Believe it or not, the HGTV show we all adore might have never happened! Chip Gaines and Joanna Gaines' iconic Fixer Upper faced a rocky start with the network. The pilot episode was dangerously close to getting shelved. But thank goodness that didn’t happen! Six years later, this dynamic duo has carved out a legendary spot in the world of design. Take a look at the video above to see how much Chip and Jo have transformed since the filming of that very first episode.
Where does the time go? Back when they were testing out the concept for the show, HGTV seemed uncertain about what they—or the world—really needed. They almost passed on Chip and Jo. In a special episode aired on Tuesday, March 6, titled “How We Got Here,” the couple revealed how they ultimately won over the design network.
View this post on InstagramOnce a design assistant, always a design assistant. I've got the best job in the world! #fixerupper #season5iscoming
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That Time Chip Gave Jo a Houseboat for Mother’s Day
In one hilarious clip, Chip surprised Jo with an unconventional Mother’s Day gift: a run-down houseboat! “Ta-da! This is where we’re going to live for a couple of months,” the then-43-year-old Chip exclaimed with excitement. Jo, unsure whether he was joking or serious, simply replied, “Baby, really, is this a joke?”
“Chip is like that kid, like the five-year-old kid who’s trying to make his mom breakfast and there’s milk everywhere,” Jo playfully explained to the camera after the incident. “Good heart, big mistake. But what do you do? You don’t want to spank him!” It seems like it was Chip and Jo’s quirky, heartwarming relationship that melted the hearts of the HGTV producers, leading them to sign a TV deal.
View this post on InstagramGaines party of 7.. (If you’re still confused.. WE ARE PREGNANT) @joannagaines
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The Rise of Fixer Upper: From Pilot to Phenomenon
From that moment on, the rest is history. Fixer Upper skyrocketed to become one of HGTV’s highest-rated series of all time, and Chip and Joanna became the ultimate couple goals for fans everywhere. Now in its fifth and final season, the Fixer Upper era is nearing its conclusion, but that doesn’t mean we won’t see more of Chip and Jo. The couple is currently expecting their fifth child—a boy!—and they’re busy working on numerous exciting projects. One thing’s for sure: nearly everyone is deeply grateful HGTV chose to bring Fixer Upper—and Chip and Jo—into our lives.
