Chip and Joanna Gaines, the powerhouse duo behind the Magnolia Network, are under fire from conservative evangelicals following the premiere of their latest reality series, Back to the Frontier, which features a same-sex couple raising two sons.
The series, which debuted on HBO Max on July 10, follows three modern families as they trade 21st-century comforts for the rugged life of 1800s homesteaders. Among them are Jason and Joe Hanna-Riggs, a married couple from Texas raising their two children.
Their inclusion in the show has sparked both praise for LGBTQ+ representation and outrage from prominent conservative figures, exposing a growing cultural divide within the Gaineses’ once-loyal evangelical fanbase.
In an interview with Realtor.com, Jason Hanna-Riggs shared the significance of the opportunity. “What really inspired me was when I saw the flyer on social media, and I saw a gay couple on the front of that flyer,” he said. “I initially thought it would be a great opportunity for representation for same-sex couples.”
For many viewers, the casting choice is a much-needed reflection of modern American families. But to some evangelical leaders, the move represents a betrayal of so-called “biblical values.”
Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and one of the most vocal critics, condemned the show in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“It is very disappointing. While we are to love people, we should love them enough to tell them the truth of God’s Word. His Word is absolute truth. God loves us, and His design for marriage is between one man and one woman. Promoting something that God defines as sin is in itself sin.”
The American Family Association (AFA), a longtime voice in conservative Christian activism, also weighed in.
“This is sad and disappointing, because Chip and Joanna Gaines have been very influential in the evangelical community,” the AFA wrote on X.
“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,” added AFA vice president Ed Vitagliano.
In the face of this backlash, Chip Gaines took to X to defend the series and call out the hypocrisy within American Christian culture.
“Talk, ask questions, listen… maybe even learn. Too much to ask of modern American Christian culture,” he wrote.
“Judge first, 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 sparked further criticism, with some longtime fans expressing disappointment in the couple’s stance. One user replied, “We are extremely sad because of how much we have grown to admire and appreciate you both.”
Gaines responded personally:
“Well I appreciate that.. sincerely. So if you admire and appreciate us so much, any chance there’s more to this? But that’s my point… no one knows. But the ‘Christians’ have certainly come out in full force as if they do know. ‘Judge not…’ ‘Love one another’—it’s not difficult.”
The exchange has become a flashpoint in the ongoing conversation about faith, media representation, and the LGBTQ+ community’s place in family-centered content.
For LGBTQ+ audiences and allies, the Gaineses’ decision to highlight a queer couple in Back to the Frontier represents a long-overdue step toward visibility—especially in genres historically dominated by heteronormative narratives. The inclusion of Jason and Joe Hanna-Riggs not only reflects the reality of countless American families but also challenges outdated stereotypes about who “belongs” in traditional lifestyle or faith-adjacent media.
While the couple’s presence on the show may have shocked conservative viewers, many see their representation as vital for normalization and acceptance.
“Families like ours exist—and thrive,” said Joe Hanna-Riggs in a social media post after the premiere. “We’re proud to be part of a show that challenges outdated ideas about what makes a family.”
Though Chip and Joanna Gaines have previously been associated with evangelical values—and have faced scrutiny in the past for their silence on LGBTQ+ issues—the couple’s latest project signals a potential shift in their media philosophy: one that embraces inclusivity over ideology.
Their Magnolia Network has gradually broadened its scope over the years, producing content that blends rustic charm with contemporary storytelling. Back to the Frontier is emblematic of this approach—pairing nostalgia for pioneer life with the diverse realities of today’s families.
The controversy underscores a larger truth: representation is not just a buzzword—it has real-world implications. LGBTQ+ inclusion in mainstream, family-friendly spaces can make all the difference for queer viewers who rarely see themselves portrayed in such environments.
As online debates continue to swirl, one thing remains clear: Back to the Frontier has pushed a long-overdue conversation about faith, family, and visibility to the forefront. And for many in the LGBTQ+ community, that’s a step worth celebrating.
Back to the Frontier is currently streaming on HBO Max.
