What is The Block?
The Block is an Australian reality television series in which couples renovate houses or apartments over several weeks, competing to earn the most money when the properties are sold at auction. It airs on the Nine Network.
The show first aired in 2003, when four couples renovated apartments in Bondi. It was revived in 2010 and has been one of Nine's most popular programs ever since, hosted by Scott Cam.
Each week, teams renovate a room and present it to the judges, who score their work. Room reveals, budgets, tradies and tight deadlines create drama.
Auction day
At the end of each season, the properties are auctioned, and each couple keeps the profit above a reserve price. The couple with the highest profit also wins a cash prize.
Judges have included design experts Neale Whitaker, Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer, while site foreman Keith Schleiger became a fan favourite for his blunt advice.
Seasons have been held mainly in Melbourne, as well as in Sydney and in country Victoria, with projects ranging from old hotels and factories to new family homes. Auction results have sometimes reached millions of dollars in profit, attracting big audiences on finale night and fuelling national conversations about house prices.
Did You Know?
The Block helped fuel Australia's interest in home renovation and property.