Lara Spencer’s competition show premieres tonight on Freeform, teams thrift their way to win

Show summary Hide summary

• 🔥 Quick Facts
• The Treasure Hunt Concept You Won’t Want to Miss
• Meet the Style Experts Judging Tonight’s Battles
• Competition Details and Show Format Breakdown
• Why Lara Spencer’s Return to Design Television Matters
• Where to Watch and What Happens After Tonight’s Premiere
• Will Tonight’s Premiere Launch a New Design Television Era for Lara Spencer?
  • Watch the Official Trailer
  • Sources

Lara Spencer brings her love of thrifting back to television tonight with an all-new competition show premiering on Freeform. That Thrifting Show airs at 9 p.m., and two designer duos will race the clock with just $2,000 and 2 days to transform identical rooms using vintage finds. What makes it unmissable, the judges are here to critique each spectacular transformation.

The Treasure Hunt Concept You Won’t Want to Miss

Lara Spencer describes this show as “the ultimate treasure hunt,” and she’s exactly right. Each episode features two design teams competing head-to-head in what’s essentially a nail-biting race against time. The talented Good Morning America anchor hosts as contestants hunt through thrift shops, flea markets, and even dumpsters to uncover hidden gems for their room makeovers. One preview shows a team literally diving into a dumpster while Spencer cheers them on, capturing the genuine excitement that defines the series.

Unlike typical home renovation shows, this competition celebrates sustainable design and the art of finding beauty in vintage treasures. Contestants must showcase creativity and vision while staying within strict time and budget constraints, making each episode unpredictable and thrilling.

Meet the Style Experts Judging Tonight’s Battles

Three powerhouse design experts will evaluate every team’s thrifting decisions and design execution. Robert Hartwell, a Broadway star known for his design expertise, joins forces with interior designer Dani Klarić and TV host Preston Konrad. Together, they bring diverse perspectives to critiquing vintage selections and room transformations. Their evaluations will determine which team walks away victorious each episode.

The judging panel represents different corners of the design world, ensuring contestants face well-rounded feedback. Hartwell’s theatrical background brings dramatic flair, Klarić’s interior expertise grounds assessments in practical design principles, and Konrad’s television experience ensures engaging commentary throughout judging segments.

Competition Details and Show Format Breakdown

Competition Element	Details
Time Limit	2 days to complete room design
Budget Per Team	$2,000 for all thrifted pieces
Shopping Locations	Thrift shops, flea markets, dumpsters allowed
Room Challenge	Two teams decorate identical spaces
Series Total	12 episodes with first 6 on Hulu next day

“It’s literally a treasure hunt. We have two identical rooms. You guys have two days and a $2,000 budget. Thrift shops, flea markets, I don’t care where you get these pieces.”

Lara Spencer, Host

Why Lara Spencer’s Return to Design Television Matters

This marks Spencer’s grand return to design television more than six years after her beloved HGTV series Flea Market Flip ended in 2019. That show ran for 14 successful seasons, establishing Spencer as a trusted voice in vintage design and sustainable living. Her new venture on Freeform signals a shift in her career focus, even as she continues as a Good Morning America co-anchor. The show also pulls from her professional background as a true vintage design expert.

Spencer serves as executive producer alongside her hosting duties, giving her creative control over the show’s vision and direction. This involvement suggests she’s committed to delivering something fresh while honoring what made her previous design work resonate with audiences everywhere.

Where to Watch and What Happens After Tonight’s Premiere

Viewers can tune in at 9 p.m. on Freeform for tonight’s premiere episode. The first six episodes will be available to stream on Hulu the following day, March 20. This dual-platform release strategy allows viewers to either catch episodes live on cable or binge the early season on streaming. The remaining episodes will roll out on their respective schedules.

With 12 episodes total in this inaugural season, fans can expect sustained drama, creative breakthroughs, and shocking design moments throughout spring 2026. Given the quality of the trailer and Spencer’s track record, this competition show promises to be essential viewing for anyone who loves design, thrifting, and high-stakes television entertainment.

Will Tonight’s Premiere Launch a New Design Television Era for Lara Spencer?

The real question hovering over tonight’s debut is whether That Thrifting Show will become the next iconic design competition series. Spencer’s proven ability to engage audiences, combined with a fresh format emphasizing sustainability and creativity, creates strong audience appeal. The chemistry between Spencer and her three judges could determine whether viewers return week after week.

Designers and thrifting enthusiasts will undoubtedly flock to see how these teams approach their challenges. The show’s emphasis on finding vintage treasures in unconventional places, paired with genuine time pressure, separates it from typical home makeover television. If tonight’s premiere captures the excitement promised in early trailers, Lara Spencer may have just launched her biggest success since Flea Market Flip’s original run ended years ago.

Sources

• People Magazine – Exclusive trailer reveal and premiere date confirmation with Spencer commentary
• Freeform Official – Show format details, judge announcements, and episode information
• Variety – Industry coverage of Spencer’s television return and production details