Alison Victoria, the star of HGTV’s hit series ‘Sin City Rehab’, is back for an eagerly anticipated second season, shedding light on both the triumphs and challenges of the home renovation landscape in Las Vegas. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Victoria discussed her unique approach to reality television, emphasising her commitment to showcasing the multifaceted nature of her profession.
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At 44 years old, Victoria is firmly established in the competitive world of design and real estate. She has a distinct agenda for ‘Sin City Rehab’, promising viewers a balanced perspective by depicting “the good, the bad, and the really ugly part” of her business. This raw honesty, she argues, sets her apart from other personalities on the network. “It’s fully intentional”, Victoria asserts, explaining that her desire for authenticity has always been at the heart of her TV career.
Victoria first garnered attention with her previous show ‘Windy City Rehab’, where she similarly highlighted the reality of home renovations. She recalls how her previous network, Discovery, encouraged her to reveal the unfiltered aspects of the industry. Viewers resonated with her candid approach, often expressing shock at the realities of the renovation process. “I wanted to show all aspects of this business,” she stated proudly, standing by her mission to depict the truth without glossing over the less glamorous elements.
Despite her efforts to carefully select collaborators, Victoria admits that the renovation sector can be riddled with deception. She recounted a recent incident involving an electrician who failed to meet her standards. “You’ve taken advantage of me,” she recounted telling him, expressing frustration at the lack of professionalism in some parts of the industry. “I wish there were cameras there,” she quipped, highlighting the unpredictable nature of her work.
While some viewers might not be interested in the drama of her professional life, Victoria believes that being true to herself is essential. Her narrative doesn’t shy away from conflict, including her past disputes with former business partner Donovan Eckhardt and encounters with difficult contractors. “If people don’t want to see that, that’s okay,” she acknowledges. “There are plenty of other HGTV shows that present a more polished, feel-good version of home design.”
In ‘Sin City Rehab’, Victoria aims to create a fresh narrative. Having returned to Las Vegas after leaving Chicago, she is eager to weave her personal experiences into the show. She explained her strategy for the new season, stating: “I’m going to make this year the year of saying yes. This season captures a blend of working with clients and really taking on new challenges.”
One of those challenges involved stepping outside her usual design comfort zone. During the season premiere, she tackled a kitchen project that deviated from her signature style, describing it as a refreshing experience. Her client expressed complete trust in her abilities, allowing Victoria the freedom to explore new design choices. “I’ve never done a kitchen like that,” she reflected, praising the outcome and feeling a deep sense of pride in her work.
As the second season unfolds, viewers can expect a blend of personal growth and creative exploration from Victoria. “I’m walking away from this season feeling almost like I was in a boxing match,” she said, referring to the intense journey of producing the series. “But the through line is my favourite part, which is I couldn’t be more excited for people to see the designs.”
Fans of ‘Sin City Rehab’ can catch the series airing on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HGTV, with episodes available for streaming on HBO Max the following day. As Alison Victoria continues to navigate the complexities of her industry, audiences are in for a compelling mix of authenticity, passion, and stunning design transformations.