What happened to Chase on fixer to Fabulous? Loyal Fixer to Fabulous fans noticed something was missing when Season 4 premiered in November 2022. Chase Looney, the beloved construction manager and carpenter who had been Dave Marrs’ right-hand man since the pilot episode in 2017, was nowhere to be found.
After appearing in just the Season 4 premiere, Chase quietly stepped away from the HGTV show, leaving viewers wondering what happened.
Quick Answer: Chase Looney left Fixer to Fabulous after the Season 4 premiere in November 2022. He departed to focus on his family following his divorce and returned to his firefighting career in Northwest Arkansas. As of 2026, he has not returned to the show and has stated there’s “no chance” of coming back.
Here’s everything we know about Chase Looney’s departure, his current life in 2026, and whether fans can expect his return to the beloved home renovation series.
Table of Contents
Who is Chase Looney? (Background for Context)
Before diving into what happened, it’s essential to understand who Chase Looney is and why his absence hit fans so hard. Chase wasn’t just another cast member—he was an integral part of what made Fixer to Fabulous feel authentic and relatable.
His Role on Fixer to Fabulous
Chase served as the construction manager and skilled carpenter working alongside his longtime friend Dave Marrs. From the pilot episode filmed in 2017 through Season 4 Episode 1 in 2022, Chase was a familiar face on screen. His responsibilities went far beyond basic construction work.
He built custom furniture pieces that became signature elements of the Marrs’ designs, crafted intricate woodworking details, and managed various aspects of the renovation projects. His chemistry with Dave, built on years of friendship, brought a genuine camaraderie to the show that viewers loved.
Before HGTV Fame
Long before the cameras started rolling, Chase was already a respected member of his Bentonville Arkansas community. He worked as a firefighter, serving as a first responder—a career he would eventually return to after leaving television. Chase also founded Chisel and Sawdust, his custom woodworking business specializing in handcrafted furniture made from locally-milled walnut. This Northwest Arkansas local had built a reputation for quality craftsmanship and community service well before television fame came calling.
The Tragic Fireworks Accident That Changed Everything
Chase’s journey with Fixer to Fabulous nearly ended before it began, and the incident that almost derailed everything would shape his entire experience on the show and become part of his inspiring legacy.
What Happened on July 4th, 2017
Just one week after filming wrapped on the pilot episode, Chase’s life changed forever. On Independence Day 2017, he was setting up a fireworks display when a storm began approaching. In the rush to finish before the weather arrived, a firework tube exploded directly in his face. The accident was catastrophic. Chase was immediately rushed to the hospital where he underwent an emergency surgery that lasted eight grueling hours. His family, friends, and the entire Fixer to Fabulous crew waited anxiously for news.
The Devastating Diagnosis
When Chase woke from surgery, doctors delivered heartbreaking news: he had lost his left eye completely. The injury was permanent and life-altering. Beyond the physical loss, Chase faced potential facial paralysis concerns and permanent scarring that would affect his appearance for the rest of his life. In his personal blog, Chase wrote about receiving the diagnosis, describing the moment as one of the darkest of his life. The timing couldn’t have been worse—he had just filmed a television pilot where his appearance would be scrutinized by thousands of viewers.
Dave and Jenny’s Support
Throughout this devastating period, Dave and Jenny Marrs never wavered in their support. They visited Chase in the hospital frequently, offering encouragement and reassurance. Dave Marrs later shared one of Chase’s most vulnerable moments from those hospital visits.
Chase told them, “I don’t think I have the face for TV anymore.” Without missing a beat, Dave responded with the kind of humor that defines their friendship: “They reassured me I never had a face for TV anyway.” This moment of levity in such a dark time speaks volumes about their genuine relationship.
His Brave Return to the Show
Against all odds and defying expectations, Chase made the courageous decision to return to Fixer to Fabulous. He came back wearing an eye patch, which became part of his signature look throughout the series. Chase continued appearing on the show through Season 3, never letting his injury define him or limit his capabilities.
His resilience transformed him into an inspirational figure for fans across the country. Viewers wrote to him sharing their own stories of overcoming adversity, and Chase became a symbol of perseverance and authentic courage. He proved that physical appearance doesn’t determine worth or capability—character does.
When Did Chase Leave Fixer to Fabulous?
The timeline of Chase’s departure has been pieced together through social media posts, episode airings, and statements from those involved. Understanding when he left helps clarify the circumstances surrounding his decision.
Timeline Breakdown:
- Last Appearance: Season 4, Episode 1 (November 2022)
- Instagram Went Dark: March 2021 through December 2022
- Confirmation Post: January 2023
Chase’s absence became noticeable to dedicated fans immediately, but it took months before anyone officially addressed what had happened. The extended silence on his Instagram account during 2021 and 2022 coincided with significant personal changes happening behind the scenes.
