My Reno Rules premiered on Tuesday night and it’s already dividing viewers, with some branding the new series a pale imitation of The Block.
Fronted by Dr Chris Brown, and featuring billionaire Block bidder Adrian Portelli, the program promises high-stakes reno drama, big personalities and an eye-watering cash prize for the winning team.
But for some viewers, the show didn’t quite deliver what they were expecting and they took to social media to share their frustration.
‘The show was disappointing. Definitely not the same calibre as The Block,’ one viewer sniped and a second added: ‘The Temu Block’.
‘Seven’s My Reno Rules is to Nine’s The Block what Seven’s Australian Spartan was to Nine’s Australian Ninja Warrior,’ someone else wrote.
Another sniped that the show’s format was not as engaging as its competitor, writing: ‘Hard to say you’re taking on The Block when only one team gets 100k and the rest go home with donuts!’
My Reno Rules premiered on Tuesday night and it’s already dividing viewers, with some branding the new series a pale imitation of The Block
But for some viewers, the show didn’t quite deliver what they were expecting and they took to social media to share their frustration
‘Too many ads. I’m done,’ another added.
However, others were fans of the new show, with one person describing it ‘great’, and another saying the cast were ‘hilarious’.
The launch comes after Portelli’s very public fallout with The Block, which he previously slammed as ‘completely out of touch and unrealistic’ following its controversial 2025 finale.
Now, he’s back in the reno arena, fronting a format that sees two teams of two take on two separate houses in a bid to impress a judging panel featuring design expert Neale Whitaker, buyer’s agent boss Simon Cohen, and interior stylist Julia Green.
‘Expect the unexpected from Adrian, as he ensures motivation levels on the building site match his expectations, in a way that only he can,’ a Channel Seven press release teased ahead of launch.
‘Suffice to say, lives will be transformed, futures secured, and teams left speechless.’
Episode one introduced viewers to the competing teams and their properties, with Portelli and Dr Chris overseeing proceedings as the contestants got their first taste of the challenge ahead.
House One is being tackled by Emma and Michelle – dubbed the fiery ‘Maltese Terriers’ – alongside Nathan and Julia. House Two features Franky and Isaac, plus newlyweds Mitch and Shaz.
Upset viewers vented the show was a pale imitation of Channel Nine’s long-running reality TV series, with one sniping it was ‘The Temu Block’. (Pictured: Block host Scott Cam)
My Reno Rules also features billionaire Block bidder Adrian Portelli
There was some early drama, with Emma and Michelle struggling to come to terms with their budget constraints, while wild Melbourne weather added pressure across both sites.
Despite the slow start, reaction online has been split, with some viewers already picking favourites and others unsure whether they’ll stick around for the full series.
The teams will compete as they renovate side-by-side homes purchased by Portelli, who will give them away when they’re finished.
