HGTV’s Zillow Gone Wild returns! Discover over-the-top houses that defy expectations and celebrate the weirdest real estate in the U.S.
Zillow Gone Wild is Back At HGTV — and Even Wilder!
Hang on to that popcorn and property aspirations – Zillow Gone Wild has returned to HGTV, and this season features more jaw-dropping, head-scratching, and “did someone really live here?” moments.
Hosted by the ever-delightful Jack McBrayer, of 30 Rock fame, Season 2 goes further down the rabbit hole of the weirdest real estate in America. From firehouses to Barbie dream houses you thought were only fantasy, this is no ordinary house-hunting show.
What Is “Zillow Gone Wild”—And Why Do We Need To Watch?
If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram and landed on a house shaped like a UFO, you’re probably familiar with the viral Zillow Gone Wild account. The page has garnered 1.8 million followers and showcases some of the craziest real estate listings across the U.S., becoming a sensation on the internet.
HGTV redirected this fascination and turned it into a television show. Season 1 brought us interestingly oddball properties, and Season 2 brings us:
More homes per episode, three each episode
Deeper homeowner stories
Judgments by Jack McBrayer based on originality, commitment to theme, and pure WTF-factor
A highly sought-after “Zillow Gone Wild” plaque for the wildest home of the week
Jack McBrayer Brings The Charm (And A Whole Lot of Sass)
Selecting Jack McBrayer as the host was a brilliant move. He has a Southern, folksy charm, superb comedic timing, and eyes wide open like we would expect when watching. His only job is to not make fun of the homeowners, but rather to appreciate their uniqueness and celebrate their creative vision.
From a comedic context, McBrayer finds a way to balance the spectacle of the home with a level of authenticity, making the show feel less like a roast and more like an affectionate wink towards imagination.
The Wildest Homes (so far) that Literally Took Our Breath Away
Here is a quick, fun sample of some of the stunning properties we saw in Season 2:
1. The Chicago Converted Firehouse
- This very home was a functioning firehouse and included:
- A fully functional fire pole runs from the bedroom to the kitchen
- A rooftop deck with a panoramic view of the entire city
- A living room where the fire truck used to park
2. The Barbiecore Mansion in Florida
- Pink walls, pink ceilings, pink appliances—yes, a pink bathtub
- 20+ mannequins dressed as Barbie’s friends
- Hot pink driveway and themed backyard cabana
3. The Futuristic UFO Dome in Nevada
- Dome-shaped exterior with gullwing panels
- Music-synced interior lighting
- Gravity-defying water feature (no spoilers!)
Each episode showcases three homes that compete against each other in categories like creativity, commitment, and wow factor. McBrayer’s reactions are worth tuning in for alone.
Why is America obsessed with Zillow Gone Wild? Let’s break it down.
1. Escapism with Real Estate
With the average U.S. home price standing at $420,000 (Redfin, 2025), the nature of wild listings becomes one form of escapist eye candy, particularly for those who will likely never obtain their dream home but certainly can dream big.
2. A break from pristine cookie-cutter designs
Real Estate often feels like déjà vu from modern construction—white kitchens and barn doors, and neutral palettes. Zillow Gone Wild invites houses that have personality.
3. It appeals to our inner voyeur
Let’s be honest—it’s fun to peek inside other people’s homes. This is something you can now do without the guilt in a funny and entertaining way.
How to Get Your House on Zillow Gone Wild
Want to transform your basement into a medieval dungeon? Have a wall made of glow-in-the-dark jellyfish?
Here are a few practical ideas:
Steps for Listing Your House:
You must have a theme: You can’t have a half-finished theme! Go all in.
First, list your house on Zillow: Upload clear photos and include a detailed description.
Tag @ZillowGoneWild on Instagram with the listing.
Be patient, they receive hundreds of submissions every week.
If yours is chosen, expect a lot of online attention.
Quirky, Outrageous, and Super Entertaining
“Zillow Gone Wild” is not just a program about homes; it’s about personality, creativity, and outright fabulous weirdness. The heart and humor of Jack McBrayer hosting the show is so nice, but the houses speak for themselves.
Whether you’re a hopeful house-hunter, a design enthusiast, or simply looking for a delightful binge-watch for Friday night, Zillow Gone Wild will have you laughing, gasping, and perhaps even googling “how much does it cost to build a castle in Ohio?”
FAQs
1. Who is Jack McBrayer?
Jack McBrayer is an Emmy-nominated actor and stand-up comedian widely known for his portrayal of Kenneth on 30 Rock. He currently hosts Zillow Gone Wild on HGTV.
2. Is Zillow Gone Wild based on a real account?
Yes! Zillow Gone Wild was inspired by the viral Instagram account @ZillowGoneWild, which is devoted to sharing wacky real estate listings.
3. Are the homes actually for sale?
Most of the homes shown were either listed or recently sold on Zillow.
4. Do the homeowners win anything?
Yes! Each episode’s winning home gets a custom “Zillow Gone Wild” plaque.
5. Can I submit my own home to be featured?
Definitely, tag @ZillowGoneWild and make sure your home is a memorable, attention-grabbing style.
6. What makes the show so engaging for audiences?
It features comedy, real estate, and human interest stories, what more could you want from a show? Three contemporary ingredients.