Backyard Builds is a Canadian home renovation reality series, which premiered in 2017 on HGTV (Corus).[1] Hosted by designer Sarah Keenleyside and contractor Brian McCourt, the series features the duo redesigning and renovating homeowners’ back yards into more flexible and versatile outdoor living spaces.[2]
The series received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Lifestyle Program or Series at the 6th Canadian Screen Awards in 2018.[3]
Production of the series went into hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada,[4] with its final episodes airing in 2021. McCourt subsequently launched a home decor line for Harry Rosen[5] and continued with his own design and construction firm, Brian McCourt Designs, while Keenleyside moved to Prince Edward County in 2024 with her husband, singer-songwriter Justin Rutledge, and returned to television in 2026 in the new HGTV (Rogers) show The County.[6]
References
- ^ “Backyard Builds takes renos outdoors in new series”. Halifax Chronicle-Herald, April 6, 2017.
- ^ “Investing in backyard retreats”. Windsor Star, April 29, 2017.
- ^ “Cardinal, Letterkenny and Kim’s Convenience top 2018 Canadian Screen Award nominees”. TV, eh?, January 16, 2018.
- ^ Gregory Furgala, “Sarah Keenleyside’s Backyard is (Finally) Fit For Shoulder Season”. Designlines, September 15, 2021.
- ^ Jean E. Palmieri, “Harry Rosen Offers Home Product Through Collab With Brian McCourt”. Women’s Wear Daily, September 30, 2022.
- ^ Karen Valihora, “All Things County”. Picton Gazette, March 25, 2026.