The Real Reasons Why Hilary Farr Walked Away From Love It Or List It After 19 Seasons

The news sent shockwaves through the HGTV universe: After nearly two decades of witty banter, design triumphs, and playful rivalry with co-host David Visentin, interior design icon Hilary Farr officially announced her departure from the hit series Love It or List It. The decision, revealed in late 2023, marked the end of an era for one of television’s most beloved home renovation duos. As of December 12, 2025, fans are still grappling with the void left by her absence, leading to intense speculation about the true reasons behind her sudden exit.

The definitive answer to "why is Hilary Farr leaving the show" is a complex one, rooted not in behind-the-scenes drama, but in a profound personal desire for a new chapter and a better work-life balance. After 19 seasons and over 250 episodes of the demanding production schedule, Farr was ready to step away from the relentless cycle of renovation and real estate to pursue fresh creative challenges and, most importantly, prioritize her well-being.

Hilary Farr: A Complete Biography and Career Profile

Before she became a household name synonymous with high-end interior design and the phrase "Love It," Hilary Farr had a long and varied career that spanned multiple continents and professions. Her life story is a testament to her versatility, entrepreneurial spirit, and enduring artistic drive.

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• Full Name: Hilary Labow Farr
• Born: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Nationality: British-Canadian
• Date of Birth: August 31, 1952
• Primary Professions: Interior Designer, Television Host, Entrepreneur, Former Actress
• Early Life & Education: Farr was born in Toronto but spent a significant portion of her childhood in London, England. Her passion for design was reportedly sparked by helping her mother renovate their childhood home.
• Early Career (Acting): Before becoming a designer, Farr pursued an acting career in Los Angeles and the United Kingdom. She appeared in several films and theatrical productions, often under her maiden name.
• Notable Acting Roles: She famously had a small, uncredited role as Betty Munroe in the 1975 cult classic film The Rocky Horror Picture Show. She also appeared in films like City on Fire (1979), The Return (1980), and The Dead Zone (1983).
• Design Career Genesis: She began buying and renovating homes in Los Angeles, which eventually led her to establish her own design and renovation firm.
• Design Company: She is the founder of Hilary Farr Designs, a globally recognized interior design and renovation company, previously known as Design Build.
• Television Breakthrough: In 2010, she began co-hosting Love It or List It on HGTV (W Network in Canada) alongside real estate agent David Visentin, launching her to international stardom.
• Other HGTV Projects: In 2021, she premiered her solo show, Tough Love with Hilary Farr, where she helps families transform their homes and lives.

The Overwhelming Toll of 19 Seasons and the Need for New Challenges

The primary and most straightforward reason for Hilary Farr’s exit from Love It or List It was a simple, yet powerful, desire for change and a lighter schedule. After dedicating nearly two decades to the demanding production, the grind of constantly filming, designing, and managing construction projects had taken its toll on her personal life and energy levels. This realization was the catalyst for her decision to walk away from one of HGTV’s most successful franchises.

Seeking Fresh Creative Inspiration

Farr is a creative force who thrives on new challenges and complex design problems. She openly admitted that after 19 seasons, the format of Love It or List It had begun to feel "too easy." The repetitive cycle—renovate the existing home to convince the owners to "love it," while David Visentin tried to find a new home to convince them to "list it"—no longer provided the intellectual stimulation she craved.

For an entrepreneur and designer of her caliber, stagnation is the enemy of creativity. Her move is a classic example of an accomplished professional choosing growth and novelty over comfort and familiarity. She expressed a need to explore new opportunities that would allow her to use her skills in different, more challenging ways.

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Prioritizing Joy and Work-Life Balance

In interviews discussing her departure, Hilary Farr repeatedly emphasized her desire to "take joy out of every day." The intensive filming schedule of a hit reality television show like Love It or List It often requires long hours and constant travel, leaving little time for personal pursuits, family, and relaxation.

The decision to leave was a conscious choice to slow down and reclaim ownership of her time. This focus on personal well-being is a key element in understanding her exit, moving from a relentless work schedule to a more intentional, joyful pace of life.

The Health Revelation That Led to a Life Reassessment

While not the sole reason for her departure, a significant factor that contributed to Hilary Farr’s decision to reassess her life and career was her private battle with cancer. In 2023, she publicly revealed her journey with breast cancer, which included multiple diagnoses and treatments over several years.

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The Impact of a Cancer Diagnosis

A major health scare often prompts a profound reevaluation of one's priorities. Farr’s experience with breast cancer treatment, including a lumpectomy and radiation, brought an acute awareness of her mortality and the preciousness of her time. This health journey made her realize that the demanding schedule of the HGTV show was no longer sustainable or desirable.

She specifically mentioned that her health challenges were a major contributing factor to her final decision, forcing her to "rethink" her career trajectory. The emotional and physical toll of managing a serious illness while maintaining a high-profile television career is immense, and ultimately, she chose to focus on her health and happiness.

The End of the Hilarious Rivalry

Fans of the series will deeply miss the chemistry and playful antagonism between Hilary Farr and her co-host, real estate expert David Visentin. Their dynamic—Hilary arguing to "Love It" after her renovation, and David arguing to "List It" after showcasing a new home—was the heart of the show.

Despite their on-screen rivalry, the two share a deep, genuine friendship. Visentin publicly expressed his support and love for Farr following her announcement, highlighting the fact that their professional partnership was one of the longest-running and most successful in reality television history. Their friendship remains strong, even as their professional paths diverge.

What’s Next for Hilary Farr? Her Future Projects and New Direction

Hilary Farr is not retiring from television or the design world; she is simply shifting her focus to projects that offer more creative control and a less strenuous schedule. Her departure from Love It or List It is a transition, not an ending.

Focus on Solo Ventures and Design Collections

Farr is expected to dedicate more time to her solo HGTV series, Tough Love with Hilary Farr, which allows her to explore more complex family dynamics and design challenges outside the rigid structure of the "Love It or List It" format. This show provides her with the "new challenges" she has been seeking.

Furthermore, she will be expanding her work with Hilary Farr Designs. This includes her popular collections of furniture, lighting, area rugs, and home accessories. Her focus will be on growing her brand as a global design authority and connecting with her audience through products that embody her signature style.

Personal Renovations and Exploration

In a move that mirrors the show that made her famous, Farr has also been focusing on her own personal real estate and renovation projects. She has been chronicling the renovation of her own Toronto home, which she has owned for over two decades, to decide whether she should "love it or list it" herself. This personal project allows her to connect with the core themes of her career on her own terms and timeline.

Hilary Farr's exit from Love It or List It is ultimately a story about an accomplished woman choosing to prioritize her life, health, and passion for new creative frontiers. Fans can look forward to seeing her continue to inspire and innovate in the design world for years to come, just on a different stage.