Former HSN Host Valerie Stup and a Summer of Sadness: First Pebbles, Now Sprocket

Man, where do I even begin? This summer has been a complete whirlwind, and not in a good way. If you've been following the HSN world like I have—and let’s be real, a lot of us are still processing the big changes—you know it's been a ride. I’m Justin, 31, and I've been watching HSN for as long as I can remember. The move from the old St. Pete studios to the new ones at QVC's Studio Park was huge. It felt like the end of an era. And with it, we said goodbye to a lot of familiar faces, including Valerie Stup.

Valerie was one of my favorite hosts. She just had this energy, this genuine warmth that came through the screen. She was always so good at making you feel like you were part of the conversation, not just a viewer. When she announced she was leaving on June 24th, just before the big switch, it felt like another piece of the old HSN was gone forever. It was a bummer, for sure, but I totally get it. After nine years of being a host, you can bet she earned a break. She and her husband, Justin Smith, were ready for their next chapter, and I was genuinely happy for them.

I’ve followed Valerie on social media for a while, and it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster to see what she’s been going through. On July 24th, she posted the heart-wrenching news that her sweet little Maltipoo, Pebbles, had passed away. Pebbles was only four years old. That's way too young for a dog to go. Anyone who has a pet knows they're not just an animal; they’re family. A pet’s love is unconditional, and losing them is like losing a piece of your heart. My heart went out to Valerie and Justin. I was just thinking about how tough that must have been for them, dealing with the loss of their beloved dog so soon after a major life change. I mean, it's a lot to process, you know?

Pebbles was a constant presence in Valerie’s life, often popping up in her social media posts, a fluffy little ball of joy. You could tell how much she was loved and how much she brightened their lives. Losing a young dog like that, it just feels so unfair. You expect to have them for so much longer, to make so many more memories.

Then, just when I thought the dust might be settling, a new, even sadder piece of news hit. On August 12th, exactly 19 days after Pebbles’ passing, Valerie posted again. This time, it was about her Biewer Yorkie, Sprocket. Sprocket had been with them for 12 years. He was the elder statesman of their little family. Twelve years is a good, long run for a dog, but it doesn't make the goodbye any easier. I saw the pictures of him, a little guy with so much personality. It just made me so sad to think that they had to go through this all over again.

Imagine the emotional toll that must take. You're grieving one family member, and then another one passes away so soon after. It's like the universe is just piling on. I can’t even fathom how difficult that must have been. It felt like this summer was just one gut punch after another for them. They were still mourning the loss of Pebbles, and now they had to say goodbye to Sprocket. It's truly a tragedy, first Pebbles, now Sprocket.

It’s crazy how connected you can feel to people you've only seen on TV. You follow their careers, you see glimpses of their personal lives through social media, and they become a part of your daily routine. Valerie was a part of so many people's lives through HSN. We celebrated her successes and now, it feels right to mourn with her during her time of loss.

Losing two pets in less than a month... that's just absolutely brutal. It's a reminder that life can be really unpredictable and unfair sometimes. My heart goes out to Valerie and Justin. I hope they are leaning on each other and finding comfort in the memories they have of both their sweet dogs. They brought so much joy to their lives, and that's something no amount of sadness can ever erase. It's a tough pill to swallow, but I hope they know so many people are thinking of them and sending them love.

It’s been a summer of immense change for the HSN family, both on and off the screen. From the studio switch to Valerie’s departure, and now this profound personal sadness, it's just a lot to process. But through it all, the one thing that stays the same is the community. We're all in this together, and we can show our support, even from a distance. May Sprocket and Pebbles rest in peace.

Former HSN Host Valerie Stup's Dog Pebbles Dies

 This is a tough one to write. Seriously, it's just one of those things that hits you right in the feels. I've been a huge fan of Valerie Stup's for years, ever since she joined HSN. She's got this infectious energy and her love for her family—including her fur babies—always shined through. I was pretty bummed when she announced she was leaving HSN on June 24, 2025. It felt like the end of an era, you know? But then, just a couple weeks later, something even more heartbreaking happened.

