Swooping into strangers’ days while they’re busy running around completing errands or DIY jobs didn’t initially sound like Jonathan Knight’s idea of fun. The New Kids on the Block singer has previously been open about struggles with anxiety, and while he’s come a long way on stage, on screen, and in social situations, it’s a whole different ballgame boldly striding up to random shoppers and rapidly attempting to win their trust on his new HGTV series Crashers.
“When I got asked to do the show, they said, ‘You're going to have to go into public spaces and approach people,’” Jon tells Country Living during a break from filming in Denver, Colorado. “I was like, ‘I'm a bit on the shy side when it comes to strangers!’ Once I get to know people, I'm good, but it was really weird going up to people who are walking up and down aisles trying to get through their day. There were some who were like, ‘Get away from me!’”
Crashers, which ran in various versions from 2008 to 2011, sees Jon, 57, approach shoppers in hardware chains, furniture boutiques, and paint stores, then offer to redo one space in their home for free. He gives them three conditions—they must vacate their home for 72 hours, he has to start immediately, and they get no input in the design.
Premiering on Monday, June 8 at 10 p.m. EST/9 p.m. CST, the 13-episode series marks Jon’s return to HGTV following a controversial end to his dream project Farmhouse Fixer in 2025. Having competed in HGTV shows including Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge, 100 Day Hotel Challenge, and Rock the Block, it was Farmhouse Fixer (which followed Jon and interior designer pal Kristina Crestin as they restored centuries-old New England farmhouses) that was the musician’s passion project.
Premiering in 2021, it spawned two further seasons plus spinoff Farmhouse Fixer: Camp Revamp. However, fans were up in arms when Jon exclusively confirmed to Country Living last June that the show would not be returning.
“We tried to work out a format for the show that wouldn't take so much of my time,” he explains. “I was going on tour, then on days off I would fly home to film, so it became a lot. It was a great show. It's my baby and it helped prepare me for my next chapter on HGTV.”
And that next chapter means ambushing unsuspecting homeowners! Although a few left him “Hangin’ Tough,” he was otherwise warmly welcomed by shoppers who recognized him from HGTV or NKOTB.
“A lot of people were curious what was going on, then once they find out, they're like, ‘There's no way you can do this in three days,’” says Jon. “It's so hard when we do the ambushes because I’m trying to figure out what will make a great project and people describe things as best they can, but it never prepares you for stepping into the space. There's been times when I thought, ‘This sounds perfect,’ then we walk in and go, ‘What did we get ourselves into? This is going to be a huge challenge and we only have 72 hours.’ These are renovations that should take three to four months and we’re knocking it out in 72 hours.”
Jon also faced the added challenge of barely knowing the people he was overhauling spaces for. Of course, any daunting moments, and the initial nerves about approaching strangers, were overshadowed by the end reactions. Jon says wrapping up intense three-day stints feeling tired and aggravated, then watching residents’ faces “light up” as they walked in, was the “best feeling in the world.”
Episode one sees him revamp a kitchen for a divorced couple, Bri and Trevor, who are living together with their three kids in Folsom, California. The clan was so stoked that Bri declared she felt like she’d won Lotto.
“I have two great jobs where I make people happy now,” Jon smiles. “Every night on stage there's people walking away smiling, and with every episode of Crashers there's a family so happy. It sounds weird, but for somebody to have a kitchen that’s not working for them and you change it – that changes the way they live and their family dynamic. It’s a life-changing experience.”
While brother and bandmate Jordan Knight won’t be making any cameos—having competed in season six of Rock the Block with Jon in 2025—he still has the renovation bug.
“My brother is obsessed now,” laughs Jon, who’s preparing to join Jordan, Donnie Wahlberg, Danny Wood, and Joey McIntyre back in Las Vegas to resume their New Kids on the Block: The Right Stuff Las Vegas Residency on June 19. “He wants to go flip houses with me. He keeps asking. But he won't be making any cameos this time. Rock the Block was a big one for him. He was like, ‘I don't know how you do this!’”
Of course, there’s another family project that fans are awaiting updates on. Jon, Jordan, sister Sharon Knight, mom Marlene Putnam, and other family members worked to transform an abandoned lakefront campground in New Hampshire on Farmhouse Fixer: Camp Revamp. The plan was to rent out the completed cabins and Blockheads were lining up to make reservations. However, delays in completion have meant the location remains a private escape for family and friends—for now.
“I'm the type of person who wants to buy the crappiest house or worst possible site and make it beautiful, but it’s a lot of work,” he says. “There's work going on there right now, but there was a lot of infrastructure that I needed and regulations I didn't anticipate. But it’s looking really good. When I get home, I'm heading to the lake to start doing more work. Friends and family are up there enjoying it in the meantime. It’s a work in progress!”
*‘Crashers’ airs Mondays at 10|9c on HGTV.
Leena Tailor is an award-winning Los Angeles-based journalist with more than 20 years experience covering entertainment, lifestyle and travel for outlets around the world. Originally from New Zealand, she was lured to the endless sunshine of California in 2010 and has since interviewed some of the world's biggest celebrities for outlets including Rolling Stone, Hollywood Reporter, InStyle, Billboard and Entertainment Tonight. Leena’s love for beaches, boy bands, concerts and cocktails has taken her from Mexico to Germany, with her travel and lifestyle features appearing in Travel and Leisure, Vinepair and Vogue.
