Chip and Joanna Gaines, home improvement experts and hosts of the megahit reality show “Fixer Upper,” have long been darlings of the faith community. The Gaines' are beloved by many viewers for their strong family values and their outspoken Christian faith.
But their new show, “Back to the Frontier,” features something viewers weren't necessarily expecting: a gay couple. And religious television fans are not happy about this depiction of an American family that doesn't align with their biblical views.
But now Christian community is crying foul on a pair they once idolized, accusing them of turning their back on the faith-based community that made them so popular in the first place.
Christians React
Back to the Frontier follows three families as they live life on a 19th-century style homestead. Among those featured are two married dads and their twin sons.
Once this detail was made public, the backlash was swift.
Reverend Franklin Graham called the decision "very disappointing... Promoting something that God defines as sin is in itself sin." In a matter of days, his Facebook post decrying the couple’s newfound inclusivity garnered more than 225,000 reactions and nearly 40,000 comments.
Graham wasn’t the only conservative Christian upset at the apparent about-face. Across the internet, people of faith had strong reactions… most of them negative.
Was This a Betrayal?
Permeating the many reactions was a profound sense of betrayal. “This is sad and disappointing, because Chip and Joanna Gaines have been very influential in the evangelical community,” stated vice president of the American Family Association Ed Vitagliano.
“Moreover, in the past, they have stood firm on the sanctity of marriage regardless of the personal cost that has entailed. We aren’t sure why the Gaines have reversed course, but we are sure of this: Back to the Frontier promotes an unbiblical view of human sexuality, marriage, and family – a view no Christian should embrace.”
Chip and Jo Strike Back
As the controversy continues to rage, Chip took to Twitter/X to encourage his fellow Christians to open their hearts and minds, while also lambasting what he called the “judge first” approach of many religious fans.
Critics were eager to respond to this message:
In response to another user on that thread expressing her disappointment in the couple, Chip plainly stated, “‘judge not….’ ‘Love one another’ it's not difficult.”
When pressed by another user why he’s “promoting homosexuality as a Christian,” Chip merely responded with a Bible verse. “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord,” Chip retorted. “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” 1 Peter 3:15.”
The decision to show a gay couple was seemingly intentional – a purposeful change from “Fixer Upper,” which faced criticism for never featuring same-sex couples.
And others spoke up to defend the couple:
It would seem that for many of the Gaines' Christian fans, however, merely seeing a queer couple on television is enough for them to change the channel... and potentially write off Chip and Jo forever.
That’s the tension at the heart of this backlash: Is showing a same-sex couple on television the same as endorsing their love? And does putting a gay family on TV automatically go against Christian values?
12 comments
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Matthew Mastrogiovanni
So, Christians hate a loving gay couple and their children, because "The Bible".
When was a pedophile priest defrocked or excommunicated for breaking the law and their vows? The bible also says to clothe, feed and house the immigrant, but Christians applaud this gestapo-esque ICE.
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ServantOfJudgement
Mone talks. Jesus said money folk have a hard time with agreeing with him.
Never seen their junk before, the Gain$ show or whatever. Looking like I chose wisely.
Those Islam nations have homosexual reality shows all the time I hear. The cast gets changed out every episode.....
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James Riggle-Johnson
Evangelical Christians often complain that they’re being “canceled” for their beliefs—but now they’re trying to cancel Chip and Joanna Gaines for including a gay couple on their show. Do they not see the hypocrisy?
Let’s be honest: this is about the fear of seeing a gay couple on TV. As if showing two loving parents raising children is somehow dangerous. No one turns gay from watching a reality show—gay people are simply part of reality.
Mr. Gaines has asked viewers not to judge before watching. But judgment is exactly what happened. Maybe people should trust that he saw something meaningful here—something worth sharing with his audience. Watch the show. Learn something. It isn’t about “celebrating sin”—it’s about showing a family that loves each other like any other. That shouldn’t be controversial. It’s just human.
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Rev. Roe
If you are a true Christion and you do not agree With Chip and Jo being on a program, we’ll just go to another channel. God WILL be the judge. By you showing hatred you are no better than those you hate.
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Douglas Robert Spindler
When it comes to Christians it's money first and God and faith second.
But who watches TV anymore or pays for cable?
The Christian views that are blowing up YouTube right now are the ones about the Mormon Moms followed by the devout Christians who have left the religion and explain why they left and the hypocrisy of the church.
For those who don't know the Mormon church is worth over $330 BILLION DOLLARS and owns over 2% of the land in Florida. For many this is PROOF God loves Mormons and the Mormon faith.
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Robert Gagnon
So the Christians like a certain show and they think they own it? Entertainment is out to gain as many watchers as possible, and this decision was made in a board room looking at numbers. The hosts had little say in it whatever their beliefs. You don't like the content then don't watch the show, I get it, but don't attack the actors. If this show focused on Christian values and family then this may be a strategic mistake like bud lite. Why rock the boat if a show is successful, then again maybe their ratings weren't so good.
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Rev. Carol M Anaski-Figurski
wow interesting article. I am surprised at the reaction. First of all, We are all Gods Children & He loves us all the same. All are welcome in heaven. Modern day religion accepts everyone. I am happy that the Gaines have LGBT Diversity. I am straight & I would eat at a restaurant or have a drink at a bar or go to a church that accepts LGBT. WE are all the same when we knee down at the cross & pray. in case you didn't know it LGBT is taught in schools at the 4th grade level for acceptance. Maybe you need to rewrite the bible. Blest Be. Amen Have a nice day be kind to others & be Grateful.
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Diane Minna LaFave
You guys rock! All people in the USA have the right to pursue happiness . There are gays in many shows [ home town among many others]. As long as it's consensual and of comparable ages it's not for us to judge . Chip and Jo , keep on being true to yourselves.
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Colleen McAllister
Really? Accepting someone who is a sinner? Treating them like normal people? Perhaps a few people should try learning more about Jesus and those He hung out with. Sinners all.
Oh and to all those judging the Gaines — you are all sinners as well. Until you acknowledge that you are far from being a real Christian.
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arawngraalrd
In Summerhill, A.S.Neil described how, of those who'd have told him they were gay, none of his graduates did, and all he asked, was that they be happy.
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Elizabeth Jane Erbe Wilcox
I have renewed admiration for Chip and Joanna Gaines.
I commend the Gaines empire for showing what is, in fact, a reality in these United States. Gay people exist. Families with gay parents exist. And have always existed since time immemorial. Jesus gave us a new paradigm, radical love, in which we love all no matter what. Jesus challenged us not to cast stones at others, but to care for the marginalized. This anti-Christian "Christianity" that is touted by some so-called Christians is anathema to the Jesus of the Bible and those who try to follow the Jesus Way. What Would Jesus Do? Just love and care for "them." Shame on the haters, Jesus called them out!