Chip and Joanna Gaines captured the hearts of millions with their renovation reality show Fixer Upper, turning dilapidated houses into dream homes in Waco, Texas. As the series concluded in 2018, a common question arises: what are the duo doing now, and is the magic still alive? The short answer is that while the televised renovation series has ended, the Gaines' brand and entrepreneurial spirit have only intensified, evolving from television personalities to moguls with a diverse portfolio that extends far beyond flipping houses.
The End of an Era: Fixer Upper's Final Season
Fixer Upper ran for five seasons on HGTV, concluding with its highly anticipated final episode in 2018. The show followed the couple's meticulous process of purchasing distressed properties, renovating them with Joanna's keen design eye, and selling them for a profit. The series was a cultural phenomenon, largely due to the authentic chemistry between Chip and Joanna and their commitment to quality and faith. However, like many successful television formats, the narrative arc reached a natural conclusion, prompting fans to wonder if the television chapter would ever reopen.
Transitioning from TV to Business Empire
Rather than resting on their laurels, Chip and Joanna strategically pivoted their focus from television production to building a sustainable business empire. They officially stepped away from the limelight of weekly renovations to dedicate themselves to their ventures, which include Magnolia Network, a comprehensive lifestyle brand. This shift represents a maturation of their career, moving from being renovation experts on screen to CEOs and creative directors of a multi-million dollar enterprise.
Magnolia Network, launched in 2022, is the cornerstone of their current operations. Available on the Discovery+ platform, the network offers a blend of home improvement, cooking, and lifestyle programming that stays true to their signature aesthetic. Unlike Fixer Upper, which was purely transactional, Magnolia Network provides a deeper look into the Gaines’ philosophy, showcasing content on design, hospitality, and community building. This platform allows them to control the narrative and deliver content directly to their dedicated fanbase.
Current Ventures and Business Expansion
Beyond streaming television, the couple has aggressively expanded their footprint across various sectors. Their retail presence is substantial, with the Magnolia Market at the Silos being a physical destination in Waco, and a robust online store offering furniture, home goods, and apparel. They have also launched successful collaborations with major retailers, bringing the Magnolia brand to a wider audience through accessible product lines that capture the essence of their design aesthetic.
- Hospitality: They have invested heavily in the hospitality industry, owning and operating several hotels and restaurants in Waco, including the iconic Magnolia Hotel and the Silos Baking Co.
- Publishing: The duo has authored multiple bestselling books, ranging from cookbooks to design guides, further solidifying their authority in the lifestyle space.
- Real Estate: While they no longer buy and flip houses for television, they remain deeply involved in real estate development, focusing on creating quality housing and community-centric projects.
The Core Values Remain
Despite the diversification, the core values that made Fixer Upper resonate—authenticity, faith, and hard work—permeate their current business endeavors. Chip and Joanna often speak about the importance of community and giving back, which is evident in their local initiatives and charitable efforts. They have successfully translated the trust built during their television years into a brand that fans feel they can genuinely connect with, proving that the essence of who they are remains intact.
So, do Chip and Joanna Gaines still do Fixer Upper? Not in the televised renovation sense that made them famous. The weekly ritual of purchasing, gutting, and transforming a house has been retired. Instead, they have embarked on a more ambitious journey: building a lasting brand that encapsulates their values and vision. Their current work is arguably more impactful, creating a legacy through business and media that will continue to inspire long after the final episode of Fixer Upper aired.
