‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’ Returns for Four Holiday Specials

The heart-tugging, original feel-good series, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” returns to ABC with four special holiday-themed episodes. The first episode will premiere Monday, November 26 at 9:01 pm ET, immediately following the ‘Dancing with the Stars: All-Stars’ Performance Finale on the ABC Television Network. The remaining three episodes will air on the following three Mondays, December 3, December 10 and December 17.

Guest host Jenny McCarthy visits the Watson Family of Knoxville, TN in a special Thanksgiving-themed show. The Watson family has adopted children and runs a home for single mothers in need called Restoration House. The episode features a visit to the ‘Wipeout’ set and an appearance by UFC Champion fighter Jon ‘Bones’ Jones.

In a special Christmas-themed episode on Monday, December 3 at 8:00 pm ET and 9:00 pm ET, host Ty Pennington visits the Zdroj Family of Smithville, TX. Mizzy Zdroj is a female firefighter volunteer whose own home was destroyed by the largest wildfire in Texas history. The episode features an appearance by BMX biker Matt Hoffman, Chef Art Smith and some special guests from Star Wars.

On Monday, December 10 at 8:00 pm ET and 9:00 pm ET, host Ty Pennington brings a special holiday surprise the Friday family of Lincolnton, NC. The Fridays have been foster parents to more than 30 children, including adopting a family of five siblings. The episode features an appearance by racecar driver Michael Waltrip, the NBA Charlotte Bobcats’ female dance troupe, and even The Grinch shows up to help with the build.

And on Monday, December 17 at 8:00 pm ET and 9:00 pm ET, host Ty Pennington and the team of designers visit the Harris family of Smithville, TX for a Christmas-themed wounded veteran episode. While on patrol in Iraq, Shilo Harris was wounded by a massive IED blast. Shilo now fights for other wounded warriors to find jobs and emotional support upon their return to civilian life. The episode features appearances by J.R. Martinez (‘Dancing with the Stars,’ ‘All My Children’) and Country Music superstar Lee Greenwood, who performs ‘God Bless the U.S.A.’

‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,’ which aired for nine seasons on ABC, transformed the lives of thousands of deserving families and galvanized communities and businesses to help their neighbors in need. “EM:HE” also put a spotlight on causes that touched these families, ranging from the treatment of serious illnesses or accident victims and the importance of foster care & adoption, to helping veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress and the plight of the homeless, to campaigning against texting while driving and building coalitions to end bullying. Celebrities including First Lady Michelle Obama, Elton John, Robin Williams, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Keith Urban, Mariah Carey, Glenn Close, Tyler Perry, Mary J Blige, Carrie Underwood, David Duchovny, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Usher, KISS, Rihanna, Jessica Alba and Derek Jeter are among the many who “got on the bus” over the years to join the show. In addition, the series won multiple Emmys for Outstanding Reality Program, received six Emmy nominations, won two People’s Choice Awards and an NAACP Image Award, in addition to other honors.

“EM:HE” is produced by Endemol USA, of Endemol Holding, and executive-produced by Brady Connell & George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America.