The past week has seen some difficulties for Chip and Joanna Gaines’ new Magnolia Network. After finally debuting a few days ago in the former DIY Network spot, it was quickly met with controversy when several homeowners who’d been involved in the taping of the series, Home Work, accused hosts Candis and Andy Meredith of poor workmanship, misappropriating funds, and other unsavory claims. The series was pulled from Magnolia Network on January 7, only two days after its television debut, but now Home Work will return to the channel and we know why.
Why Magnolia Network Is Putting Home Work Back On TV
Just last night, after Candis and Andy Meredith took to their Instagram to share what they believe to be a full accounting of their side of what happened in those disputed renovations, Magnolia Network’s president, Allison Page, gave a statement to People revealing that Home Work will return to TV and noted why the decision was reversed. Page said:
Magnolia Network is dedicated to sharing hopeful and genuine stories. In doing that, we strive to meet people with compassion and to cautiously approach difficult moments with honest understanding. After speaking with homeowners as well as Candis and Andy Meredith regarding renovation projects for Home Work, and hearing a mix of both positive and negative experiences, we do not believe there was ill or malicious intent. Our commitment now is to provide appropriate resolutions for those whose experience with Home Work fell short of our network's standards. While Home Work will return to Magnolia Network, we recognize the responsibility we have to act on how we can better support not only our talent but those who put their trust in them and this brand.
According to a source close to Magnolia Network, the channel is taking all of the claims against Home Work and the Merediths very seriously, which is why the show was pulled from the network so quickly after the many allegations were brought to light.
While Candis and Andy Meredith have completely denied any wrongdoing and continue to do so, at least three homeowners (as well as one real estate agent that the Utah-based couple work with) came forward with some very negative claims against them, after signing up to be featured on Home Work. Homeowners Aubry Bennion and Teisha Satterfield Hawley both detailed their experiences working with the Merediths for the series on their Instagram feeds, with each providing evidence of their claims in the form of photos and / or videos of the work that was done, receipts, text message exchanges, emails, and more.
Among the many claims they had against the couple were that they over-promised and under-delivered, left their homes damaged or with shoddy workmanship that left spaces incomplete or unlivable, wouldn’t respond in a timely manner to questions or complaints, allowed timelines for work to drag on, ignored initially agreed upon budget constraints, and also misappropriated client funds.
Candis and Andy Meredith made it clear in their many posts about the reports that they never had any ill intent while working with those homeowners, and it appears that those at Magnolia Network believe them. As the channel continues to look into the claims and see how they can help correct any wrongs done, we’ll see whether or not Home Work makes it past Season 1.
