Fixer Upper (2013–2018) User Reviews

Great Show for watching others buy homes

[foremore · 9/10 · 27 November 2015]

There is always this hype of buying a home. Those feelings you get when you get to find a place to call your own. This show allows you to live that dream of a new home over and over again. It's fun to see what home they choose, what choices they have to make down the road, how much they end up paying for renovations, it is all just a feel good show.

Per the other review I got to rebuttal against it. The owners of Magnolia have a style. They like their style and stick with it. If you watch 3 or more of the shows you will realize what they like to do so I won't spoil the feeling for you all. The thing is if I were to see a different style in every home they did I would think they had more then one person pulling the strings on how the renovation goes. Since there seems to be a running theme of every home they renovate, it shows that they are truly the ones running their company and not doing it for the TV show. Its like an artist. you might see different styles during the early career of an artist but they always tend to stick to a style... at least for a while. That is exactly what is happening on this show. A style has been chosen and made better till its generally excepted by most clients. The style they use is really an amazing setup. In the end the home buyers get to chose what is in their house and it just seems like these two know how to make the house look good for any type of style you put into it.

As for requests I wish I could get a "1 year later" view. Also I would like a low down on the portions of the house that were not renovated and how the home owners spiced those portions up to make it livable in those other areas. Maybe they could do some shows on "we went back to this clients house a couple months later and renovated the rest of the house and this is how it went...". I would also like a low down on how much the client would have to spend for the staging if they want it...

All in all just a feel good show. Fun to see the issues they come across and get to know their crew as people. Not a lot of "how to" or DIY in it...those are other shows. This show is more just about the drama of the whole thing.

Love this show

[DSatt57 · 9/10 · 21 November 2015]

Great show! They do awesome work, the banter is fun, the reruns are watchable.

The Harp house was incredible!! Most people would never have seen the potential in that house!!

I don't get the complaints of a one trick pony, each house is unique with its own set of problems.

It's a renovation show that isn't dry and boring! Chip reminds me of the guys I grew up knowing in our family woodworking business. It's fun to see the kids. It's fun to see their house. It's fun to see the client's response. I love how they stick to their community and invite people to the farm.

It's a fun show!

Chip and Joanna the Perfect Pair

[leavisav · 9/10 · 20 May 2016]

Chip and Joanna the Perfect Pair Do you have the guts to take on a fixer upper? You know the show we all love it Chip and Joanna are the perfect pair. Joanna has a background in real estate and interior design. Chip has a background in construction. Together they have created a show that takes the worst house in the best neighborhood and turns it into their client's dream home. It is called Fixer Upper. From there farm house to the houses that they build it is truly a masterpiece, that in my opinion can be called the best TV show ever. I love the exterior to the interior adventures that they take you on from the very beginning of the show from picking the house to the finished product it truly a very interesting adventure. Let's talk about the beginning of the show. It always starts out with Chip Joanna and their family at their farm house. It is fun to see them in a real life setting, although it does seem a little sugar coated. I wish that it could be a little more realistic in showing their real day to day lives. It is nice to see that they have an order to the show but on the other hand though It can sometimes put you to sleep because you know what is going to happen next. In the very beginning when the customer is introduced I wish that they could make it a little more interesting by saying just a little bit more about themselves, so that you can connect with them better. I also wish that Chip and Joanna could show you how they picked the 3 houses to show to their customer so that you could feel that you were a part of that process as well. When Chip and Joanna meet the customers they are always so nice and friendly to everyone it makes you feel like you are their friend. It is so cool how they invite the customer into their own home it makes everything seem more real. What's Today! Demo Day! I absolutely love demo day it is one of my favorite parts of the show. It is so fun to see Chip and his gang completely gut the entire house. One of my other favorite parts of the show is when Joanna gets to pick out the floor the cabinets and the absolute best part the furniture. I absolutely love Joanna she is so creative and fun she is definitely the cherry on top of the entire show. Now we get to my absolute favorite part of the entire show. When they reveal to their customer their dream home that they have waited so long for. I love how they have a big canvas in front of the house reminding you as an audience member and the customer what it looked like before they started remodeling. Once everyone is ready they ask the customer "Are you ready to see your fixer upper?" Then Chip and Joanna pull back the canvas to reveal the amazing new house that awaits their customer. The houses no matter what shape or size they come in they always turn them into a masterpieces. It is so amazing to see the house go through such a dramatic transformation from when the customer buys it to when they have turned it into a dream home. Chip and Joanna are such a good team they are both so creative when it comes to remodeling and they have such a passion for doing it. Because of them so many people are able to have their dream home because of this show.

