Why Chip and Joanna Gaines Appeared as Guest Sharks on Shark Tank
Why Chip and Joanna Gaines Appeared as Guest Sharks on Shark Tank
Chip and Joanna Gaines showed up on Shark Tank season 17 episode 1702 as guest sharks. ABC’s press release calls it their “Guest Shark debut” and labels them the first power couple to do so. The episode first aired October 8, 2025, with a rebroadcast planned for December 2. Read the full ABC press release here.
From their Fixer Upper days and Magnolia empire—which includes a market in Waco, product lines, books, and TV spinoffs—they fit right in evaluating home and product pitches. Yahoo Entertainment and the Houston Chronicle cover how they’ve built that business, now even bringing in daughter Ella for projects like Fixer Upper: Colorado Mountain House.
Pitches They Faced
Entrepreneurs pitched a cleaning device for homegrown eggs, a reusable paint tray, superfood seasoning, and customizable fundraising blankets, per the ABC release.
Key Moments from the Episode
- Iowa entrepreneur Billie Asmus pitched Repaint Studios’ reusable paint tray. She got a deal with Chip, Joanna, and Barbara Corcoran. Chip even jumped on the tray to test it, though that clip didn’t air. Her full story, including five years of work before the show and post-pitch retailer talks, comes from her Iowa Podcast interview.
- Colorado College seniors Kayla Benson and Shawn Crawford pitched Soft Skates, breathable hockey skates with charms. Sharks included Kevin O’Leary, Barbara Corcoran, Daniel Lubetzky, and the Gaines duo. All passed—Joanna said it wouldn’t sell at Magnolia Market. Details in LetsGoDU’s coverage.
Their role makes sense given Magnolia’s focus on home goods. Joanna’s comment on skates shows they judged pitches against their own retail spot.
Sebastyen
Sebastyen Wolf is our Editor-in-Chief. He is an analyst and entrepreneur with experience working alongside early-stage founders, launching online ventures, and studying the data patterns that shape successful companies. A fan of Shark Tank since Season 1, he now focuses on translating the show’s most valuable insights into clear, practical takeaways for readers.