I'm writing this on July 27, 2025, and I've been thinking about it a lot. I'm sure most of you have seen the news on social media. On July 10, 2025, Valerie and her husband, Justin S., lost their sweet, four-year-old Maltipoo, Pebbles. My heart absolutely broke when I heard. Pebbles was more than just a dog; she was a member of their family, and you could see it in every single one of their posts. She had this little mischievous look and a ton of personality. She was so full of life, and it just doesn't make sense that she's gone.

Valerie and Justin S. shared the story, and it's a gut-wrenching one. They took Pebbles in for what was supposed to be a routine dental procedure. We're talking about a basic, common procedure. They even did all the right things, like getting pre-op blood work done. They wanted to make sure everything was safe, which is what any responsible pet parent would do. But something went terribly wrong. According to Valerie and Justin S., Pebbles was given Fentanyl, and she just never woke up. The fact that she was surrounded by strangers when she passed away is just... I can't even imagine. It's truly every pet owner's worst nightmare. You trust these people with your beloved animal, and then this happens. It's messed up, man.

The aftermath is almost as tragic. They had to pick up their baby's body and drive six hours, round trip, to UF Animal Hospital in Gainesville for a necropsy. A necropsy. Just saying that word out loud feels wrong. They're looking for answers, and I hope they get them. Four years old is way too young. She had so much life left to live. She leaves behind her 12-year-old brother, Sprocket, a Biewer Yorkie. My heart goes out to him, too. He's lost his sister and his playmate.

This is a reminder that life is so fragile. One minute you're celebrating a new chapter with Valerie leaving HSN, and the next you're faced with this kind of profound loss. It's a real wake-up call. It makes you want to hug your own pets a little tighter and be grateful for every single day you have with them. I've had my share of pets, and losing one is like losing a family member. It leaves a hole in your heart that nothing can ever truly fill.

I'm thinking of Valerie and Justin S. right now, and I hope they find some peace during this unbelievably difficult time. This is just brutal. My thoughts are with them.

End of an Era: HSN Closes St. Pete Campus After 37 Years, Moves Production to QVC's Pennsylvania Hub

 Yesterday, June 25, 2025, at precisely 12 noon, a significant chapter in the history of television retail officially closed as HSN permanently shut down its campus at 1 HSN Drive in St. Petersburg, Florida. This marks the end of an impressive 37-year run for the iconic shopping network in the Sunshine State, a move that sees live HSN show production officially transition to QVC's Studio Park in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

For over 37 years, the St. Pete campus served as the vibrant heart of HSN's operations, a legacy that began in December 1987 when the company relocated from its original Levitz studio in Clearwater. From December 1987 to its closure on June 25, 2025, HSN's St. Pete campus operated for 37 years and 7 months.

While the St. Pete campus has closed its doors, HSN's history stretches back even further. The network, originally known as the Home Shopping Club, first hit the airwaves over 42 years ago in 1982, with its initial studios based in Clearwater. For its first three years, the Home Shopping Club was exclusively a Florida phenomenon, before expanding nationwide in July 1985.

The consolidation of HSN's production into QVC's Studio Park in West Chester, Pennsylvania, is a direct result of the QVC Group's acquisition of HSN in 2017. This acquisition, which occurred approximately eight years prior to yesterday's campus closure, brought the two retail giants under one corporate umbrella. QVC's own studios have been located at Studio Park since September 1997, making it a well-established hub for live retail broadcasting.

The closure of the St. Petersburg campus is undoubtedly a bittersweet moment for many, particularly those who dedicated years to building HSN's presence in the community. However, as the world of retail continues to evolve, this strategic move aims to centralize operations and leverage the combined strengths of both beloved brands. While the physical address in St. Petersburg may be no more, the spirit of HSN will continue to connect with viewers from its new home in Pennsylvania.

Valerie Stup Leaves HSN

 Man, where does the time go? It feels like just yesterday I was watching HSN, and now, here we are. It's June 24, 2025, and a real end of an era is happening. Valerie Stup is leaving HSN. Seriously, nine years. That's a long time. It’s like, a third of my adult life. Kind of puts things in perspective, doesn't it?

