Ty Breaker
Season 1 HGTV (*177) 19:45 Reality
Renovation superstar Ty Pennington (host of reality TV series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, 2003-2012) returns to reno-fun-vation with his brand-new series Ty Breaker (2021-now). “We have taken the renovation game to a whole new level,” says the 56-year-old host. “My team is taking on other experts. A family in need get to choose: my crew renovating their existing house, or the other team renovating a new home for them.” It’s a welcome return to television for Ty, who’s concentrated on his other business ventures since 2012.
He quit TV in late 2012 after his 1 lifestyle talkshow The Revolution was cancelled after just six months. “It was a sign that I needed a break. I got involved with private renovation work and stores that stocked my range of products,” explains the host.
Ty was born Gary Tygert Burton Jr 2 and ditched his surname as a teen when his mom remarried. “My father left us. I chose to take my stepfather’s surname Pennington and honour the man who raised me,” adds Ty.
Before finding his niche, Ty was an 3 international advert model and he worked for cold-drink brands Sprite and Diet Coke, and denim label Levi’s.
He’s had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity 4 Disorder since childhood and was officially diagnosed in college. Ty has come under fire for promoting meds for adult ADHD, and says he often injured himself during woodwork class because his meds made him drowsy. Renovation wasn’t his first choice 5 of career – Ty has a bachelors in graphic design from the Art Institute of Atlanta but prefers handywork.