HGTV’s “House Hunters International” is back with a two-episode escape to far-flung locales, offering viewers a vicarious taste of international real estate and relationship dynamics. This time, the show sets its sights on Melbourne, Australia, and the French countryside, promising a blend of culinary aspirations, athletic ambitions, and the inevitable compromises that come with cohabitation.
First up, “Moving to Melbourne for Love and Food” introduces a couple on a visa-induced deadline. A chef with a discerning palate and his student partner find themselves scrambling for a suitable Melbourne abode. While the chef craves a state-of-the-art kitchen and ample space for hosting, his more budget-conscious partner tries to keep their culinary dreams from devouring their savings. Will they find a place that satisfies both their hunger for a stylish home and their need for financial stability? The inherent tension between high-end desires and practical limitations should be familiar to anyone who’s ever attempted to merge households, let alone across international borders.
The second helping of “House Hunters International,” titled “Teen Tennis Academy in France,” transports us to the world of competitive youth sports. A California teenager is trading sunny skies for the rigorous training of a French tennis academy. As she and her mother search for a home base, their priorities clash. Mom envisions a cozy, traditional French experience, while her daughter, laser-focused on her athletic pursuits, seeks a more modern, streamlined setup. Can they find common ground amidst the charming French villages and rigorous demands of a professional tennis track? The episode looks set to offer a poignant glimpse into the delicate balance between parental support and a teenager’s yearning for independence.
Tune in to HGTV on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 10:00 PM for this double dose of “House Hunters International.”