I’ve been watching Valerie on HSN since 2016. She's one of those hosts who just gets it. You can tell she's passionate about the products, and she always makes it feel like she's just hanging out with you in your living room. No frills, just good vibes. It's a rare quality, and it’s why so many of us tuned in. She wasn't just a host; she was a staple. You’d flip on the TV, and she’d be there, sharing some cool new gadget or a killer fashion piece. She made it look so easy. I gotta hand it to her.

And you know, it’s not just her leaving HSN that's the big news. It's the whole domino effect. HSN's studios in St. Petersburg, Florida are expected to close tomorrow. Literally the day after Valerie's last show, the lights are going out at noon, and the whole operation is moving to QVC's Studio Park in West Chester, Pennsylvania. It's a huge deal. A physical studio that has been home to so many great hosts and products is just… gone. It's a bit crazy to think about. This is some next-level change.

What I find really cool is that even with all this change, it seems like Valerie and her husband, Justin Smith, are staying put in St. Pete. They’ve been married since 2009, so they’ve been a team for a long time. It's a smart move. They have their life there. Why uproot everything when you don't have to? It's nice to see some consistency in all this chaos.

And speaking of family, you can’t forget the real MVPs: her dogs. Sprocket, her 12-year-old male Biewer Yorkie, and Pebbles, her four-year-old female Maltipoo. Seriously, those two are part of the family. I have no doubt they’ll still be living it up with Valerie and Justin for the long haul. I mean, they’re family. You don’t just get rid of family. It’s just not how it works. And for what it's worth, I think they'll be together until at least one of them shuffles off this mortal coil. I hope they both have long and healthy lives.

Honestly, it's a bit of a bummer to see her go. But hey, all good things must come to an end, right? It’s part of life. You move on, you start new chapters. I'm excited to see what's next for Valerie. Maybe a new venture, or just some well-deserved time off. Whatever it is, I'm sure she'll crush it.

So, here’s to Valerie Stup. Thanks for the years of great TV. You will be missed. And to HSN, good luck with the move. It's a new beginning for everyone involved. What a ride.

Change is in the Air: My Thoughts on HSN's Big Move

As a long-time HSN fan, and someone who's practically grown up with the network, I've been doing a lot of thinking (and honestly, a little bit of grieving) since the big announcement on January 29th.

Forty-seven years. Can you believe it? HSN has been a staple in our homes for almost five decades, broadcasting from its iconic St. Pete headquarters. It's hard to imagine that come this summer, that chapter will close, and production of new live HSN shows will be moving all the way up to QVC's Studio Park in Pennsylvania.

This move means some big changes, and for us dedicated viewers, that includes saying goodbye to some familiar faces. It's tough to hear that Valerie Stup, who has been a host since 2016, will be leaving HSN this summer. I’m also going to miss Natasha Lloyd, Helen Keaney, Amy Morrison, Lynn Murphy, Marlo Smith, Rebecca Vargas, Michelle Yarn, and Guy Yovan. It's a bittersweet pill to swallow, knowing that these 10 talented hosts will be departing the network.

But here’s the thing, and I really want to emphasize this: just because they're leaving HSN doesn't mean I'm stopping being a fan! I mean, I've already been able to peek into Valerie Stup's non-HSN hosting work on her Vimeo account, and it's clear her talent extends far beyond the HSN studios. I can absolutely still be a Valerie Stup fan, and a Michelle Yarn fan, and an Amy Morrison fan. Their careers won't end when they walk out of the St. Pete studios for the last time. Plus, it's a small comfort knowing that these 10 amazing hosts are expected to stay right here in the Tampa Bay area for a while after their departures. So, who knows, maybe I'll even bump into one of them at the grocery store!

Speaking of past favorites, I'm also still a big fan of ex-HSN hosts like Michelle Sorro (who was there from 2011-2013), Carrie Smith (2011-2019), and Shannon Fox (2014-2023). I even recently watched a YouTube video about Shannon Fox's non-HSN TV appearances – it's fascinating to see where their paths have taken them!

