HGTV Programming Chief Was 55

HGTV programming boss Loren Ruch died Thursday morning at the age of 55, parent company Warner Bros Discovery has confirmed. Ruch, who was head of content at the WBD-owned cable network, had been battling acute myeloid leukemia.

Ruch was a popular figure within the unscripted television business and had been with the network and company for around 20 years. He was responsible for series such as Celebrity IOU, A Very Brady Renovation, Property Brothers: Forever Home, Battle on the Beach, Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge, My Lottery Dream Home and Flip or Flop.

He was named head of content at HGTV in January 2023 after he spent four years at the network as Group Senior Vice President of Development and Production. Before that he was VP Development and Programming for HGTV, DIY Network and Great American Country, having joined the then-Scripps-owned network in 2005 as an exec producer.

He also hosted the Discovery+ series HGTV House Party.

Before moving into the cable universe, Ruch spent 10 years at Fox’s Good Day LA and the nationally syndicated Good Day Live, where he won five Emmy Awards. He started his career in daytime talk and game shows including Home & Family, Love Connection and Family Feud.

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Channing Dungey, Chairman, Warner Bros. Television Group, paid tribute to Ruch in a memo to staff this morning, saying he leaves a “distinguished legacy” at the company.

“Throughout his three-decade career, Loren was the rare leader who lifted everyone around him. Known for his unwavering dedication, endless kindness, and unshakeable integrity, Loren built not only hit shows but enduring relationships, serving as mentor, advocate and true friend to countless colleagues across the television landscape. His impact stretched far beyond the screen. Loren was the connective tissue of every room he entered – the glue that bound teams, departments, and friendships. He possessed the rare gift of making people feel seen, valued, and inspired to do their best work,” she wrote.

“For Loren, work was never just about ratings or accolades, it was about people. He built teams that became families, forged friendships that lasted lifetimes, and leaves behind a legacy of creativity, compassion, and joy,” she added. “For those of us lucky enough to have known and loved Loren, the things we remember, and cherish go far beyond his professional accomplishments. We warmly recall the way he supported his team and his colleagues, celebrating their victories and lending a sympathetic ear when things were difficult. Loren’s light touched everyone lucky enough to know him. Though gone too soon, he leaves behind a lasting imprint on both the television industry and the lives of those who loved him.”

She also called him a “tireless champion of inclusivity and representation.” He served as a board member of Live Out Loud, which supports and empowers LGBTQ+ youth.

Ruch is survived by his husband, David Salas; mother Dolly Norris; father Larry Ruch; and brother Geoffrey Ruch.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation or Be the Match in his honor.