Fans of the renovation series have a lot of thoughts in the lead up to the series’ 2025 premiere.

The Block viewers are airing their grievances ahead of the 2025 season. Credit: Channel Nine

The Block viewers are airing their grievances ahead of the 2025 season. Credit: Channel Nine

The Block has changed a lot in recent years. And not necessarily for the better, according to fans.

We all know that many viewers claim they don’t like the fact that the show has become “Married At First Sight with hammers”, thanks to producers seemingly going out of their way to create drama between the contestants. For example, Kylie and Brad’s relationship almost didn’t make it through the show last year, and sisters Maddy and Charlotte faced a lot of bullying and scrutiny from other teams (including Kylie and Brad…) after replacing couple Jesse and Paige six weeks into the competition.

But several other major factors have also left fans fuming in recent seasons.

Maddy and Charlotte on The Block

Many viewers were upset last year over the way the teams embraced Jesse and Paige, but didn’t offer the same to Maddy and Charlotte when they replaced the couple. Photo: Nine

One viewer took to Reddit to share their thoughts, writing, “When it first started, The Block was accessible and relevant to the average Aussie homeowner. There were projects that were doable for homeowners, and a lot of what we saw sparked ideas and interest for achievable home renos.

“The whole luxury for really wealthy people concept has made the show completely irrelevant to most of us. So the majority of viewers are there for the drama. Which is why it’s wall-to-wall built-up and beat-up BS contestant and site management clashes.

“The show went to crap at least ten years ago. Bring it back to real-world people who watch to learn and watch the ratings climb again.”

“The show has definitely taken a ‘reality TV drama’ turn several years ago, and they did so because shows like MAFS are so successful,” another viewer responded. “So, they have made it more like that and concentrated less on the building stuff (unless it causes drama) and more on the relationships, petty grievances, and b***hy attitudes. I still don’t mind it, though. I would argue that changing the show to this formula has probably increased its lifespan.

“My pet hate is how all the homes these days are designed and furnished for billionaires. I would like to see them go back to making affordable or medium-tier housing valued around the $1 million mark. But they’re chasing the big dollars these days, so that will never happen.”

The Block buyer Adrian Portelli with Maddy and Charlotte

Last year, billionaire buyer Adrian Portelli spent over $15m buying all five of the homes. Photo: Nine
A third responded, “I agree, building more affordable housing would also increase possible buyers, so one person isn’t buying the entire lot,” referencing billionaire buyer Adrian Portelli, who bought all five properties last year.

Someone else added, “I think they need to bring down to renos rather than building luxe houses for Adrian and Danny [Wallis] to fight over.”

They also said ‘the week that was’ segment should “be dropped”, joking that the producers must “think we’re stupid”.

Last year, the houses ranged in price from $2.6m to $3.5m, not exactly affordable for what would likely be a holiday home.

In 2023, Steph and Gian’s home sold for a substantial $5 million, with Kristy and Brett’s home selling for the lowest amount at $3,035,000. In 2022, they ranged from $3.9 million to $5.666 million.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the average Australian income is approximately $100,000, making the homes built on The Block likely quite far out of reach for the average Aussie.

So if we can’t afford the homes, maybe the drama is part of the reason we keep coming back…