This is an amazing show and I love every second of it. It is everything that you need in a good TV show it's funny interesting and of course amazing and it is all because Chip and Joanna are the perfect pair.

Love this show!!!!

[liliyo · 10/10 · 26 September 2015]

I do not agree with the other 2 negative reviews. It is not a one trick pony show. The title and theme of the show IS fixer upper. So surprise! They renovate fixer uppers. The designs are NOT the same. Each episode offers something different. None of the houses have the same theme, design style, nor exterior. Obviously, they are designing for clients. No two couples are the same. They offer a lot of helpful design and renovation tips. I love re-purposing items. Plus, they are so genuine. I think they are an adorable couple! They also have adorable children and an amazing 100 year old renovated farm home. So charming! Love it! If you enjoy watching old homes come back to life, then you will enjoy this show!

Best Show on TV

[cebilyeu · 10/10 · 5 March 2016]

I just love this show!! I think Chip is hysterical! Those who don't are just boring people that live boring lives. Joanna is priceless and so talented. I love how she decorates and she seems to find the most unique decorations. Plus, her eye for how to improve the layout of a home is amazing. They take a dilapidated house and turn it into a true dream house. I don't see how they do all that they do for really...such a small amount of money. They are just magicians. Chip's skill and craftsmanship is amazing too. It is so rewarding to see a loving, funny and talented family on TV. I can't get enough of it! I hope this show stays on the air for a long time!!! Kudos to Chip and Joanna Gaines.

LOVE this show! Values, Charisma and Genuine Charm!

[EmiliaJane1980 · 10/10 · 4 March 2016]

This is a marathon I can watch over and over again. These two have legitimate experience and passion for their work. I enjoy that the show highlights their farm and family as well. They do versatile renovations with respect to each clients taste and preferences. Joanna seems to have a true passion for finding the perfect design and cares very much about the process. Chip can probably tone down the antics, it's cute but does get a little silly overload. The values that they instill to their family resonates with viewers and it seems their clients as well. These two are getting it right! Excellent example to have on the television with kids running around and elderly parents visiting. Everyone loves it!

Love this show!

[wdowling-582-629072 · 10/10 · 19 March 2016]

I have watched every episode and love the interplay between the Gaines' family members. Joanna is the interior designer and Chip the faithful worker-bee husband. Their homes designs are unique and in good taste. It amazes me how the housing disasters they encounter are done to budget without cutting corners.

Homes that more than likely would be tear downs in other areas of the country are given a new lease on life with the unmistakable distinctive mark of the Magnolia Company (Chip & Joanna). This is a fun family show that can be enjoyed by all with an upbeat outlook on life, home and people.

great duo!

[sassoula · 10/10 · 9 September 2016]

The goofball & the tomboy. love them both and the work they do. I like how Chip gets down and dirty, he looks like an actual blue collar guy because I'm tired of the yuppie boys "renovating" houses on TV. I also appreciate Joanna's style. Their work doesn't look the same in every episode. They do impress me. Chip is funny, he can be too much showing off esp when he acts like a 4 yr old for his wife's attention but it's cute and her reactions too. He reminds me of Kevin Costner and Joanna reminds me of Pocahontas. They're energetic and youthful. The way they reveal the new house is fun. I think these two know their job well. They have created some great country style house renovations that stick to my mind. They don't stick to one pattern. I like how Chip gets into concrete work. Their style brings something new to HGTV.

