ABSTRACT

This case study will analyze the ethics of reality home renovation shows. The case study will focus on an episode from season three of HGTV’s Fixer Upper in which the home renovation stars, Chip and Joanna Gaines, tackle a project for their former photographer and her family. The case study will examine the ethics of what the viewer sees with the realities of what goes on behind the show's scenes. A standard of evaluation that will apply is the TARES test. The TARES test focuses on five key elements: Truthfulness, authenticity, respect, equity, and social responsibility (Patterson et al., 2019, p. 72). Each element will be assessed individually against various facets of the show. The case study will conclude by answering the following questions:

What is the purpose of having a show like Fixer Upper?

Is it ethical to call Fixer Upper a reality TV show?

How do such shows limit jobs for other media professionals?