I’m guessing shows like that have had some impact, but they can only have that impact in an environment of loose lending. The bubble has to already exist and be well underway before “House Hunters” can be born. How popular would that show have been if instead they had to show a couple coming up with a $50K down payment and paying $1300/month in carrying costs?

HGTV can run “Transplant This Kidney” if they want, but it can’t affect the path Joe Average takes unless medical schools dramatically lower their standards.