A First-of-its-kind Competition Reality Series Begins Streaming today, May 5th
“Designed To Last, is a new first-of-its-kind branded reality competition series launching May 5th on Hulu. The four-part series, sponsored by American Family Insurance, reimagines how to think about protecting homes and families in an era of increasing climate risk
At the intersection of home protection, innovation, and entertainment, “Designed To Last” brings together architects, engineers, and inventors to tackle one of today’s most urgent challenges: safeguarding homes against unpredictable and extreme real-world conditions. Through high-stakes design challenges, the series showcases bold, innovative solutions that aim to fortify homes while inspiring audiences to think differently about preparedness, protection, and resilience.
The series Boston-based connection – host Maria Menounos
The series is hosted by Medford’s own Maria Menounos, and follows three teams of architects, engineers, and inventors as they compete in 10-hour build challenges, modifying tiny homes to withstand specific environmental hazards.
Teams Compete to Fortify Homes Against Environmental Hazards
Each episode focuses on a specific environmental threat—wind, water, snow/ice, and fire—highlighting vulnerabilities faced by homeowners across the country and exploring practical, forward-thinking ways for proactive structural protection and to prevent costly damage.
Their work is guided and evaluated by award-winning contractor Eric Eremita and renowned designer Wendell Holland, who judge each design on resilience, craftsmanship, practicality, and creativity under real-world testing conditions. The winning team earns a $100,000 grant to further develop their innovation, helping turn ideas into tangible solutions that can make a lasting impact.
“‘Designed to Last’ is where creativity meets consequence,” said host Maria Menounos. “These teams aren’t just designing beautiful spaces—they’re fighting to prove their ideas can survive anything, with Eric Eremita and Wendell Holland holding them to the highest standard.”
American Family Insurance and Disney Advertising Drive Branded Storytelling
The series highlights the growing importance of finding unexpected ways for brands to breakthrough and reach consumers. By joining forces with Disney Advertising and Hulu, American Family Insurance extends its influence into culture, leveraging world-class storytelling to educate and deliver meaningful, real-world value while elevating the brand.
This level of brand storytelling signals a shift toward more immersive content, where entertainment collaborations move beyond traditional :30 spots to deliver engaging, culturally relevant content that positions American Family Insurance at the forefront of a new, more connected era of narrative innovation.
“Through our collaboration with Disney Advertising we’re able to meet audiences where they are, highlighting the importance of proactive protection and inspiring people to safeguard what matters most,” said Sherina Smith, Chief Marketing Officer at American Family Insurance. “At American Family Insurance, our mission is to inspire, protect, and restore dreams — and the “Designed To Last” series brings that commitment to life by recognizing the home is where dreams begin.”
“The next evolution of brand storytelling is about delivering value, not just visibility.” said John Campbell, SVP, Entertainment and Streaming Solutions at Disney Advertising. “Together with American Family Insurance, ‘Designed To Last’ builds a story that combines compelling entertainment with practical insights to deliver experience more relevant, more useful, and ultimately more impactful for audiences.”
As weather-related damage continues to affect homeowners nationwide, the series underscores why proactive protection is so important. “Designed To Last” reflects American Family Insurance’s belief that protection is about safeguarding the people, dreams, and futures within them.
