UPDATE: I've gotten confirmation that HGTV has changed its schedule for the Rehab Addict episodes featuring LeBron James. Six episodes will focus on the project and will air at these times: 9 p.m. Nov. 20, Dec. 4, Dec. 11 and Dec. 18, plus back-to-back episides at 9 and 9:30 p.m. Jan. 1.
Tomorrow night, HGTV airs the first of five – or is it six? – episodes of Rehab Addict featuring last August’s home renovation in Akron by LeBron James and an army of volunteers.
There’s some confusion about the number of episodes, but more on that later. One thing we do know for sure: The first episode airs at 9 p.m. Thursday on HGTV.
I got a sneak peek at the first show, which focuses on the remodeling of the kitchen and the installation of a concrete driveway and paver patio. I was pleased to see that the episode put considerable focus on the volunteers and on Mariah Riley, the Akron sixth-grader who won the home renovation. She was chosen in a drawing that involved participants in James’ Wheels for Education mentoring program who had met certain educational and behavioral criteria.
Of course, the show gives plenty of air time to James, who’s seen doing tasks like wielding a sledgehammer and helping the show’s star, Nicole Curtis, wrestle a dishwasher into place.
You’ll also see Akron at its summertime best, with hydrangeas in bloom and folks hanging out at Lock 3 Park downtown. It’s refreshing to see that when the view outside the window is all barren trees and snow-covered grass.
According to HGTV, a total of five episodes are planned -- one each on Nov. 20, Dec. 4 and Dec. 11, and two on Dec. 18.
The LeBron James Family Foundation, however, released a different schedule with six episodes. According to that schedule, single episodes will air Nov. 20 and Dec. 4, 11 and 18, followed by a two-part special on Jan. 1.
I’ll let you know when I’ve got it all straightened out, but in the meantime, get the popcorn ready.