Shiplap. Farmhouse. An all-white kitchen with granite countertops. For most people, these words seem like typical design terms. But for fans of HGTV’s hit TV show, “Fixer Upper,” these words mean so much more. Chip and Joanna Gaines were a normal couple raising their kids and renovating properties in the areas around Waco, Texas until they were given their own TV show. The show became popular because of Chip and JoJo’s authentic work and because of their real, marital relationship. People were attracted to Joanna’s designing vision and Chip’s ability to make her visions a reality.

Chip and Joanna met in college when Chip came into Joanna’s dad’s auto shop. They both attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas and quickly realized their relationship was more than just a crush. Chip was doing many odd entrepreneur jobs around town and Joanna was intrigued by how ambitious and yet genuine, Chip seemed to be. One summer while Chip was renovating houses, Joanna joined him and helped with the design. As Joanna and Chip started their life together and grew their family to include four children, so did their business. Joanna started a blog, writing about her and Chip’s renovations and her love of design. One of her posts reached someone at HGTV and they were then contacted about a TV show.

In their new book, The Magnolia Story, the Gaines mentioned how their first few days of trial filming were terrible. They thought there was no chance HGTV would offer them a deal. But on the last day, a personal Gaines renovation inspired HGTV to give them the show. The houseboat that Chip had bought online previously needed renovation. However, when it showed up, it was no in awful condition. The cameras faded away to them as they argued about the houseboat, but in true “Fixer Upper” fashion, it quickly switched to them discussing how to redo it and make a profit. Thus, the hit show was born. The pair is infamous for taking broken, rundown homes and turning them into fresh and cozy homes. Joanna’s eye for design combined with Chip’s willingness to fix and/or build anything creates incredible homes for families.

One of the most interesting characteristics of “Fixer Upper” is the Gaines family. How they raise their children and how they value their marriage gives the traditional family dynamic a raw, and yet, pure spin. Chip and Joanna are very open when it comes to their family. But what really sets them apart, is how real their love is. They are truly better together and work as a team. In The Magnolia Story, Joanna said, “We seem to give each other energy.” Joanna goes on to explain how they never really need a break from each other, all they need is just need a break with each other. Chip is an outgoing and adventurous man, while Joanna is reserved, introverted, and imaginative. They balance each other out and compliment each other’s qualities. They currently live on a100 year-old farm house they’ve named Magnolia Farm, and they have a bunch of animals including goats, pigs, chickens, horses, cats and dogs as well as their own greenhouse. More surprising than the number of pets they have, is that they don’t even have a TV.
The Gaines have been very open about their faith and how it has influenced their decisions. According to an article by the Christian Post, Chip said, “We haven’t been overtly evangelical, but the rich feedback we have received on family and love all source from our faith. Jesus said the world would know His disciples by their love for one another, and we’ve glimpsed this in practice and strive for it every day.” The fan response to the Gaines and their show’s immense popularity displays how a network doesn’t need wild parties and crazy family drama to get viewers. Audiences want to see people they can relate to, and Chip and Joanna are the perfect people to do so. 25 million viewers and counting, the Gaines family is only just getting started. They opened the Magnolia Silos in 2015, which is a huge multi-purpose shop for gardening. It even includes the Magnolia Market where they sell home design items.They also just recently added the Silo Baking Co. into the mix. There is no telling what this couple will do next.

The show first aired on May 23rd, 2014 and the fourth season will premiere on November 29th, 2016.