Weird Things About HGTV Couple Chip & Joanna Gaines' Marriage We Can't Ignore
Chip and Joanna Gaines have become one of HGTV's most beloved couples, thanks to their hit show "Fixer Upper" and their arguably relatable charm. At first, fans couldn't get enough of their chemistry, teamwork, and seemingly perfect family life. But with any couple, there's more than meets the eye. From the early days of their relationship to the pressures of building an empire, Chip and Joanna are no strangers to being knocked off their pedestal. Their marriage has been tested by everything from conflicting personalities to unexpected risks, and they have kept their bond amidst it all. While their love for each other is undeniable, there is some controversial history that we just can't ignore. Whether it's navigating different life approaches or sticking to certain values, there's a lot more going on in the Gaines household than just home renovations and shiplap walls.
Fans says on-camera dynamic has shifted
Chip and Joana Gaines have charmed millions with their HGTV show "Fixer Upper," but their seemingly perfect on-screen relationship isn't always isn't always as smooth behind the scenes. Fans have noticed tension at times. "Every episode they bicker about saving $5,000 on things that will make the house objectively better," one Reddit user pointed out. With another response, "Sorry, but this opinion is NOT unpopular and those two are insufferable," on the post.
One fan took it further, writing: "I am watching Fixer Upper: The Castle, and their relationship is almost unrecognizable. I used to love their show when they first became popular and thought they had a wonderful relationship. He was lighthearted and funny, she was more pragmatic and professional, but they played so well off each other. Watching the castle, it's like you're watching a couple that's trying not to argue in front of the kids and really can't stand each other." While these on-camera struggles are often played for laughs, it's clear that, like any couple, they have their disagreements. Unfortunately, all of their disagreements are played in front of a large audience, so everyone is going to chime in with their opinion. However, the one common denominator that seems to run through the feedback is that there has been a shift in their relationship dynamic since the show's beginning.
Solace in controversial religion
Chip and Joanna Gaines have been open about their relationship with their Christian faith. Perhaps the couple has found solace from the pressures of public life in the church. However, their connection to the Antioch Community Church in Waco, Texas, has stirred some controversy, as the church has faced criticism for its conservative views on certain social issues, particularly regarding LGTBQ+ rights. In 2016, BuzzFeed exposed the fact their church and its pastor, Jimmy Seibert, are "firmly against same-sex marriage." Chip responded to the controversy in a blog post the following year: "Joanna and I have personal convictions. One of them is this: we care about you for the simple fact that you are a person, our neighbor on planet earth," he wrote.
However, Jonna Gaines has continued to cling tight to her religion. "That's something that since I was a little girl, I've experienced God in that real way, very relational," Joanna Gaines told Oprah during an episode of "Super Soul Sunday" (via The Christian Post). "I'm very realistic. I need to hear it. I'm literal. And so that's how He shows up for me," she added. Despite public scrutiny, the Gaines seem attached to their controversial church.
The abrupt end to the show
Fans of Chip and Joanna Gaines were caught off guard by the abrupt end of "Fixer Upper: Welcome Home." The couple have been staples in home improvement television since the launch of "Fixer Upper" in 2013, where they charmed viewers with their down-to-earth personalities and stunning renovation projects. Naturally, the abrupt and unexpected decision to wrap up some of their beloved shows has sparked questions among loyal followers.
Despite the concerns about deciding to step away from such a successful show, the couple insisted in a blog post on their Magnolia website: "This has nothing to do with a fraudulent skincare line or anything else you'll inevitably read. This is just us recognizing that we need to catch our breath for a moment." Clearly, the couple deserves a break. But, the questions remain even though they have spoken publicly about what they miss about life before fame. Perhaps they were tired of the comments from fans about how their on-screen dynamic has shifted or even the criticism surrounding their controversial religion. There is nothing wrong with them taking a break. However, their defensiveness makes people wonder if it was reflective of their relationship at home. Nonetheless, fans remain hopeful that this isn't the last they'll see of the Gaines on screen. Whether the couple is planning new TV projects or simply focusing on other endeavors, their influence on home design remains.
Battling divorce rumors
Chip and Joanna Gaines, the driving forces behind the Magnolia Network, have constantly faced a wave of divorce rumors that have left fans speculating. Known for their seemingly perfect partnership both on-screen and in business, the couple has been curiously quick to address the gossip. Chip Gaines took to X, formerly Twitter, to shut down divorce rumors when a fan tweeted how they were tired of hearing about it. Gaines retweeted the post and said, "It won't ever happen #LoveOfMyLife."
While rumors will likely continue to circulate, fans of the couple can rest assured that Chip and Joanna Gaines have made it clear they remain committed to their marriage and family. Their combined efforts in both business and personal life have solidified them as one of the most admired couples in entertainment today, no matter how weird it may be perceived to those on the outside.