Why disrespect and come down on a show that uplifts humanity?

I do not think everyone who dislikes the show does so because they think helping others who need help is bad. I think the dislike comes from the aftermath of the show. There are many families who have been on the show, and after all is said and done(they got the new house and everything) wind up losing the house because they cannot afford the property taxes. Which is a shame really since these houses were supposed to help those families. I think the dislike is from that, from ABC not taking the time to make sure that the family would be able to afford the new house, which could be done by keeping the "new" house's property tax equal to the "old" house(so even though bigger make sure it is still equal in price), or close enough in prices so that they can afford the tax. Many families on the show have lost the house in forclosure due to this and it sort of ruins the idea of the show. If you look up(on whatever search engine you use) "extreme makeover: home edition families lose homes" there are quite a few that come up.

The show's a victim of the economy, its 'extreme' title and its rushed schedule.

Part of the appeal is that they take a small, rundown home and completely rebuild it with luxurious amenities and extras. To suddenly go from a cramped ramshackle trailer to stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and 3,000 sq ft, and you don't pay for any of it? It's a dream.

But the families ultimately do have to pay--the cost of living in and maintaining the home goes up dramatically. It costs more to heat and cool a larger home. It costs more to power a larger home. It costs more (in dollars and minutes) to clean and maintain a larger home. Renovations and swank amenities raise property values, which is what property taxes are based on.

Less extreme but more useful would be repairing the existing structure or rebuilding on a similar scale, with a specific focus on energy-efficiency. Give the family something that's better but costs them less each month, where they need the money.

Some winners also came forward to say their new homes are riddled with expensive problems ranging from structural issues with roofs to plumbing and electrical problems, that the show's producers refuse to acknowledge or address, or blame on local volunteers.

I respect and agree with your responses, louderterry & mokienatrix. The show has gone overboard many times with the houses they have built...building them up to a point where the families couldn't possibly sustain the expense and upkeep for very long. The last few seasons they did seem to change to include more energy efficiency and to get donations for funds for the families to maintain the houses.

More often than not, the show has gotten money for the families to pay off their mortgages or medical bills or send all their kids to college. Maybe some of the families couldn't sustain the expense or maintenance of the houses over a long period of time. But the show did give them more time of hope, safety, health conscience environments and time to heal. More important in my mind is that the show consistently brought forth public sympathy and understanding of conditions and obstacles so many face through no personal choice, as well as respect and admiration for firefighters, law enforcement, military and those who give all of themselves to help others in need without ever asking for something in return. They've also educated and inspired so many viewers to volunteer, donate organs or bone marrow, and think twice before judging a family that may live in a run-down home.

My main reason for posting this topic was against those who just say "this show sucks" and such without any reason other than they just don't like watching the show. If they don't like the show, fine...don't watch it! I don't like "Toddlers and Tiaras" or "Dance Moms"...but I don't go to those message boards and just post "this show sucks" without backing the opinion up with anything. Doing such would just be childish. I welcome adult, explained opposing opinions when I post something.
Please do not attack me for my opinions...we're all entitled to them.

" No superficial people with rose ceremonies, no backstabbing, no privileged people using TV for undeserving fame, no "National Enquirer" sensationalism. Just good people helping other good people. "

That is a pretty naive few of the show. I don't think you know what goes on behind the scenes. And a lot of people lose their home because they can't afford the much larger utility bills and property taxes that result from their "remade" homes.