Dave and Jenny Marrs, the beloved couple behind HGTV's "Fixer to Fabulous," have found their lives transformed since their show first aired. Despite the glamour associated with television stardom, the Marrs describe their filming experience as "mass chaos." Speaking at St. Bernard Catholic Church's men's club event in Bella Vista, Arkansas, Jenny revealed insider details about the craziness of the filming process for the show now entering its sixth season.
According to the Weekly Vista, Jenny shared with the audience of about 170 how expedited timelines drastically affect their renovation schedule. Typically, transforming a home takes about a year, but the couple is often put under pressure to complete renovations within less than two months for the show. "It’s pretty crazy," she said, referencing the whirlpool of activity during filming seasons.
Her husband, Dave, noted how much content gets left on the cutting room floor, admitting, "For every 43-minute episode, 120 hours of filming gets thrown away." These revelations paint a vivid picture of the labor-intensive commitment required to deliver quality content for fans.
To add to the drama, Jenny disclosed her filming strategies, saying, "I often pack multiple outfits for shooting scenes so it looks like we’re being filmed on different days." According to her, long filming days often see them required to remain engaged and photogenic. “It’s a long day, because you’re having to smile and be present the entire time,” Dave elaborated.
What some fans might not realize is how the Marrs almost gave up this opportunity altogether. Initially, they turned down requests from producers three times, fearing the impact on their family life. The couple, who proudly raised five children—including their adopted daughter Sophie from the Democratic Republic of Congo—were hesitant to take on the television obligations with little ones at home. It wasn’t until they recognized the chance to share their adoption story and their philanthropic efforts for Congolese families, which they felt was important, did they reconsider.
“HGTV films around 70 to 80 pilots each year, but only 10 to 12 truly make it to seasons,” Dave explained, detailing the odds against their chance of success. Their original pilot, named "Almost Home," aired back in November 2017 and, after some adjustments, transitioned to the popular show viewers know today.
Since then, they have completed nearly 100 episodes—a feat they've described as "unheard of" for television. Despite facing online criticism and legal hurdles, Dave and Jenny remain grateful for their platform. "We feel it’s more than just entertainment; we feel like it’s ministry," Dave stated, emphasizing their desire to share meaningful stories through their work. "When we’re not supposed to do the show anymore, God will say ‘I’m closing this door and opening another one,’" he mused, reflecting on their uncertain but hopeful future.
One of their notable projects recently showcased was building the ultimate outdoor area for their feline-loving clients, famously known as a catio. The newly constructed space featured climbing structures, ample natural lighting, and even cozy seating for humans. Jenny was initially unfamiliar with catios until they were requested by clients, yet she quickly saw the potential. "This is the most brilliant use of space for a cat-lover and cat-foster mom parent," she posted on Instagram.
The couple's dedication extends beyond renovations, as they themselves ended up adopting one of the kittens who benefited from the catio. "When Holly texted me about how much her new kittens liked the space, I couldn’t get past how adorable itty bitty Lloyd was," she exclaimed. Capturing the heartwarming rescue alongside their renovation projects certainly adds another layer to their already rich narrative. "Everyone should have a catio!" was echoed by many fans online, as they clamor for similar setups for their own pets.
Fans can tune in to see more of Dave and Jenny's home transformations and unique projects, including the highly-anticipated catio episode, which has sparked excitement among viewers. "Fixer to Fabulous" airs every Tuesday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time on HGTV.