HGTV’s Wild Vacation Rentals: D’Arcy Carden & Sherry Cola’s New Show or Wild Vacation Rentals: HGTV’s Funniest New Travel Show
HGTV’s programming often leans into the aspirational – the dream home, the perfect renovation. But sometimes, the channel delivers something delightfully…unexpected. Their latest offering, Wild Vacation Rentals, which premiered March 1st and is currently streaming via HBO Max, isn’t about fixing up a fixer-upper; it’s about experiencing the most outlandish, over-the-top vacation rentals America has to offer. And it’s a surprisingly addictive watch, largely thanks to the infectious energy of hosts D’Arcy Carden and Sherry Cola.
The premise is simple: each week, Carden and Cola visit three unique rentals in a given region and decide which one reigns supreme. The debut episode took them to Missouri and Arkansas, showcasing a cave transformed into a cozy getaway, a former missile silo offering a decidedly different kind of shelter, and a racing-themed Airbnb complete with its own racetrack. It’s a far cry from the typical HGTV fare, and that’s precisely the point.
From “The Great Place” to Potato Stays: D’Arcy Carden and Sherry Cola’s Unlikely Hosting Duo
What makes Wild Vacation Rentals work isn’t just the bizarre locations, but the dynamic between its hosts. D’Arcy Carden, best known for her role as Janet in “The Good Place” and more recently appearing in “Barry” and “A League of Their Own,” brings a dry wit and observational humor to the proceedings. Sherry Cola, who starred in “Joy Ride,” “Poker Face,” and “Turning Red,” provides the enthusiastic, often delightfully chaotic counterpoint. Their chemistry, described as “easy, unscripted,” by Collider, is the show’s secret weapon.
The pairing feels somewhat unexpected. Both actresses have established themselves in the comedy world, but primarily through scripted roles. This marks a significant foray into unscripted television for both of them. As Carden and Cola explained to CinemaBlend, the appeal lay in the opportunity to react genuinely to the unusual accommodations. They opted to go in “blind,” foregoing detailed information about the rentals in advance to maximize the surprise factor. This commitment to authenticity is palpable on screen.
HGTV’s Expanding Celebrity Universe
Wild Vacation Rentals represents a broader trend at HGTV: the increasing integration of celebrity hosts. The network, traditionally known for its home improvement experts, has been steadily adding personalities from the entertainment world to its lineup, alongside established franchises like “Property Brothers” and “House Hunters.” This strategy appears to be paying off, with Wild Vacation Rentals potentially being their “best one yet,” according to Collider. The show taps into the growing popularity of travel-based reality programming, offering a unique twist with its focus on quirky and unconventional accommodations.
The show’s appeal extends beyond simply showcasing unusual rentals. It’s about the experience, the adventure, and the willingness to step outside of one’s comfort zone. As Carden and Cola position it, you can choose the predictable hotel experience, or you can opt for a stay in a potato (yes, a literal potato is one of the rentals featured on the show). That sense of playful abandon is infectious, and it’s what makes Wild Vacation Rentals such a compelling watch.
Beyond the Novelty: A Call to Adventure?
The show’s impact, as noted by CinemaBlend, isn’t just entertainment; it’s inspirational. The hosts themselves acknowledge that viewers have expressed a desire to explore novel things after watching the show. Cola articulated this perfectly, suggesting that the show encourages viewers to “choose your own adventure,” opting for unique experiences over predictable comfort. This resonates in a post-pandemic world where many are re-evaluating their priorities and seeking more meaningful travel experiences.
The show’s format – visiting three locations per episode and crowning a “Must Stay” – provides a clear structure, but it’s the genuine reactions of Carden and Cola that elevate it. They aren’t afraid to be silly, to be surprised, or to simply enjoy the absurdity of it all. This authenticity is a key ingredient in the show’s success.
What’s on the Horizon for Wild Vacation Rentals?
Wild Vacation Rentals airs Mondays at 10:00 p.m. ET on HGTV, following new episodes of Bachelor Mansion Takeover. Even as HGTV hasn’t announced a second season, the show’s positive reception and strong social media buzz suggest a renewal is likely. Fans can also catch up on episodes via streaming on HBO Max. Given the vastness of the United States and the endless possibilities for unique rentals, the potential for future adventures is virtually limitless. And with Carden and Cola at the helm, those adventures are sure to be both hilarious and inspiring.