HGTV's 'Bargain Block' series to temporarily shift from Detroit to New Orleans

Talk about a midseason twist.

"Bargain Block," the hit HGTV series that turns decaying houses in Detroit into chic, affordable starter homes, is shifting its focus next month from the Motor City to the Big Easy.

HGTV announced Thursday that a spinoff called "Bargain Block New Orleans" will air five episodes starting October 9 in the current show's regular time slot of 9 p.m. Wednesdays.

According to the network, renovation pros Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas will "temporarily step away from Detroit" to enter the New Orleans real estate market and transform ailing houses "with classic NOLA design elements like wrought iron railings, arched doorways and corbel accents."

The fourth season of "Bargain Block" kicked off Wednesday and was based in Detroit as usual. HGTV previously had revealed that the new season would include Bynum and Thomas considering an expansion of their renovations to New Orleans and even placing a bid on a potential property there.

On Friday, an HGTV representative clarified to the Free Press that five episodes of "Bargain Block" will air before "Bargain Block New Orleans" begins.

In a news release, Bynum described the spinoff as "the biggest risk yet" of testing their series concept outside Detroit. “We want to revitalize neglected homes in New Orleans and prove that good design is attainable for everyone.”

The first episode of "Bargain Block New Orleans" will follow Bynum and Thomas as they buy a duplex property in the Seventh Ward. It presents challenges that include an uneven foundation and a bee infestation.

The debut also will feature "Bargain Block" regular and Detroit real estate expert Shea Hicks-Whitfield, who will provide advice on the New Orleans project.

Contact Detroit Free Press pop culture critic Julie Hinds at jhinds@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 'Bargain Block' temporarily shifting from Detroit to New Orleans