Joanna Gaines Says 5-Season Fixer Upper Exit Followed 'Soul Weariness'

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 13

Joanna Gaines said she and Chip quit "Fixer Upper" at its peak because the work had become draining rather than fulfilling, leaving her with what she called "soul weariness."
On Hoda Kotb's podcast, Gaines said the couple felt they were becoming part of a machine, had lost intentionality and even started dreading their days despite the show's success.
The turning point led them to prioritize whether they, their family and their business were still healthy, and to take a three-month summer break to regain clarity.
Gaines said the pause carried costs for their team and other commitments, but became a lasting blueprint for how she now thinks about burnout and limits.
"Fixer Upper" launched in 2013 and ended after 5 seasons, while the couple's Magnolia brand later expanded into a network, retail, publishing and a 33-room hotel.