Answer extracted from the Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! podcast — listen to the full episode below.
How Does Leslie Jones Critique Airbnbs on Her New HGTV Show?
Roast My Rental is a two-part format where Leslie Jones enters short-term rental properties and delivers brutally honest design critiques, followed by a makeover expert who fixes the space. Jones uses unflinching language about furniture choices and layouts, asking residents directly why they selected certain elements.
The show's appeal lies in its directness. Jones doesn't soften her assessment—she tells renters plainly that their rental isn't working, using what she calls a "loving" approach to criticism. Her method combines comedic timing with genuine design feedback, turning rental property failures into entertainment while positioning the second half of each episode as the solution.
As discussed on the podcast, Jones draws on her background as a stand-up comedian to make the critique process compelling rather than purely instructional. The format succeeds because viewers get both the satisfaction of seeing a space torn down honestly and the gratification of watching it be rebuilt.
"I lovingly tell you that their rental sucks."
Leslie Jones — Stand-up Comedian and Host, HGTV. Jones was a basketball player at Colorado State University before launching her stand-up career after winning a funniest person on campus competition. She was personally recommended to Saturday Night Live by Chris Rock, where she became a major cast member. She is currently hosting Roast My Rental on HGTV while undertaking a new national stand-up tour.
The formula reflects a broader trend in renovation television where personality-driven critique has become as important as the actual design work. Jones' willingness to ask residents uncomfortable questions—why did you choose that color, that furniture arrangement, that décor—creates authentic moments that extend beyond typical makeover show formulas.
What makes Roast My Rental distinct is the separation of roles. Jones handles the critique, while someone else handles the fix. This split allows her to focus purely on honesty without needing to pivot to solutions, and it gives the second part of the episode room to demonstrate transformation. Renters get feedback that stings a little, but they also get a clear path to improvement—all within one episode.
See also
How did a stand-up comedian transition from playing college basketball to winning their first comedy competition?
Leslie Jones was a basketball player at Colorado State University with a 1.7 GPA, spending most of her time partying rather than studying. A friend recognized her comedic talent at a campus event and encouraged her to enter a competition.
Did Lilly King engage in trash talk with competitors before races?
King confirmed she did talk trash to opponents before races, noting that her competitors did not appreciate it. She acknowledged tension in competitive moments when trash-talking became part of her pre-race strategy.
How does Lilly King describe the mental pressure of competing at Olympic trials in swimming?
King described Olympic trials as uniquely high-pressure because the entire point of the meet is to finish in the top two in your event in order to make the Olympic team, creating an extremely demanding competitive environment.