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&E is debuting a fresh reality series that turns the spotlight on the commercial side of real estate. “The Real Estate Commission” will air eight episodes beginning October 12, following 44‑year‑old Albany broker Todd Drowlette as he navigates the world of strip malls, office towers and warehouses. Drowlette, who founded Titan Commercial Realty Group a decade ago, wants to prove that non‑residential property deals can be as thrilling as the glitz of “Selling Sunset” or “Million Dollar Listing.”
The show alternates between leasing and selling. In one episode Drowlette helps a large discount retailer secure a storefront; in another he tries to sell a Syracuse‑area apartment building or a rundown Albany office complex. He argues that investors who dislike the hassles of residential tenancy can find lucrative opportunities in commercial real estate. “There are other ways to invest that don’t involve toilets or tenants,” he told Business Insider.
Drowlette is critical of the melodrama that often characterizes reality TV. He promises viewers an honest look at the highs and lows of dealmaking, even when a transaction falls apart multiple times. “A good deal can collapse three times before it actually closes,” he said. One episode documents a failed purchase of a law‑firm office that collapsed after months of negotiation, forcing the crew to restart the storyline to fill a 30‑minute slot.
Growing up in Malone, New York, Drowlette entered commercial real estate after college through a connection. His first big break came when he secured a long‑term assignment leasing Starbucks locations in upstate New York. He later launched his own brokerage, now staffed by eight agents. Unlike most real‑estate shows set in major metros, “The Real Estate Commission” follows Drowlette through quieter markets in upstate New York, Vermont, and Pennsylvania, where the stakes are still high but the scenery is less flashy.
Executive producer Justin Cerone, who has worked on “Tiny House Nation,” says the series’ appeal lies in its relatable stories rather than its scale. “It’s everyday people, and there’s drama and lessons to be learned,” he explained. Barbara Corcoran, the “Shark Tank” founder, praised the need for fresh angles in real‑estate reality TV. She noted that while commercial deals can seem dry, a compelling narrative can turn ordinary material into television gold. Corcoran, who hadn’t heard of the show before, expressed genuine interest in watching it, joking that she might get jealous if it’s too good.
“The Real Estate Commission” is produced by Titan American Studios LLC and promises to give viewers a behind‑the‑scenes look at the multitrillion‑dollar commercial property market, offering a new perspective for those who want to escape the traditional residential landlord model.
