Chip and Joanna Gaines‘s newest actuality TV sequence is dealing with on-line criticism for its inclusion of a homosexual couple.
Again to the Frontier follows three households as they commerce of their modern-day comforts for eight weeks to expertise what life was like again within the Eighteen Eighties. The teams face challenges as they’re compelled to assemble their very own meals, construct their very own shelter, elevate livestock and extra. Among the many present’s forged are husbands Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs and their 10-year-old twin sons, Ethan and Lucas.
The couple’s casting has been met with backlash from Christians on-line, as Chip and Joanna are recognized for his or her evangelical Christian beliefs. “I hope this isn’t true, however I learn at this time that Chip and Joanna Gaines are that includes a homosexual couple of their new sequence. Whether it is true, it is extremely disappointing,” evangelist Franklin Graham wrote by way of X on Saturday, July 12. “Whereas we’re to like folks, we must always love them sufficient to inform them the reality of God’s Phrase. His Phrase is absolute fact. God loves us, and His design for marriage is between one man and one girl. Selling one thing that God defines as sin is in itself sin.”
Ed Vitagliano, Vice President of the American Household Affiliation, known as Hanna and Riggs’ casting “disappointing and unhappy” in an announcement on Friday, July 11. “Chip and Joanna Gaines have been very influential within the evangelical neighborhood. Furthermore, previously, they’ve stood agency on the sanctity of marriage whatever the private value that has entailed,” he stated by way of X. “We aren’t certain why the Gaines have reversed course, however we’re certain of this: Again to the Frontier promotes an unbiblical view of human sexuality, marriage, and household –– a view no Christian ought to embrace.”
Courtesy of Jason Hanna (@2_dallas_dads)/Instagram
Different social media customers agreed with the casting controversy. “Whether it is true…. I’m achieved with watching them!!” one particular person wrote by way of X, whereas one other added, “I want extra TV exhibits would cease ‘normalizing’ homosexual relationships.”
One other particular person tweeted, “I noticed it as nicely. It was fairly disappointing. We are going to NOT be watching.” A unique person posted, “One and just one purpose!! Cash!! They want a brand new market and LBGT+ is an ideal cash making machine.”
Others, nevertheless, got here to Chip and Joanna’s protection and praised the present’s inclusive casting alternative. “Not taking the bait! @chipgaines & @joannagaines, I obtained your again!” one particular person wrote by way of X. One other acknowledged, “Loving everyone seems to be a biblical worth. Pleased with you @chipgaines and @joannagaines for exhibiting a Jesus who’s an enormous fan of everybody – a lot so He gave his life for all of us.”
“Wait a minute…who cares if one of many {couples} is homosexual? You don’t know their hearts and also you’ve no enterprise telling anybody tips on how to dwell their lives,” a distinct person famous, whereas another person posted, “God doesn’t care who you’re keen on, straight or homosexual. Let folks be. So what if there’s a homosexual couple on C and J Gaines’ present.”
Chip later responded to the adverse discourse in a tweet of his personal. “Speak, ask qustns [sic], hear.. perhaps even be taught. An excessive amount of to ask of contemporary American Christian tradition. Decide 1st, perceive later/by no means,” he wrote by way of X on Sunday, July 13. “It’s a tragic sunday when’ “non believers’ have by no means been confronted with hate or vitriol till they’re launched to a contemporary American Christian💔.”
Hannah additionally reacted to the drama in a Monday, July 14, Instagram Story put up. “Illustration issues deeply—particularly for many who are nonetheless discovering the braveness to dwell their fact,” he wrote. “When households like ours are seen, it opens doorways for others to really feel secure, beloved, and validated.”
He continued, “Visibility isn’t nearly being seen; it’s about ensuring nobody feels alone.”
Again to the Frontier, Sequence Premiere, Thursday, July 10, 2025, 8/7c, Magnolia Community