Now, on the flip side of these goodbyes, we have the exciting news for those hosts who are making the move. Sarah Anderson, Debbie Denmon, Adam Freeman, Nicole Hickl, Tamara Hooks, Tina Jennings, Emily Lampa, Ty Mayberry, Callie Northagen, Suzanne Runyan, and Siaoming Wong will be packing their bags and heading to Pennsylvania. It makes sense that they'll likely be living in the Philadelphia area, right where the QVC hosts live.

And how cool is it that Suzanne Runyan is actually returning to QVC's Studio Park? She left QVC back in 2002 before moving to Florida and joining HSN in the mid-2000s. It’s like a full circle moment for her, and I can't wait to see her back in that environment, even if she's still repping HSN.

This whole situation is a big shift, and it’s definitely going to take some getting used to. Change can be hard, especially when it involves something you’ve loved for so long. But I'm choosing to look at it with an open mind. While I'll miss the familiar faces and the St. Pete connection, I'm also curious to see what this new chapter holds for HSN from its new home in Pennsylvania.

What are your thoughts on this big move? Are there any hosts you're particularly sad to see go, or excited to see continue? Let me know in the comments below!

Wink Martindale dies of lymphoma at 91

Oh man, this is a gut punch, seriously. Just heard the news, and it's like, what even is happening? Wink Martindale, a total legend, gone. April 15th, 2025, 91 years old. I mean, you know he lived a full life, but still, feels too soon, right? Like, I always just assumed Wink would be around, perpetually hosting some imaginary game show in the sky, you know?

My first thought was, "No way," because Wink Martindale is just one of those names that’s been there forever. Before my time, technically, but still, he's like a cultural touchstone. I remember catching reruns of "Tic-Tac-Dough" and "High Rollers" at my grandma's house when I was a kid. She loved that stuff, and honestly, so did I, even if I was mostly just trying to figure out how the heck you won the big bonus prize. Wink was the ultimate smooth operator, the guy who could make reading questions off cue cards feel like he was delivering Shakespeare. And that voice! So distinct. Like, you hear it, and you instantly think "game show host." He had that perfect blend of warmth and authority, never condescending, always just… Wink.

It's weird how these celebrity deaths hit you, even when it's someone from a different generation. It’s not like I personally knew the guy, but it feels like a piece of my childhood, or at least my nostalgic imagination, just vanished. You start thinking about all the people he entertained, all the careers he was a part of, the sheer volume of television he hosted. It’s insane when you really break it down. He wasn’t just a game show host; he was the game show host, for so many. Like, before the big prime-time reality competitions, there was Wink, making people's dreams come true, or at least giving them a shot at a new car or a lifetime supply of something random.

And 91! That's a good run, no doubt. He saw so much change in the entertainment industry, from the early days of television all the way up to… well, now. Imagine the stories he could tell, if only we were cool enough to sit down with him over a craft beer or something. He probably had wild anecdotes about network executives, contestants losing their minds, and all the behind-the-scenes chaos that we, as viewers, never even glimpsed. It makes you realize how much history these individuals carry with them. When they go, it's not just a person; it's a library of experiences, an era, that fades a little more.

I was just talking to my buddy Mark about it, and he was like, "Dude, remember when we tried to rewatch 'Tic-Tac-Dough' ironically, and then we just got super into it?" Yeah, that’s Wink Martindale’s power. He transcended irony. He was just genuinely good at what he did. It wasn’t about being flashy or over-the-top; it was about connecting with people, making them feel comfortable, and keeping the energy up. That’s a skill that a lot of today’s hosts could probably learn a thing or two from, honestly.

It also makes you think about mortality, man. Like, even legends eventually punch out. You hear about these figures who feel immortal, and then one day, they're not. It's a reminder to appreciate the people who shaped the culture around you, even the ones you only know from a screen. It’s a pretty profound moment, actually. Like, I’m sitting here, typing this on my laptop, probably wearing sweatpants, and thinking about a guy who was a household name before my parents were even born. That’s a trip.

