Chip Gaines responds to critics of same-sex couple on ‘Back to the Frontier’

WACO, Texas — Television personality Chip Gaines defended the inclusion of a same-sex couple in his new Magnolia Network series “Back to the Frontier” after facing criticism from conservative Christians who called the casting decision disappointing.

Gaines took to social media Sunday to defend the show, which features a gay couple, Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs. In a post on X, Gaines wrote: “Talk, ask qustns, listen.. maybe even learn. Too much to ask of modern American Christian culture. Judge 1st, understand later/never. It’s a sad sunday when ‘non believers’ have never been confronted with hate or vitriol until they are introduced to a modern American Christian.”

His response came after Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham, posted on X that he was “disappointed” the Gaineses featured a gay couple on their show. Graham wrote that “promoting something that God defines as sin is in itself sin.”

“Back to the Frontier,” which premiered July 10 on HBO Max and Magnolia Network, follows families as they trade in their modern-day comforts for eight weeks to experience what life was like in the 1880s. The show features three families, including Hanna and Riggs, a married couple raising 10-year-old twin boys in Dallas.

In response to the backlash, the couple shared a statement on their Instagram Stories: “Representation matters deeply – especially for those who are still finding the courage to live their truth. When families like ours are visible, it opens doors for others to feel safe, loved, and validated.”

Gaines continued defending the family’s inclusion, engaging with several critics on social media. When one user questioned him for “promoting homosexuality,” Gaines cited 1 Peter 3:15, which instructs Christians to “give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” but to do so “with gentleness and respect.”

“I really felt the hope, and gentleness and respect here,” Gaines added sarcastically.

After another called it “sad and disappointing,” Gaines responded: “There’s so much going on.. stuff that REALLY matters. Don’t be too ‘disappointed’ over this Britney, TV shows will come and go ya know.”

Among the more than 2,000 comments on related posts, many expressed anger or disappointment that the Gaineses had “compromised” their “Christian values” by featuring a gay couple on the show.

The Gaineses, who previously starred in HGTV’s mega-hit “Fixer Upper,” have faced scrutiny over LGBTQ+ representation in the past. Their church has been criticized for its stance on same-sex marriage, though the couple has never publicly stated their personal views on the issue.

Gaines concluded one exchange by telling a critic: “Remember Andrew the road ‘less traveled’ is the road of love and kindness and sincerely following Jesus. Loving your neighbors as yourself.. that’s a less traveled road.”

He followed up with another post on X a few hours later: “On our way to church.. Y’all enjoy this beautiful Sunday!”

The eight-part series continues to air on Magnolia Network and HBO Max.