Joanna Gaines on Stepping Away from ‘Fixer Upper’

Joanna Gaines, renowned for her work on ‘Fixer Upper,’ experienced immense success but chose to leave the relentless pace behind. At the peak of the show’s fame, Gaines, alongside her husband Chip, decided to stop, even amid pressures to continue.

Years later, Joanna reflected on this significant decision, sharing how she reached a state she termed ‘soul weariness.’ She spoke on the ‘Joy 101 with Hoda Kotb’ podcast about living on autopilot, feeling unfulfilled with the routine of her life, and questioning the purpose behind their work.

“When you start realizing you’re living on a thing that’s now… the intentionality is gone, and you’re just showing up… that doesn’t feel fulfilling,” she explained.

This period marked the beginning of a new approach to work for Joanna, focusing on health, family, and happiness above all. By 2017, despite ‘Fixer Upper’ dominating the ratings, the couple made the choice to end the show after its fifth season to preserve their well-being.

The Gaineses made their television debut with ‘Fixer Upper’ in 2013, transforming dilapidated homes in Waco, Texas. The series quickly became a sensation, boosting the visibility of their Magnolia brand.

In 2017, Joanna and Chip announced their departure from the series, with Joanna detailing the need for a break from their exhaustive routine, emphasizing the importance of their mental clarity and family.

Joanna’s personal sentiments on burnout highlight the danger of ignoring one’s inner voice. She admitted to longing for breaks, even imagining illnesses to force herself to pause.

“When you start dreading your days, like ‘I don’t want to do that,’” she recalled.

The more profound exhaustion she encountered was different from physical fatigue. Joanna described a deeper weariness that affected her very essence, which she is now vigilant about.

“There’s that part, but also just … where your soul just feels weary,” she said.

For the Gaineses, who married in 2003 and have five children, this revelation was crucial. The Magnolia Market at the Silos in Waco, Texas, along with their other ventures like Magnolia Table, Magnolia Journal, and various home collections, reflect their expansive influence.

Despite ending ‘Fixer Upper’ in 2018, they transitioned to the Magnolia Network, launched on Discovery+ in 2021 and later replacing DIY Network in 2022. Their projects, including the 33-room Hotel 1928 in Waco, showcase their continued innovation in design and lifestyle.