Evangelical HGTV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines blasted for 'unbiblical' casting of gay dads in new series

WACO, TEXAS: Chip and Joanna Gaines, the former HGTV stars known for their devout Christian values and family-friendly television, are facing significant backlash from conservative evangelical circles after featuring a same-sex couple in their new reality series 'Back to the Frontier'.

The couple’s decision has drawn criticism from prominent religious leaders and right-wing commentators who claim the Gaineses are promoting an "unbiblical" lifestyle.

Gaineses spark backlash from evangelical leaders for featuring gay dads in 'Back to the Frontier'

'Back to the Frontier', which premiered on Thursday, July 10, on Magnolia Network, co-founded by the Gaineses and Warner Bros Discovery, follows three American families as they attempt to live like 1880s pioneers. Among them are Jason and Joe Hanna-Riggs from Texas and their 10-year-old twin sons, born via surrogacy.

Despite not appearing in the show themselves, the Gaineses serve as executive producers and were involved in shaping the show’s concept and casting. Their inclusion of the Hanna-Riggs family, intended to reflect diverse modern American households, has enraged segments of their conservative Christian fanbase.

Evangelist Franklin Graham, son of the late Billy Graham and a longtime ally of President Donald Trump, condemned the casting.

“God loves us, and His design for marriage is between one man and one woman,” Graham posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Promoting something that God defines as sin is in itself sin.”

Ed Vitagliano, vice president of the American Family Association, echoed that sentiment, saying, “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.”

Chip Gaines fires back at critics over same-sex couple on show: ‘Judge 1st, understand later/never’

Chip Gaines addressed the criticism in a series of pointed social media responses. “Talk, ask questions, listen... maybe even learn. Too much to ask of modern American Christian culture. Judge 1st, understand later/never,” he wrote.

He further added, “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.”

Joel Berry, managing editor of the satirical conservative site The Babylon Bee, weighed in as well, saying he would no longer let his children watch the Gaineses’ content.

“I’m just sad. I can’t let my kids watch your show now, since I’m trying to protect their eyes and hearts from the lies of the world—lies you’re now participating in.”

Gaines replied with a measured response: “Don’t be sad Joel.. plenty of other stuff out there. 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.”

2 Dallas Dads join Gaineses' show to spotlight LGBTQ+ families and ongoing parenting challenges

Jason and Joe Hanna-Riggs, who run the Instagram account 2 Dallas Dads, said their decision to participate in the series was rooted in a desire to normalize same-sex families and shed light on the challenges they still face across parts of America.

“I was on board with the whole concept of continuing to normalize same-sex families,” Joe told Queerty.

“Because of our adoption issues, there’s a need [to recognize] that other families are having these struggles still—and in plenty of other states—so it was just important for us to continue to spread that message.”

The couple’s portrayal on the show has been praised by LGBTQ advocates and progressive viewers, who see the episode as a rare example of inclusive family representation on a mainstream reality platform tied to traditionally conservative personalities.

The Gaineses, who previously faced controversy in 2016 for platforming a pastor who spoke against LGBTQ rights and for supporting anti-CRT political causes, have not directly addressed their critics beyond Chip’s online statements.

But their participation in this latest project signals a notable shift, or at least an expansion, in their public posture regarding inclusion.

The Gaineses have not indicated any plans to pull or alter the series.