HGTV gives hit 'Fixer Upper' a spinoff, finds 'Flip or Flop' solution

HGTV is milking Fixer Upper for all it's worth.

Scripps Networks' breakout hit, its most-watched series for the last two years, is finally getting a spinoff. The half-hour series will focus on one half of the Fixer Upper duo, Joanna Gaines, and her aesthetic approach to the show's weekly renovations. A preview of Behind the Design will air Tuesday, with more episodes expected to follow this year.

The spinoff is just one piece of a broad upfront slate that HGTV laid out Wednesday, but the most interesting bit of news might be that the series Flip or Flop is getting five new versions, set in different cities with different house-flipping couples. That latter detail is the most important.

The Orange County, Calif.-set Flip or Flop has been one of the most popular series on the HGTV schedule, despite the tabloid war between divorcing central duo Tarek and Christina El Moussa.

"The tremendous, consistent ratings success of the original Flip or Flop with Tarek and Christina El Moussa inspired us to take a new look at house flipping programming," said Scripps' U.S. programming and development GM Allison Page. "We saw an opportunity to highlight what works in other regions by featuring successful couples that had mastered the art of flipping in their town."

The new versions will take place in Las Vegas; Atlanta; Fort Worth, Texas; Nashville, Tenn.; and Chicago, while its original is still airing despite the behind-the-scenes turmoil.