So, yeah, goodbye, Wink Martindale. Thanks for the memories, the catchphrases, and for just being a constant, comforting presence in the background of so many lives. You were a true OG. Rest easy, legend. You definitely earned it. The game show in the sky just got its best host.

Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Richard Simmons, and Shannen Doherty die

Dude, okay, so, this is wild. I’m just scrolling through my phone, you know, doing the usual doom-scroll, and the amount of celebrity deaths this year is just... a lot. But what’s really tripping me out is this specific cluster of legends who all passed away in 2024. It feels like a moment, like a whole era just packed up its bags and dipped. We lost Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Richard Simmons, and Shannen Doherty, all within the same year. And not just the same year, but like, in this concentrated period of time. It’s like, what in the actual F?

First off, let’s talk about Dr. Ruth. I mean, my parents watched her, my grandparents probably watched her, and honestly, even I remember her from late-night TV and snippets on YouTube. This tiny, badass lady with her thick German accent just, like, revolutionized how we talk about sex. Seriously, she broke so many taboos. Like, before her, it was all hushed tones and euphemisms, and then she came along and was like, “No, let's just talk about it, already!” It was insane how open and direct she was. She died on July 12, 2024, at the age of 96. Ninety-six, man. That’s a life. I haven’t seen any official cause of death reported, but honestly, at 96, it’s probably just… time. It’s a sad loss, but you can't really be mad at a person who lived a full-on century-level life and changed the conversation for generations. She was a legend, plain and simple.

And then, on the very next day, July 13, 2024, we lost Richard Simmons. This one hits different, you know? Like, he's been out of the public eye for so long, and there were all these rumors and podcasts about where he was and what was going on. It was this whole mystery, and everyone was kinda just hoping he was okay, living his best life somewhere. And then, bam, he's gone. He was only 76. The reports say he died from blunt traumatic injuries from a fall he had a couple days before, with heart disease as a contributing factor. It’s so jarring. This guy, who was all about energy and movement and getting people to feel good about themselves, died from a fall. It just feels so... quiet for a guy who was so loud and colorful. His show, "Sweatin' to the Oldies," was iconic. My mom used to have the tapes, and sometimes I'd just walk in and he'd be there, on the screen, in his trademark sparkly tank top and Dolphin shorts, just bouncing around with this infectious energy, screaming "Come on, honey, you can do it!" He made fitness feel like a party, not a chore. He was so unapologetically himself, and that's just a vibe we don't see enough of. It’s a huge bummer.

And then, the trifecta. Also on July 13, 2024, we got the news that Shannen Doherty had passed away. This one just… it really got to me. She was so young, only 53. The cause of death was breast cancer, a battle she'd been fighting for years, so it wasn't a total shock, but it was still a gut punch. She was Brenda Walsh, dude. She was the original bad girl of our pop culture. Before the messy reality TV stars, before the Instagram drama, there was Shannen. She was the one you rooted for, even when she was acting out and getting into trouble on "Beverly Hills, 90210." And then she was Prue Halliwell in "Charmed," another show that just defined my childhood. Her characters were always so fierce and independent and sometimes a total train wreck, but you couldn't look away. It’s messed up how long she fought that disease and how public it all was. She was so brave, sharing her journey, the good days and the bad. It was a whole thing. She was a warrior, and it’s just so sad to see her go so early.

It’s just wild, man. Three cultural touchstones, all gone in the blink of an eye. It’s not just the individual losses, it's the feeling that a generation of icons is slowly fading. It makes you feel old, even though I'm only thirty. Like, these people shaped so much of the world I grew up in. Dr. Ruth, making sex and relationships okay to talk about. Richard Simmons, making fitness fun and approachable. And Shannen Doherty, giving us a complex, messy, and totally relatable female lead on TV. They were all pioneers in their own way. And to lose them all, almost at the same exact time, is just... it’s a lot to process. It makes you stop and think about the people who made your world a little brighter, a little more interesting. It's like, okay, so this is what it feels like when the history you lived through starts to become just history. And that’s a pretty weird and humbling feeling, honestly. Rest in peace, legends. You’re definitely missed.