Enjoyable Entertainment

[bcjjjs · 9/10 · 6 December 2016]

A famous comedian's tag line is "I don't care WHO you are; that's funny!" The same can be said for Chip Gaines, a totally lovable goofball. Unlike other "flip" shows, Chip actually does the renovation work with the assistance of Shorty & other construction regulars. His sense of humor, fun and his obvious love for his wife, Joanna, is endearing. "Jo" has impeccable taste. I am amazed at her vision, even in the nastiest houses. I would give this show a ten, except for the fact that they never have same-sex couples as clients. I question the Gaines' judgment in bringing up their four children in a faith, exemplified by their preacher, that teaches homosexuality is a sin. How can you be "so nice" yet teach your children to hate and/or shun certain individuals? It has been proved by scientists that sexuality is in an individual's genetic make-up. That being said, I can tolerate the "oh my gosh" (instead of "oh my God") said by clients as they react to the beautification of their fixer-upper homes. Great show; great premise; great people.

Always the Same

[lacksheep · 6/10 · 21 June 2016]

The hosts are entertaining enough and they at least have some chemistry as a couple. I prefer watching this show to Flip or Flop.

The problem is every house is given the exact same treatment. They do find plenty of actually cool houses in their area, some of which are very old. They throw the word character around, and then proceed to strip the character out of every home they find, unless that character is hardwood floors. They bust down all the interior walls to make room for the massive, trendy, all-white kitchen with the white cabinets and the marble counters and the bin pulls. If there's wood trim, they paint it white. If there's brick, they paint it white. White, white white. Gray, gray, gray. Everything ends up looking like their own house.

What really annoys me most is when some unforeseen cost comes up, and they ask their clients for more money to fix it. It never occurs to them to accommodate the new problem within the budget, or to leave a cushion in the budget for unexpected costs, or to compromise on some of the renovations. Or, god forbid, to *not* gut a kitchen full of perfectly functional cabinets. A lot of the houses they fix are actually move in ready, and they do a ton of unnecessary work. They could save money by keeping some of the stuff in the house and working with it. But it's like there's a rule that the client's money has to be used up totally. If the client is willing to give them 100k, then by god they will come up with a renovation plan that costs 100k.

Graham house

[kimberlyj-95026 · 25 April 2017]

Just watched the Graham house fixer upper, so moving, you should be proud of yourselves! I enjoy watching your show, and the relationship you have with each other and your family is so refreshing. Please keep up the good work, Portland Oregon would be a great place for your family to do a couple fixer uppers.

I love this show!

[tobimmeyer · 9/10 · 14 December 2018]

It makes me want to get creative in my house again! They do wonderful things with peoples homes leaving beauty in their wake!

Good show but.....

[barrymplsplus · 7/10 · 24 July 2017]

Like many of the other reviews, I DO like the show, but I want to echo some of the comments.

I have no problem with their personalities; Chip jokes around but he knows what he's doing. Joanna is a bit serious, but has design talent. Their clients are all hetro couples, unlike other HGTV programs. Their apparent strict rules about life styles makes the program stick out as not being typical of HGTV's mission.

On the design side, I find that taking down walls and creating a typically fashionable great room look is boring as hell. Does everyone in Waco want the same style? Why must all brick be painted? Why is there typically a lack of color and style flair? Perhaps they select clients with the same style aesthetic as the Gaines have. Who knows? Other HGTV shows like Property Brothers and House Hunters VARY the type of people looking for properties, as well as VARY the style of the clients. "Fixer Upper" does not.

Finally, I understand that none of the furnishings remain with the clients, unlike "Property Brothers", where the clients often use some of their old furniture.

