Chip and Joanna Gaines are expanding their content offerings this fall with a new focus on family-friendly programming. While their previous shows have always been suitable for children, the couple is now introducing unscripted titles specifically designed for viewers of all ages. These new shows include a roller derby competition, a unique contest comparing human and hamster skills, and a talent show for older performers.
“With streaming on Max, we saw an opportunity to create content that feels bigger and different from what we’ve done with our Magnolia Network,” Chip Gaines explained. “We wanted to make shows that families can enjoy together.
With our five kids and how people use devices today, we thought, why not create something that brings everyone together?”
The Gaineses are launching several new shows: “Roller Jam,” which wrapped up its first season on November 14; “Human vs. Hamster,” which premiered on November 21; “Second Chance Stage,” debuting on November 28; and “Back to the Frontier,” set to premiere next year.
They emphasize that these four shows share a common theme: emotional content that is family-friendly.
Joanna Gaines noted, “You will experience a range of emotions watching all four shows. ‘Roller Jam’ is exciting, but I also found myself crying during those episodes. It taps into human emotions and creates special moments when you can feel these things together with loved ones.”
Chip described these new shows as “very different” from their previous work on “Fixer Upper” and their earlier projects for HGTV and Magnolia Network. The couple is uncertain about the future of these shows until they gauge audience reactions.
“We want these four shows to succeed on their own merits,” Chip said. “If viewers respond positively and want more, we will consider creating additional episodes. We are eagerly awaiting ratings and audience engagement data to help us make decisions. We often take bold risks, but we could easily stick to the lifestyle genre where we feel comfortable. However, Jo and I believe there is something new on the horizon, and we want to explore what that might be.”
While they are exploring fresh ideas, Chip and Joanna are also revisiting their roots with “Fixer Upper.” They are currently brainstorming concepts for the next special edition of the show, which recently featured a lakehouse renovation and a castle flip near their hometown of Waco, Texas.
“We’re working through some ideas,” Joanna said. “Today is exciting because we have a brainstorming meeting. Renovation is something we always do, whether or not the cameras are rolling. The real question is which story will be the best to tell? We’re still figuring that out.”
Before launching their next “Fixer Upper,” the Gaineses will debut their final show in the initial slate of family content for Max: “Back to the Frontier.” This series follows contestants as they attempt to live authentically in the American frontier era while building their homes with limited resources.
“The families were so charming as we entered their world two-thirds through the process,” Chip recalled. “They would proudly show us their kitchens and rooms, even though they were just makeshift shacks.
After weeks of hard work, they were proud of what they had accomplished—like getting a wall to stand straight or preventing leaks in the roof. It was emotional to see how proud they were of their efforts; it felt like they had invented something incredible.”
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