I ran across a recent Associated Press story that said despite a national housing slowdown, TV shows showcasing home buying and home décor are as popular as ever.

Here’s an excerpt from the AP story:

A&E has several new programs in development. At least six new ones are beginning on TLC in the next year, starting with "Date My House," where former "Bachelor" Bob Guiney hosts a program where potential buyers spend a night in a home on the market.

HGTV had its highest prime-time ratings ever in January. Nine of its top 10 series deal with the housing market, including "House Hunters," ''My First Place," ''Hidden Potential," ''Buy Me" and "Design to Sell." The network did a special Feb. 29 theme day of "taking the big leap," or investing in that first house.

"What's driving interest right now is that people are worried about it — 'what's the value of my home? How can I increase interest in my home?'" said Jim Samples, HGTV president. "And then there's the 'life goes on' factor. People are still changing jobs, families are still getting bigger. If anything, they tend to nest in this environment."

I can’t claim a favorite, because I’ve seen so few. But I will admit to being instantly hooked on a recent weeknight by “My First Home” on TLC. It had all the vicarious pleasure of following along as two very different buyers navigated the ups and downs of buying. A sweet, young couple shopping mobile homes in North Carolina contrasted nicely off a Chicago bachelor who views dozens of condos in under a week and wants, among other amenities, a doorman. The one I saw also portrayed the real estate agents as friendly, available and hard working, which has got to feel good to an industry feeling the weight of sales activity declines, stubborn sellers and hesitant buyers.

Which shows are your favorites?