Retta is back, and honestly, the houses are weirder than ever. After the massive success of the inaugural run, everyone is asking about the Scariest House in America Season 2 renewal status. If you caught the first season, you know it wasn't just about peeling wallpaper or a leaky basement. We're talking about homes that look like they were designed by someone having a fever dream—gaudy gargoyles, literal dungeons, and floor plans that make zero sense.
HGTV found a goldmine with this spin-off of the Ugliest House in America franchise. The formula is simple but addictive. They take a comedian with a great "WTF" face, send them to the creepiest properties in the country, and then give the "winner" a $150,000 makeover from Alison Victoria.
People want to know if it’s coming back. Short answer? All signs point to yes, even if the network is playing it a bit close to the vest with official dates.
What’s the Word on the Scariest House in America Season 2 Renewal?
Look, HGTV doesn't usually walk away from a hit. The first season, which aired as a special event in October, pulled in the kind of numbers that make executives very happy. It tapped into that specific niche of "scary but safe" content that thrives during the spooky season.
While an official press release for the Scariest House in America Season 2 renewal hasn't hit every wire yet, the production cycle for these shows is pretty predictable. They usually film during the late spring and summer to hit that October broadcast window. If you see Retta filming in a cape or staring suspiciously at a Victorian mansion in the Midwest, you’ll know why.
The casting calls are the real giveaway.
Usually, these shows start hunting for the next batch of "scary" homes months in advance. They look for homeowners who are actually tired of living in a house that scares the neighborhood kids. It’s not just about aesthetics. It’s about functionality. If your bathroom looks like a scene from a 1970s slasher flick, you’re the prime candidate.
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Why Retta and Alison Victoria Make the Show Work
Most home renovation shows are dry. This one isn't. Retta brings a level of relatability that you just don't get with standard hosts. She says what we’re all thinking. When she walks into a room covered in taxidermy and velvet, her reaction isn't "oh, how unique." It's "get me out of here."
Then you have the pivot.
Once the scariest house is crowned, Alison Victoria steps in. This is where the Scariest House in America Season 2 renewal gets interesting for design nerds. Victoria has a reputation for being tough and having a very specific, high-end aesthetic. Watching her try to strip away decades of "creep factor" to create something livable is the payoff.
It's a bizarre contrast. You go from "there might be a ghost in this closet" to "look at this custom marble backsplash."
The dynamic works because it acknowledges the absurdity of the properties. These aren't just "ugly" houses. They are houses with choices. Choices that involve built-in coffins or windows that don't open.
The Financials of the Flip
HGTV puts up $150,000 for the renovation. That’s a lot of money, but as anyone who has ever touched a fixer-upper knows, it goes fast. Especially when you’re dealing with the structural nightmares often found in these "scary" homes.
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- Electrical systems from the 1920s.
- Plumbing that hasn't been touched since the Nixon administration.
- Foundation issues caused by "artistic" additions.
The budget has to cover the "scary" removal first. Then comes the "pretty." In season one, we saw how quickly that money disappears when you're trying to make a house stop looking like a haunted attraction.
What to Expect If the Show Returns
If the Scariest House in America Season 2 renewal follows the established pattern, expect more regional battles. The "Midwest Macabre" or the "South’s Spookiest." This keeps the travel costs manageable for the crew while showcasing different styles of American weirdness.
We will likely see:
- More niche subcultures. Think "Gothic Revival gone wrong" or "Doomsday Prepper Chic."
- Higher stakes for the renovation. $150k is the standard, but with inflation, fans are wondering if the budget will bump up.
- Guest appearances. Don't be surprised if other HGTV staples pop in to help Alison Victoria with the heavy lifting.
The show thrives on the "reveal." Humans love a transformation story. We love seeing something horrifying turned into something beautiful. It’s a psychological reset.
Is It Actually Scary?
Let's be real. It’s HGTV scary. It’s "I’m uncomfortable in this hallway" scary. It’s not "The Conjuring."
The show plays with lighting and music to lean into the theme, but it’s fundamentally a comedy-inflected design show. The "scare" is usually the previous owner's terrible taste.
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Moving Forward With the Scariest House in America Season 2 Renewal
Wait for the October lineup. HGTV loves themed programming blocks. "Huluween" and other streaming events have proven that viewers want themed content in October, and HGTV isn't going to let that audience go to Netflix or Max without a fight.
If you are a homeowner sitting in a house that currently has a room you refuse to enter after dark, keep an eye on the HGTV casting page. They are always looking for the next "winner."
The most important thing to remember about the Scariest House in America Season 2 renewal is that the show is part of a larger ecosystem. It feeds into the "Ugliest House" brand. As long as that brand is healthy, the scary version will continue to exist as its darker, funnier cousin.
Keep your eyes on the social media accounts of Retta and Alison Victoria. They usually drop hints about filming locations long before the network makes a formal announcement. When you see them in a town known for its weird architecture, you can bet the cameras are rolling.
To get ready for the next cycle, catch up on the season one winner's transformation. It provides a blueprint for what Alison Victoria can do with a massive budget and a house that looks like a horror movie set. Pay attention to how she balances keeping the "character" of an old home while deleting the parts that make it unlivable. That's the real skill.
Watch the HGTV schedule for late September. That is historically when they start the heavy promotion for their "Ghosttober" lineup. If Season 2 is ready, that’s when the trailers will drop. For now, we wait and enjoy the reruns of Retta being absolutely terrified by a basement in the burbs.