Find It, Fix It, Flog It

Find It, Fix It, Flog It is a Channel 4 programme that aired in 2016, aiming to engage viewers with an innovative blend of the decorating, hunting, and restoration show formats. Detail-oriented and brimming with suspenseful decision-making, the show draws audiences into the thrill of finding and restoring hidden treasures, with a view to maximising their profit at sale. The name "Find It, Fix It, Flog It" summates the process through which these discarded or disregarded items are rediscovered, rejuvenated and then resold.

The show's central characters are Simon O'Brien and Henry Cole, two highly skilled and eclectic presenters whose passion for their jobs is palpably infectious. Both with varied backgrounds in mechanics, carpentry, restoration and dealing in antiques, they bring a wealth of knowledge to the series, providing them with the expertise to transform even the most run-down items into sellable pieces. They function as investigators, restorers, and finally, sellers - or, as per the show’s title, "flog it".

Each episode begins with the duo travelling the UK to find potential treasures, scouring people's homes, barns, sheds, and even their garages. From vintage cars and agricultural machinery to unusual artefacts and antique furniture, nothing is off limits in their quest for the undiscovered. This phase of exploration is full of suspense and surprise as viewers are never sure what Simon and Henry are going to uncover in these often cluttered and dusty environments.

Once the items have been chosen, they are taken to a workshop where the hosts use their collective skills to restore, repurpose, or redesign them into something beautiful, functional, and, most importantly, saleable. "Fix It" challenges Simon and Henry's creativity and ingenuity. Watching an old, often neglected item restored to its former glory, or even reimagined into something completely new, gives a sense of satisfaction to the viewers. The transformative process often reveals fascinating historical facts about the items and offers useful tips on restoration, making it equally educational and entertaining for audiences.

The "Flog It" stage is the final test, putting Simon and Henry's hard work and judgement under scrutiny as the restored items go on sale. The duo sells the renovated pieces to independent shops, online platforms, or directly to their contacts. The suspense builds as viewers wait to find out if the sale price surpasses the cost of renovation. Any profits made are returned to the items' original owners, meaning that they can only gain from participating in the show.

Find It, Fix It, Flog It has daringly decided to stretch the boundaries of traditional antique-hunting shows, standing out in a crowded market with its fresh approach. The combination of exploration, restoration, and sale gives the programme an appealing progression arc, while the presence of historical and educational information adds depth. The randomness of the items found adds an element of unpredictability that keeps the interest of the viewers alive.

At the heart of the show is the burgeoning friendship between Cole and O’Brien, which is laced with gentle ribbing and warm camaraderie both on and off-screen. Their synergy and grid reaffirm the joy in working with hands, reviving the old and unloved, rejecting a throwaway culture, and instead, giving a second chance to overlooked or forgotten items. Their skill and experience ensure that nothing gets wasted, and swapping items around also contributes to a more sustainable living approach.

For audiences who love a good treasure hunt, enjoy seeing abandoned items being given a new lease of life or simply have an interest in antiques and history, Find It, Fix It, Flog It delivers all this in an engaging and entertaining way. It is not just a show about discovering and restoring objects - it's about exploring narratives, reviving history, discovering craftsmanship, and witnessing the transformation of the unwanted into something valuable.