Lack of Variety and Very Repetitive

[b_grace_caldwell · 5/10 · 27 November 2016]

I was really into the show at first, I was addicted. They really brought some damaged homes back to life. However, after a while, it was the same exact thing over and over again. Painting the bricks outside the house (which is usually ugly), opening up a wall, crown molding, painting the fireplace white, putting in hardwood floors, putting in white counters all the way to the ceiling, putting in black counter tops, putting in french doors, and spending every penny of their money even though in EVERY single episode there is an issue where they have to spend more money. Everything in this show is WAY overpriced. Any charm that is in the house is taken out unless it's the hardwood floors or french doors. It's not a very informative show: it teaches you nothing about renovations except that Joanna does the same design in every single episode. I am from Texas and know that area, and I know that with as much money as these people spend, they should get something more spectacular.

Used to be my favorite show!!

[dianeorben · 14 January 2019]

I used to watch Fixer Upper all of the time!! But I got tired of Chip with his jokes and acted stupid, trying to be funn and make people laugh!! I really think the show would be better off if just Joanne did it!! She is very creative and I enjoy watching her create masterpieces!! However, as long as Chip is on the show, I will not watch it!!

My favorite Home Renovation Show on TV to say the least.....

[uget-34656 · 9/10 · 20 August 2017]

I wished that there would be more new episodes than repeats! I love Chip & Joanna. They are one of the few who have that kind of relationship. It is nice to see. Their children are so precious and beautiful. I could babysit those little girls anytime. NOW: I love their designs so much..Joanna is the best designer out there. I do not live in their state, BUT my dream if I would ever win a lottery, would be to buy a fixer upper (not a move in ready house), and pay Chip, Joanna and their crew a price they could not refuse, and rent them a house for the time they would need during the summer school break. This is how much I think of them. Regardless of how much you pay for a house, you can never see what is behind the walls, and it is never exactly your taste. I am not a frilly person, but I like nice and clean things and I am a perfectionist. Now I just need to keep praying to win the lottery so I could get my Farm House with a wrap around porch with a swing and rockers. Mj

Thank. MJ

I don't like reality TV but....

[rukstar69 · 8/10 · 17 February 2019]

I'm not a huge fan of reality television at all but there is something about Chip and Joanna that is different from the others.

They seem very genuine and Wholesome. All these other reality shows seem so staged this show keeps it pretty light. Great show.

Amazing show

[superstargurl · 10/10 · 5 January 2020]

I LOVE this show I get so emotional at the end with all the work they put into these houses. It's a great family show chip and Joanna are adorable together and hard working. They make a great team and love what they do. to bad they don't make anymore shows sadly but I'm glad it still comes on hgtv. There is nothing fake about this show. If you haven't seen this show you need to.

Like it or hate it...

[leonaymulder · 8/10 · 5 January 2023]

Like it or hate it, these two truly started a movement. They are the very reason you'll find Hobby Lobby in most mom's homes. I am not necessarily crazy about "farmhouse style" but I truly was entertained by the show back when it was airing. Some think Chip is annoying, but I find him not that bad and better than the usual robotic douche bags you see in home improvement shows these days - and sometimes Chip can actually be pretty funny and balanced out the serious nature of a subject that doesn't need to be so serious. Great emphasis on community and family and truly care about their work. It would be foolish to ignore the success this show has reaped.

Great programme

[helen-99822 · 10/10 · 7 April 2021]

Love watching these 2 on UK TV. I record several then have a lazy day watching chip and joanna.

Fun show for the family

[ajschuettpel · 10/10 · 27 June 2019]

I love how Joanna puts her own personality in all the houses and chip makes comedy out of it. What a fun family.😀💖

One Trick Ponies.

[pinksunbeam · 7/10 · 7 May 2015]

This show is entertaining for the first few times you watch it. Then after while you realize that these two are one trick ponies.

They certainly seem like wonderful people and they are very talented. The houses they renovate are done beautifully. But the problem here is that, like the Property Brothers, everything they do looks alike.

They love shabby chic. They love beige and gray and taupe. Looking at one of the houses they do is like looking at a black and white or sepia photo.

