Chip Gaines addressed criticism from Christian leaders after Magnolia Network’s new show features same-sex family as part of the cast.
The Fixer Upper alum and his wife Joanna Gaines are facing backlash following the July 10 premiere of Back to the Frontier, a new reality show on HBO Max about three modern families attempting to live like 1880s homesteaders. The Magnolia Network series includes a same-sex couple—two Texas dads raising 10-year-old twin sons born via surrogate—prompting criticism from several conservative Christian leaders and organizations.
While the show was promoted as “family-friendly unscripted programming,” some critics accused the couple of promoting what they called an “anti-biblical lifestyle,” questioning the compatibility of the series’ casting with the Gaines’ long-professed Christian faith.
Among the most vocal was Reverend Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, who called the decision to feature a gay couple “very disappointing.”
“While we are to love people, we should love them enough to tell them the truth of God’s Word,” Graham wrote on social media. “His Word is absolute truth. God’s design for marriage is between one man and one woman. Promoting something that God defines as sin is in itself sin.”
Ed Vitagliano, vice president of the American Family Association, echoed the sentiment, calling the couple’s decision “sad and disappointing.”
“In the past, they have stood firm on the sanctity of marriage regardless of the personal cost that entailed,” Vitagliano said in a post to X. “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.”
Social media users also flooded Chip Gaines’ own July 10 post promoting the series, with thousands of comments criticizing the show’s casting. The reality star responded publicly on Sunday, urging followers to engage in thoughtful dialogue rather than quick condemnation.
“Talk, ask qustns [sic], listen… maybe even learn,” he wrote. “Too much to ask of modern American Christian culture. Judge 1st [sic], understand later/never.”
He added, “It’s a sad sunday [sic] when ‘non believers’ have never been confronted with hate or vitriol until they are introduced to a modern American Christian,” followed by a heartbreak emoji.
Gaines also engaged with Joel Berry, managing editor of Christian satire site The Babylon Bee, who encouraged him to take seriously the concerns of Christian fans.
“Don’t be sad Joel.. plenty of other stuff out there,” Gaines replied. “I’m sure everyone will be fine. BUT I sincerely appreciate the advice about taking some of the thoughtful, heartfelt, encouraging constructive criticism to heart.. and I certainly will.”
The Magnolia Network was launched by the Gaineses in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery, and Back to the Frontier is among its newest series, blending lifestyle storytelling with a reality competition twist. Whether the backlash will impact the show’s future remains to be seen, but for now, Gaines is standing firm while encouraging open-minded conversation.
