Chip Gaines Says Jason Kelce's 'Furry' Chest Inspired Him to Create New Game ShowHuman vs. Hamster

Mar. 15, 2025

Chip Gaines (left) and shirtless Jason Kelce (right).Photo:Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty; Kathryn Riley/Getty

Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty; Kathryn Riley/Getty

Chip GaineshasJason Kelceto thank for inspiring his upcoming Magnolia Network show!

TheFixer Upperstar, 49, revealed that one of Kelce’s iconic football moments sparked the idea for the game showHuman vs. Hamsterduring a conversation atPaleyFestalongside wifeJoanna Gaineson Monday, Oct. 21.

When asked how the idea for the unique competition series came about, Chip recalled, “I was watchingJason Kelce.”

“Kelce, at the time, ripped off his shirt at some big football event. Is everybody familiar?” Taking in the retired NFL star’s bare torso, Chip says, " I just thought, you know what would be funny? Humans versus hamsters."

He expanded on the origin story during his and Joanna’s Oct. 22 appearance onToday.

“When I saw him rip his shirt off I just felt like, I wish I was furrier. I wish I was hairier. Have you ever had that thought, ladies?” he joked to hostsSavannah GuthrieandHoda Kotb

Jason Kelce shirtless.Kathryn Riley/Getty

Kathryn Riley/Getty

Though she didn’t answer his query, Guthrie pivoted to express her disbelief over how skilled the hamsters in the show are.

“Hamsters are so smart," Joanna agreed, “and they’ve been training. You’ll be very surprised when you watch.”

Echoing his wife, Chip said they are “terribly athletic little creatures.”

Scene from “Human vs. Hamster”.Courtesy of Magnolia Network

Courtesy of Magnolia Network

The world will get to see Chip’s out-of-the-box idea come to life whenHuman vs. Hamsterstarts streaming on Max Nov. 21.

The upcoming show is described as “a cheeky eight-episode competition series where the world’s most remarkable pet hamsters go toe-to-toe with teams of humans in scaled challenges,” according to a press release.

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In addition toHuman vs. Hamster, Magnolia Network is debuting two more reality shows this fall, including a talent competition series calledSecond Chance Stageand the first-ever roller skating competition series,Roller Jam.

source: people.com