I would be impressed if they could show a little range. If they could do something other than shabby chic/country and if they could use some color in their houses.

Please don't leave, not yet.......

[y-57461 · 10/10 · 11 July 2017]

With fame comes misfortune. Knowing that, I hope you two stick around for awhile. It's kind of like being president. You have been re-elected. On the recent bad press you have been given, hang in there. You family structure, which I admire so much, will carry you through... while you make as much money doing what you do as you want.

I love what you do and there should be a street named after you guys in Waco. Someday, I dream of having you guys as a part of a non profit I am designing for young adult parents. But I won't go into details because this review is about you,two.

You have added more value to more properties than anyone I have ever admired before. It is amazing how people feel that after you give them 'EQUITY" and a very re-sellable property that they would not just sell it instead of holding you responsible if it rains.....Sign

How many renovations come with a fully furnished house? Who does that? And may I add, Mrs. Joanne you have impeccable taste catered to your clients.

Sigh, someday it could be me. I have watched every episode and I would trust you with life.(Don't worry, I won't put that in your hands:) )

For sure I would trust you to rebuild a town.... Best wishes to you. My first celebrity crushes. I am 62 years old and crushes don't come around often.

Hollar

I enjoy the show in small doses

[zombiemockingbird · 6/10 · 17 January 2021]

I like seeing what they do to these usually dilapidated houses, but Joanna's style is pretty one-note. Everything is white, black, gray, wood; she doesn't seem to like color. Everything is rustic. She also doesn't like bricks; every brick gets painted, re-surfaced, or torn out. The houses look good, but they're pretty much all the same design; it's always tear out all the walls and add wooden beams and French doors. She is also pretty adamant about doing what she wants, even if it involves more money and a lot more work; not sure I've ever seen her take no as an answer. All the gorgeous furniture and accessories are just staging; the people don't get to keep it, unless they want to buy it. Why not decorate with the homeowners actual furniture? I wonder if the homeowners have any input in the design; they rarely say much of anything. Then there's Chip. He's always saying or doing something stupid (like constantly talking about his hair and how good-looking he is, which he isn't) trying to be funny (which he isn't) and occasionally gross (like eating a cockroach off the floor) and inappropriate like taking his shirt off and on a couple of occasions, his pants! He does things that are stupid and sometimes un-safe, like jumping through a wall, throwing tools through windows, climbing on beams, throwing bricks, and yanking a chandelier out of the ceiling with his hands. Sometimes when they're not actually working on the project, I have to just mute them, because of the inane conversations and Chip's overwhelming loudness. Season 5 he grew a beard and grew his hair long, so now he looks like Big Foot. I don't think I would want him working on my house, because I'm not sure he really knows what he's doing; he makes mistakes and seems kind of incompetent, and I'm kind of surprised sometimes that the houses come out as well as they do (which also makes me wonder if there are underlying problems we never hear about). He's always surprised to suddenly find roof, electrical and plumbing problems. These houses are pretty much all 50 to 100 years old; I'd ASSUME they have roof, electric and plumbing problems, along with asbestos and lead paint issues, and plan accordingly. Overall it's an entertaining show, but Joanna needs to branch out a little in her designs and someone really needs to tone Chip down and get him under control; he's seriously unprofessional. The best part of the show, oddly enough, is their goats.

Gotten Boring

[md-36-796209 · 4/10 · 28 February 2016]

I was originally a big fan because the projects include affordable homes, a sector largely ignored by other home improvement shows. A year ago, I probably would have rated it an 8 or 9. At this point, new episodes might as well be repeats. Every home gets similar "open plan" living spaces regardless of the age, style, and original layout of the house. Every home is "staged" with the same style of furniture and decor pieces, and will likely have a gigantic, expensive handmade wooden table that few people in America would use more than once or twice a year. There won't be a single TV in sight. Chip will act the buffoon, Joanna will indulge him, and the "kiddos" will be trotted out to "help". Boring.