With The Block’s latest season leaving some viewers frustrated, fans have taken a trip down memory lane to reveal which seasons of the renovation show remain their favourites.
In a Reddit thread titled ‘What has been your favourite series of The Block so far, and why?’, one fan asked viewers to share their picks, particularly given the “running themes of general frustration” surrounding the current season.
And while everyone had their own reasons for loving certain years, a few familiar favourites kept popping up, including Elsternwick, The Oslo and the season featuring fan-favourite duo Ronnie and Georgia.
The Block’s 2020 season still has fans talking
For one fan, the 2020 season was the last time the show really hit the mark, thanks largely to the contestants’ relationships with one another.
“I feel like 2020 was the last really good season. There have been certain teams I’ve enjoyed since then but the show hasn’t been the same,” the fan wrote.
“I loved 2020 for how well all the teams got along and it was really a vibe of all of them vs the chaos COVID threw at them.”
They also spotlighted 2019, writing that they “loved at least four of the five teams that year and even the team I didn’t really care for that much, they have such mild traits that I don’t like”.
They added: “Specifically in 2021, I loved Jesse pretending he’s not a tiler and Keith being absolutely mind blown by how easily he learned to do difficult tile mitres and stuff. Classic, no harm done, silly sh*t.”
However, not everyone was keen to revisit the pandemic-era season.
“I really dislike 2020 because it’s somewhat traumatising to watch. They did as good a job as they could but it was a hard watch then and still is,” one person wrote.
Another viewer offered a different perspective, replying: “I found rewatching 2020 quite cathartic. But totally get why you would find it hard to watch.”
Elsternwick, The Soap Factory and The Oslo are fan favourites
Several viewers pointed to older seasons as the ones that have stood the test of time, with 2017’s Elsternwick receiving some particularly enthusiastic praise.
One fan shared: “My first proper sit down and pay attention season was Elsternwick and tbh, for me I still think it’s the best.”
Another agreed, writing: “This was the first Block season I watched, what a choice. It won’t be topped.”
A third viewer was also enjoying a rewatch, saying: “I’m watching this too and it’s so enjoyable! Still drama, still dodgy judge feedback but it’s SO MUCH BETTER! And you’re invested in the contestants (who actually work hard) instead of whatever the hell this year is!”
They also listed their “strong contenders for best seasons” as “Elsternwick, Soap factory, The Oslo”.
Elsewhere, one fan kept their list short and sweet, naming “Sky High, The Soap Factory, Elsternwick, The Oslo, The Gatwick”.
Other viewers had a soft spot for the show’s earlier years, with one simply declaring their favourites were “the first three”.
Meanwhile, another fan highlighted “season 10 Triple Threat, Oslo, Blocktagon had its moments and the second fans vs favourites”.
It seems there’s no shortage of classic seasons fans would happily revisit, even if they can’t agree on just one.
Season 13 and Ronnie and Georgia remain iconic
For one particularly passionate fan, there was no competition when it came to picking the show’s standout season.
“Season 13 and always 13, it won’t be topped,” they shared.
They went on to explain exactly why the season remained such a memorable one, praising the contestants, twists and turns, and some seriously entertaining moments.
“Every team is amazing and entertaining in their own way, there are lot of twists and turns, an epic storyline about getting a plunge pool in that has a great payoff including some of the most evil blackmail you’ll see, Jason yelling at Ronnie ‘get your chequebook out’ and ‘show me the money’ was epic TV,” they wrote.
“Keith was still around doing Keith things and is missed. Ronnie (Ronnie and Georgia) is by far the best contestant they ever had.
“There is also (surprise, surprise) some crappy judging on garage and loft week that Scotty actually gets involved in to resolved with one of the teams.”
The praise for Ronnie and Georgia was echoed by another viewer, who wrote: “Agreed. Any season with Ronnie and Georgia was great — the all stars one too!”
Someone else added: “Love them as contestants!”
However, not everyone found that season an easy watch, with one fan explaining that a particular storyline took away from their enjoyment.
“I love Ronnie and Georgia as competitors but unfortunately the ‘scandal’ (not sure what episode you are on so won’t divulge it) on that season nearly ruined it for me,” they opined.
“To me after this season, the block changed from a building and reno show into focussing more on drama between houses and we’ve slowly lost any actually build or reno work.”
Fans want The Block to get back to its renovation roots
While viewers had plenty of different seasons to champion, one theme emerged throughout the discussion: some fans miss when the renovations and contestants’ work were the main attraction.
Between the fond memories of hardworking teams, entertaining personalities and classic moments, the Reddit thread showed just how much viewers value the balance between building, design and drama.
And with seasons like Elsternwick, The Soap Factory and The Oslo continuing to earn shout-outs, fans clearly have a few ideas about what made The Block must-watch television in its earlier years.
The Block 2027 airs Sunday — Wednesday on Channel 9 and 9Now.
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