, emphasizing the profound influence teachers have on young children, shaping their lives and futures. "Her story is about how we’re influenced and impacted hugely in young childhood by the best teachers," she explained, highlighting the show’s ability to connect viewers with universal themes of mentorship and personal growth.
However, the Napiers’ commitment to authenticity extends beyond idyllic portrayals of small-town charm. They acknowledge the real-world challenges faced by communities like Sebring, including issues such as veteran PTSD and the struggle for mental wellness. This commitment to portraying the complexities of small-town life presented a unique challenge for the couple, as they navigated the delicate balance between addressing serious social issues and maintaining the show’s appeal as a source of entertainment and "escapism TV," as Ben puts it.
The Napiers worked with a couple dedicated to supporting veterans struggling with PTSD and suicide prevention, a subject matter Erin describes as "heavy, heavy stuff." They admitted to having internal discussions about how much of this difficult reality could be effectively conveyed within the context of a feel-good home renovation show. Ultimately, they prioritized creating a home environment that could serve as a sanctuary for the veterans, a place of peace and respite from the burdens they carry.
"There were a couple times we had meetings where we kind of pulled back, and were like, ‘OK. How much of this can we tell on HGTV?’ Because it’s, you know what I mean? It’s where you go to escape. It’s escapism TV," Ben explained. Erin added, "And it’s important for their own mental health that that home is a place where they can at least recharge at some point. And so that was our main focus. How do we make this house that felt dark and drab feel lighter? Because the burden that they carry is already so heavy. You don’t want your house to add to that."
Beyond their professional partnership, Ben and Erin’s enduring personal relationship is a key element of their success and appeal. The couple’s love story is a testament to the power of instant connection and shared values. They met in 2004, when Erin was a college sophomore, and their romance blossomed within a mere six days.
Erin has shared details of their whirlwind courtship on Instagram, recalling how Ben quickly won over her parents despite his lack of financial stability. She playfully noted that her lip gloss was constantly imprinted on his shirts due to their height difference and her unfamiliarity with hugging someone so tall. Above all, she remembers their constant, unwavering conversations, as if they were making up for lost time.
Ben’s mother’s advice, "you marry the one you never want to stop talking to," resonated deeply with him, solidifying his conviction that Erin was his soulmate. Just six days after meeting, he declared his love for her and proposed marriage, to which Erin responded with an enthusiastic "Yes. That sounds perfect."
Years later, their shared passion for revitalization and their genuine connection with small-town communities led to the creation of "Home Town," which premiered in January 2016. The show quickly gained a loyal following, drawn to the Napiers’ authentic personalities, their commitment to preserving historical architecture, and their talent for incorporating found materials and vintage textiles into their designs.
"Home Town" showcases the couple’s efforts to restore historical homes in Laurel, Mississippi, their own hometown, fostering a sense of pride and community engagement. The show has become a platform for highlighting the unique charm and potential of small towns across America.
Ben and Erin hope their work inspires viewers to reconsider their preconceived notions about small-town living. Erin believes that many people have misconceptions about what life in a small town entails, and she hopes that "Home Town" can dispel those myths and showcase the vibrant opportunities that exist in these communities.
"People just have it in their mind what it is to live in a small town and what it isn’t," Erin explained. "And I hope that the more you watch Home Town, the more you see that you can live the dream. You can have your hot sauce and salsa farm in the middle of town, and you can build a school for children who are underserved. You can do anything in a small town. And that’s the story that’s so fun to tell for us."
Through "Home Town" and "Home Town Takeover," Ben and Erin Napier are not only transforming houses but also inspiring a broader movement towards simpler, more community-focused lifestyles. Their commitment to authenticity, their passion for preservation, and their genuine connection with the people they serve have made them beloved figures on HGTV and advocates for the revitalization of small-town America. Their work demonstrates that the "dream" is not confined to bustling metropolises, but can be found in the heart of small towns, where community, connection, and a slower pace of life offer a richer, more fulfilling existence.
