Here's Why Renovation Island's Bryan Baeumler Sometimes Calls The Show A Different Name
HGTV's "Renovation Island" introduced Bryan and Sarah Baeumler as, essentially, the Canadian equivalents of Chip and Joanna Gaines. And, considering the Gaines left the home renovation network behind years ago, the stage is set for another lovable couple to take their place. "Renovation Island" chronicles the Baeumlers' journey turning a neglected island resort, located in South Andros in the Bahamas, into luxury vacation spot Caerula Mar Club.
Although stunning, it's also unavoidably isolated, creating major issues with everything from construction to supplies. As Discovery noted in a press release, announcing the show's US debut, Bryan and Sarah uprooted their whole lives to move full-time to the Bahamas, where "the island's tropical weather, wildlife and remote location are just a few of the challenges the family must navigate as they adjust to life in a new country."
As Sarah admitted, "Everyone said we were crazy. But our hearts said 'yes' — this is the right thing to do." Clearly, it was the perfect setting for a reality show, too. In fact, working in South Andros made the couple appreciate how much easier it is to get stuff done on the mainland. As Bryan told The Wrap succinctly, "No matter what happens, I can't see it being more difficult than the easiest day on the island."
The HGTV star may know exactly where he stands when it comes to creating an island paradise, but why does Bryan, seemingly, sometimes get the name of his own show wrong?
Renovation Island began its life under a different name
As Country Living notes, sometimes, while promoting "Renovation Island," Bryan Baeumler slips up and refers to the show by its Canadian title, "Island of Bryan." The show actually debuted north of the border before it came down to America, where it was a massive hit for HGTV. The network confirmed in a press release that the first four installments alone were "the most-watched individual episodes of any program on the network in over 10 years."
Once it garnered enough success to be sold to American audiences, "Island of Bryan" became "Renovation Island." But, understandably, even Bryan himself sometimes still forgets to call the show by its new name since technically its original incarnation still exists in certain territories. The couple is hugely popular in their home country, too, with Bryan telling the South Florida Sun Sentinel, "We can't go anywhere in Canada without being recognized."
Sarah agreed, noting, "In Canada, it's like that all the time." The Baeumlers even relocated to Florida, by way of the Bahamas, to find some more anonymity for their family. Prior to the show airing in the US, Bryan acknowledged the odd person would recognize them on the street. Now that "Renovation Island" is just as much of a hit for HGTV in America, their days of living under the radar are probably numbered.
How did Island of Bryan initially get started at HGTV?
"Renovation Island's" Bryan and Sarah Baeumler knew they had a hit show in them, but it took some convincing to get the higher-ups at HGTV onboard. Distractify reports the idea first came to them back in 2017 during a vacation to South Andros that would change their lives forever. While on holiday, the Baeumlers discovered the dilapidated Emerald Palms resort, which had been out of action since 2011. It was up for sale, and it seemed like fate, so they bought it before pitching the idea of renovating the place for a show to HGTV.
Bryan was already a star in his native Canada, thanks to fronting the likes of "Bryan Inc." and "House of Bryan," but, "I was basically told, you're crazy." The reality star was also advised, "Nobody can relate to that. Viewers just won't bond with it." Bryan totally disagreed, reasoning that everybody can relate to the desire to give up your life, move to a beautiful place, renovate a hotel, and live in paradise.
Even when they got the go-ahead, though, it wasn't all smooth sailing. "It had been a few years of uphill battles, learning as we go," Sarah explained. The couple subsequently dealt with a hurricane and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, as The Wrap detailed, much of which provided ample drama for their show. Thus, "Renovation Island," aka "Island of Bryan," has proven to be relatable after all.