The new reality series, Back to the Frontier, has stirred up some serious talk. The show, starring Chip Gaines and his wife Joanna Gaines, features families leaving modern life behind. They try to live like pioneers from the 1800s. It’s a social experiment that tests their strength, patience, and even their sense of humor. But not everyone is happy about one detail: a same-sex couple is part of the cast.
Chip Gaines, age 50, quickly jumped in to defend the show. He took to X, formerly known as Twitter, on Sunday, July 13. He wrote about the need for open minds. "Talk, ask questions, listen… maybe even learn," Chip posted. "It’s too much to ask of modern American Christian culture. Judge first, understand later or never.” He then added a powerful thought. "It’s a sad Sunday when ‘non-believers’ have never faced hatred or hostility until they meet a modern American Christian.”
The Critic’s Stance
The criticism Chip referred to came partly from Franklin Graham, age 73. He is the son of famous evangelical pastor Billy Graham. Franklin Graham also posted on X about the HBO Max series. The show includes married couple Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs, along with their 10-year-old twin children. Graham shared his views on Saturday, July 12. He stated, “While we must love people, we must love them enough to tell them the truth of God’s Word." He continued, "His Word is absolute truth. God loves us, and His design for marriage is between a man and a woman. To promote something God defines as sin is itself sin.”
A Different View
Meanwhile, Jason Hanna, one of the featured cast members, spoke out positively about Back to the Frontier. He told Queerty the show offered “a grand and amazing opportunity to normalize same-sex couples and same-parent families.” Hanna said he felt very honored. He felt it was important that a same-sex couple was chosen as a modern family. He added, “We are your neighbors and your coworkers.”
Jason Hanna y Joe Riggs Michael Buckner/Getty Images
The Gaines’ Growing Empire
Back to the Frontier is just the latest project from Chip and Joanna Gaines. Their home and lifestyle brand started with Fixer Upper on HGTV. In 2022, they launched Magnolia Network, which replaced DIY Network. New shows like Back to the Frontier continue to expand their creative world.
Joanna, age 47, often talks about how she and Chip, who have five children—Drake (20), Ella (18), Duke (16), Emmie (15), and Crew (6)—handle their busy lives. She spoke to Us Weekly in March about their joint efforts. “Truly, there’s never a shortage of things we do together,” Joanna said. She also shared how they find new ways to connect. Working out together in their garage gym is one example. She noted that their support for each other there is the same as in the office or on a new project.
As their children grow older, their daily routines change. Joanna mentioned that exercising together and starting dance classes have been fun. “The key is to keep finding new ways to support each other as a team,” she explained. “That’s what keeps us strong, so we’re really enjoying this season.”