Nicole Curtis, the beloved star of Rehab Addict, captured hearts with her high-energy, hands-on approach to restoring historic homes. With her fast-talking enthusiasm and fierce dedication to her craft, Nicole quickly became a fixture on HGTV. However, in 2020, she made the surprising decision to step away from the show, leaving fans wondering what happened to the renovation expert and whether she would ever return to TV.
Rise to Fame: Nicole Curtis and Rehab Addict
Rehab Addict first aired on the DIY Network in 2010, where Nicole Curtis introduced viewers to her passion for restoring historic homes. Instead of gutting and modernizing these century-old properties, Nicole focused on bringing them back to their former glory, often working on a shoestring budget. Her love for pre-World War II homes, especially in struggling neighborhoods like those in Detroit, resonated with viewers, and her “preservation over demolition” approach set her apart from other renovation shows.
Nicole’s unfiltered personality and determination made her relatable. She was a single mother balancing motherhood and renovation projects, often facing financial and emotional hurdles along the way. In the early seasons, Nicole even admitted that her son’s college fund was tied up in one of her home flips, adding a layer of personal risk to the drama of the show.
By 2014, Rehab Addict had moved to HGTV, where it gained an even larger audience, turning Nicole Curtis into a household name. The show’s success led to spin-offs like Rehab Addict Rescue and Rehab Addict: Lake House Rescue. But as her career skyrocketed, the pressures of fame began to take their toll.
The Strain Behind the Scenes
While Nicole’s passion for renovation was undeniable, the fast pace of filming and her personal life challenges eventually became overwhelming. From 2015 to 2018, Nicole was in the midst of an intense custody battle with her ex-boyfriend, Shane Maguire, over their son, Harper. She was also handling lawsuits, a surprise pregnancy, and dealing with the fallout of her estrangement from her parents. At one point, her own father reportedly threatened to go to the press with unflattering information, adding to her emotional strain.
The pressure of being at the center of every renovation—managing everything from scouting properties to sourcing materials, to working with contractors on tight deadlines—became too much. In 2020, after years of non-stop filming, Nicole decided to take a break from television, telling People magazine she was “completely burned out.”
Stepping Away From the Spotlight
Nicole Curtis’ decision to step away from Rehab Addict came as a shock to her fans. For nearly a decade, viewers had watched her pour her heart and soul into each project, and it seemed unimaginable that she would walk away from something she loved so much. But for Nicole, it was a necessary step for her mental health and well-being. She took time to be a full-time mom and focus on her personal life, all while continuing her renovation projects at her own pace—without the pressure of a camera crew following her every move.
While Nicole stepped back from her regular series, she didn’t entirely disappear. In 2022, HGTV released Rehab Addict Rescue, where Nicole shifted roles to help families who were in over their heads with their own home renovations. She also returned for Lake House Rescue, focusing on a more personal project—renovating her own lake house.
The Comeback Is on the Horizon
Fans of Nicole Curtis will be happy to know that the queen of historic home restoration isn’t done with TV just yet. In a 2022 interview with House Beautiful, Nicole revealed that she’s planning a return to reality television, but this time on her own terms. After years of partnering with production companies, Nicole has started her own production company, giving her more control over the filming process. She hinted that while she’s still taking a break, cameras are rolling on some of her projects, teasing that these could be part of her future TV comeback.
Nicole is also expanding her brand in other ways. She has partnered with Walmart to release a line of bathroom vanities in 2025 and has a successful rug line. Despite her break from full-time television, she remains a force in the renovation and design world.
Looking Ahead
While Nicole Curtis may have taken time away from the spotlight, she is far from done with her passion for restoring historic homes. Her fans can expect her return to television, but with a focus on balance and creative freedom. In her own words, she promises: “We’re coming back. Otherwise, I’m making some expensive home movies.”
For now, fans can catch up on Rehab Addict and its spin-offs on Discovery+, but it seems the best may be yet to come for Nicole Curtis as she gears up for her next chapter. Whether she’s on TV or managing her Airbnb portfolio, one thing’s for sure—Nicole Curtis always finds a way to stay busy, and her love for restoring homes continues to inspire viewers everywhere.