HGTV Renews `Ellen’s Design Challenge'

HGTV has renewed its competiton reality series Ellen's Design Challenge, the network said Monday.

The series, developed by the talk show personality, finished its freshman campaign as HGTV's most watched series in the network's history, said network officials. The furniture design competition series will return in January 2016.

“Ellen has unparalleled star power and universal appeal, so it was a thrill for us welcome her to HGTV in 2015,” said Kathleen Finch, president, HGTV, DIY Network and Great American Country in a statement. “With the resounding success of season one behind us, we are pleased to bring Ellen back to our air and our teams are completely focused on making season two even better. Additional episodes, big, fun surprises and the special look behind-the-curtain are only a few of the elements that will have America buzzing about season two of Ellen’s Design Challenge.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.