Rock the Block Season 6: Why the Format Was Flawed—And Why Tristyn and Kamohai Deserved the Win
The latest season of Rock the Block was anything but predictable. From bold design choices to new team dynamics, Season 6 brought serious shakeups. The most controversial? The “Veterans vs. Rookies” format—a concept that sounded exciting but ultimately felt uneven and unfair.
While the finale crowned Alison Victoria and Michel Smith Boyd as winners, I believe the true victors were Tristyn and Kamohai Kalama. Their design, collaboration, and authenticity shone all season long. Here’s why this season’s outcome left many of us questioning the direction of the show.
An Unbalanced Matchup
Pairing veterans with rookies might make for good TV drama, but in reality, it stacked the deck. Designers like Alison and Michel aren’t just seasoned—they’re HGTV royalty. They know the ins and outs of the show, the market, and even the production side of things.
On the other hand, rookies like the Kalamas were new to this scale of exposure, yet they carried themselves with incredible professionalism. They focused on the work—crafting elevated, modern spaces with real livability—and did it all without the leverage of industry favors.
The Casita That Tipped the Scale
One of the most talked-about elements of the season was Alison and Michel’s container-style casita. A guest suite addition that—let’s be honest—no rookie team could’ve pulled off under the same circumstances.
Alison openly admitted to calling in favors:
“I know a lot of people in this town.”
That admission alone says everything about the imbalance. If the competition is supposedly constrained by the same budget for everyone, how is pulling strings to bring in extra amenities fair? It’s not clever strategy—it’s privilege in action.
Why Tristyn and Kamohai Should Have Won
From start to finish, Tristyn and Kamohai delivered thoughtful, cohesive design. They brought a mix of modern sophistication and warm family vibes that felt completely in tune with the Utah market. Their Hawaiian influence was subtle but meaningful, giving their home a unique personality while staying universally appealing.
More importantly, they did it all with grace. They respected the process, stayed on budget, and didn’t rely on outside help or production tricks. That kind of authenticity and creativity is what Rock the Block should be celebrating.
Design vs. Drama: A Season Divided
As the season progressed, the cracks in the "Veterans vs. Rookies" structure became more obvious. The veterans had more screen presence, more budget wiggle room (intended or not), and more influence over the narrative.
Meanwhile, teams like the Kalamas not only had to compete—they had to prove themselves constantly. And despite all of that, they consistently impressed.
Let’s also not forget the dynamic between Alison and Michel. Their partnership felt off—sometimes even tense. Their designs didn’t always mesh, and their celebratory moments were noticeably disconnected. That’s not a team in sync—that’s two designers trying to coexist on camera.
Final Thoughts: Time to Rebalance the Block
Season 6 left many fans divided, and for good reason. Rock the Block works best when it focuses on creativity, not credentials. When it rewards innovation, not influence.
Tristyn and Kamohai brought the heart, soul, and strategy that this show was built on. In my opinion, they were the true winners—hands down.
If there's a Season 7, I hope we return to a format that levels the playing field. Because great design doesn’t need celebrity—it just needs vision, heart, and a fair shot.