FSD, I think these shows are both a reflection of the times and a creator of them.
People make commercials. Commercials get people to buy or else they would not make commercials. What are these shows but giant commercials?
I watched a program last night on HGTV about the 2006 home show. It was one long commercial highlighting new products for kitchens and bath. The names of the manufacturers were mentioned numerous times.
I would bet the farm on the fact that there are people out there who got the idea to try to flip from these shows.
