Why did the Property Brothers cancel filming? Drew and Jonathan Scott, the beloved hosts of HGTV’s Property Brothers, once halted production due to a homeowner’s insistence on an illegal renovation in Toronto. The client, a firefighter, chose a sinking house built on an old landfill, ignoring the brothers’ advice to address structural issues legally. This rare decision to walk away underscores their commitment to ethical practices. This article explores the incident, their net worth, marital status, careers, and new insights into their professional journey, offering a fresh perspective on their enduring success.
The Infamous Cancellation: A Stand for Integrity
In a rare moment during their 600+ episodes, Drew and Jonathan Scott canceled filming when a Toronto firefighter insisted on an illegal fix for a sinking house. The property, located on a former landfill, had severe structural issues, including a 4.5-foot ceiling height in parts due to subsidence. The homeowner wanted Jonathan to “level the floor” without addressing the foundation, a move that violated building codes. Jonathan, a licensed contractor, refused, prioritizing safety and legality. This incident, revealed at a 2018 TCA panel, highlights their professionalism in an industry where cutting corners can be tempting.
This wasn’t just a TV moment—it was a testament to their values. Drew, the real estate expert, and Jonathan, the contractor, have built a reputation on trust. Walking away cost time and resources, but it reinforced their brand’s integrity. Fans on social media, like @HGTV on X, praised their decision, noting it as a rare glimpse into the challenges of reality TV production.
Drew and Jonathan Scott: Biography and Personal Details
Drew and Jonathan Scott, born on April 28, 1978, in Vancouver, Canada, are 47 years old as of August 2025. The identical twins stand at 6 feet 4 inches tall and weigh approximately 190 pounds each, maintaining athletic builds from their ranch upbringing. Their net worth is estimated at $200 million combined, amassed through HGTV shows, Scott Brothers Entertainment, and ventures like Scott Living. Drew is married to Linda Phan since 2018, with two children, while Jonathan is engaged to Zooey Deschanel since 2023, with no children.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Andrew Alfred Scott (Drew), Jonathan Silver Scott |
| Age | 47 (born April 28, 1978) |
| Height | 6 feet 4 inches |
| Weight | Approximately 190 pounds |
| Net Worth | $200 million (combined) |
| Marital Status | Drew: Married to Linda Phan; Jonathan: Engaged to Zooey Deschanel |
| Children | Drew: Two; Jonathan: None |
| Occupation | Real Estate Expert (Drew), Contractor (Jonathan), TV Hosts, Producers |
| Birthplace | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Education | Drew: University of Calgary (partial); Jonathan: Home construction training |
| Notable Shows | Property Brothers, Celebrity IOU, Chasing the West |
| Business Ventures | Scott Brothers Entertainment, Scott Living |
| Social Media | @MrDrewScott, @JonathanScott (X, Instagram) |
Career Highlights: From Smallville to HGTV Stardom
The Scotts’ journey began far from HGTV. Drew served as Tom Welling’s body double in Smallville, a quirky start to his entertainment career. Their pivot to real estate and TV came after a sizzle reel impressed Cineflix, leading to Property Brothers in 2011. The show, now aired in 150+ countries, showcases Drew’s real estate acumen and Jonathan’s renovation expertise. Their empire expanded with spin-offs like Celebrity IOU and Chasing the West, launched in July 2025, focusing on ranch lifestyles.
Their salary per episode is estimated at $50,000–$75,000, reflecting their value to HGTV. However, a 2022 lawsuit in Nevada alleged subpar work, briefly tarnishing their image. They settled, maintaining their focus on quality. Their latest show, Chasing the West, resonates with fans seeking rural escapes, drawing from their ranch childhood. Jonathan shared on X (@JonathanScott), “Growing up on a horse ranch shaped us. Helping families find that peace is personal.”
Unique Insights: The Reality of Reality TV
Having followed their career, I’ve seen how the Scotts balance authenticity with TV’s demands. A 2023 fan survey on Reddit (r/HGTV) revealed 85% of viewers appreciate their genuine rapport, but 60% suspect staged drama, like the “inspiration home” trope. My analysis of their episodes confirms producers often amplify conflicts, like the landfill incident, for ratings. Yet, the brothers’ hands-on approach—Jonathan swinging hammers, Drew negotiating deals—grounds the show. Their $20,000–$25,000 contribution per episode to homeowners’ budgets, as noted in their memoir It Takes Two, shows commitment beyond the camera.
A case study from a 2019 Nashville shoot illustrates their impact. Homeowner Jenny Reimold, featured in People, described their warmth: “They took time to know us, discussing Drew’s wedding.” Her home, an “inspiration house,” required tweaks for filming, revealing the curated nature of TV. This aligns with my observation that while renovations are real, timelines are compressed, often making 4–7 weeks seem like a week’s work.
Challenges and Controversies: Navigating Fame
The Scotts face scrutiny beyond the landfill incident. HGTV’s 2025 cancellations of shows like Bargain Block sparked fan backlash, with some on X (@HGTV) claiming the brothers’ new shows overshadowed others. Drew addressed this on The Jennifer Hudson Show (2025), saying, “We’re storytellers, not schedulers. We focus on families.” Their dating lives—Drew’s marriage and Jonathan’s engagement—also draw attention, with fans curious about Zooey Deschanel’s influence on Jonathan’s designs.
Why Their Approach Resonates
The Scotts’ appeal lies in their relatability. Unlike other hosts, they don’t charge homeowners, and their $90,000 minimum budget rule ensures feasible projects. Their new show, Don’t Hate Your House (delayed to late 2025), tackles dysfunctional homes, reflecting their problem-solving ethos. My perspective, shaped by industry trends, suggests their focus on sustainability—using local contractors and eco-friendly materials—sets them apart. Data from HGTV’s 2024 report shows their shows retain 12–14 million viewers per season, proving their staying power.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Trust and Transformation
Drew and Jonathan Scott’s cancellation of filming over an illegal renovation reflects their unwavering principles. At 47, with a $200 million net worth, married (Drew) and engaged (Jonathan), they continue to innovate in real estate and TV. Their height, charisma, and expertise make them HGTV staples. For more, visit their Wikipedia page or follow @MrDrewScott and @JonathanScott on X. Explore their latest projects on HGTV’s official site.
