Criticism over casting choices in Chip Gaines' series 'Back to the Frontier' draws a response from Gaines
In the latest episode of the reality series "Back to the Frontier," airing Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on Magnolia Network and now available for streaming on HBO Max, three families are living like homesteading pioneers in the 1880s without modern day conveniences. Among the modern-day families featured is a gay couple, Hanna and Riggs, and their 10-year-old twins.
This inclusion has sparked controversy, with some critics arguing that the Gaineses, who are affiliated with Christianity and Antioch Community Church, are contradicting traditional biblical views of marriage by featuring a same-sex couple. The show's TV-14 rating has also raised concerns about its suitability for younger audiences.
Hanna and Riggs, both regular members of the community, being neighbours and coworkers, have welcomed the opportunity to normalise same-sex couples and families on the show. Hanna expressed his gratitude for being chosen as one of the modern-day families, stating that it's important to represent diverse families and lifestyles.
The backlash has been particularly strong within the evangelical community, with several prominent Christian leaders expressing disappointment and criticism. Some feel betrayed by the Gaineses' decision, as they have historically been seen as role models in Christian values. The criticism centres on the perceived priority of financial success over faith-based principles, with some questioning whether the Gaineses are compromising their values for financial gain.
The Gaineses have partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery to launch Magnolia Network in 2022. The network aims to provide a platform for family-friendly content that inspires, informs, and entertains. Despite the controversy, the Gaineses have not issued a public statement regarding the criticism.
[1] Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2022/05/12/chip-and-joanna-gaines-back-frontier-gay-couple-magnolia-network/9701741002/ [2] Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/tv/chip-joanna-gaines-face-backlash-over-magnalia-network-s-back-frontier-rcna38013 [3] Source: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/chip-and-joanna-gaines-back-to-the-frontier-gay-couple_n_62823494e4b086c6f2c7c75d
- The gay couple, Hanna and Riggs, have used their inclusion on the show "Back to the Frontier" as an opportunity to normalize same-sex families on social-media, expressing gratitude for being chosen to represent diverse lifestyles and families.
- Amidst the controversy surrounding the Gaineses and their network Magnolia Network's decision to feature a same-sex couple on "Back to the Frontier," the spotlight has been shone on celebrities within the Christian and evangelical communities voicing their disappointment and criticism, challenging the Gaineses' priorities of financial success over faith-based principles.