The Instagram Post That Confirmed Everything
In January 2023, Chase finally broke his social media silence with a post that confirmed what fans had suspected. Sharing a photo of a farm-style table he had created, Chase wrote: “Flashback to a simple farm-style table I did for a little show I used to be a part of.” The use of past tense—”used to be a part of”—made his departure official. The post sparked immediate responses from fans expressing their disappointment and support. Dave Marrs himself commented on the post, maintaining the positive relationship they clearly still shared despite Chase’s decision to leave.
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What happened to Chase on fixer to Fabulous? The Real Reasons
Chase never gave a formal statement or press release explaining his departure, but through careful observation of his social media activity, comments from Dave Marrs, and the timeline of events, a clear picture emerges of why he chose to step away from television.
The Divorce That Changed His Priorities
The most significant factor in Chase’s departure was his personal life upheaval. Chase and his wife Chelsie separated in 2021 and later divorced—a painful transition that coincided exactly with his Instagram going dark. This wasn’t coincidental. The period from March 2021 through December 2022 represented Chase’s most difficult personal chapter, as he navigated the end of his marriage while trying to maintain stability for his two children.
In January 2023, Chase posted about a family trip with his kids, writing poignantly: “Life is different with just the three of us.” This simple statement revealed the new reality he was building. For Chase, the demanding schedule of television production—with its long days, unpredictable hours, and commitments that extended beyond normal work weeks—became incompatible with his new role as a co-parent who needed flexibility and presence in his children’s daily lives.
Chase has made it abundantly clear in various posts and comments that his “kids will always come first.” This isn’t empty rhetoric—it’s the guiding principle that led him away from HGTV and back to a life that prioritized stability and family time.
Returning to His Firefighting Roots
Dave Marrs confirmed in comments and conversations with fans that Chase returned to the career he held before television fame. “So happy the fire department is going well,” Dave wrote in response to questions about Chase’s current work. Firefighting offered Chase several advantages that television couldn’t match: a more predictable schedule that accommodated co-parenting arrangements, steady income without the uncertainty of seasonal television production, work that directly served his Northwest Arkansas community, and the fulfillment of helping people in immediate, tangible ways.
For someone whose identity was rooted in service—whether through firefighting, woodworking, or home renovation—returning to first responder work represented a homecoming to his core values.
No Official Explanation Given
It’s worth noting that Chase has never publicly stated his exact reasons for leaving in a formal interview or statement. What we know comes from piecing together social media posts, comments, and observations. This privacy is consistent with Chase’s character—he’s never been someone who seeks attention or feels the need to justify personal decisions publicly.
Importantly, all evidence suggests this was Chase’s decision, not the network’s. He wasn’t fired or written off the show. The door was open for him to continue, but he chose to walk through a different one. Supporting this conclusion is the fact that his father, Joe Looney, remained on the show through Season 5, indicating no bad blood between the production and the Looney family.
Fan Response to His Departure
In June 2023, a fan directly asked Chase about potentially returning for Season 5. His response was definitive and honest: “Sorry no chance. But thank you so much for the kind words.” This comment wasn’t bitter or angry—it was simply Chase being clear about his priorities and closing the door on speculation. While it disappointed fans hoping for his return, it also demonstrated the conviction behind his decision. He wasn’t leaving the door cracked open or being coy about possibilities—he had made his choice and was committed to it.
What is Chase Looney Doing Now in 2026?
Four years after his departure from Fixer to Fabulous, Chase has built a life centered on the values that mattered most to him. While he maintains a much lower public profile than during his television days, available information paints a picture of a man content with his choices.
Working as a Firefighter
Chase returned to his career as a first responder, serving his community in Northwest Arkansas. The firefighting profession offers the stability and schedule predictability he needed as a single parent. This work allows him to maintain regular custody arrangements with his two children while continuing the service-oriented career that defined his pre-television life. For Chase, this isn’t a step backward—it’s a return to purpose-driven work that makes a direct difference in people’s lives during emergencies.
Custom Furniture and Woodworking Business
Chase’s Chisel and Sawdust business continues to operate, though on what appears to be a more selective basis than during his television years. He specializes in creating custom pieces using locally-milled walnut, with particular expertise in waterfall tables and farm-style furniture—the same pieces that made him a fan favorite on Fixer to Fabulous. His last significant social media update about his woodworking came in June 2023, showcasing a custom piece that demonstrated his skills remain as sharp as ever.
While his limited social media presence makes it unclear how actively he’s taking new orders or how many commissions he completes annually, the business appears to remain operational on some level. For Chase, woodworking has always been more than just a business—it’s a creative outlet and a connection to the craftsmanship that first brought him to Dave Marrs’ attention.
Focused on Fatherhood
More than anything else, Chase’s current life centers on being present for his children. Whether through primary custody or shared parenting arrangements, he prioritizes time with his kids. Social media posts from 2023 showed him taking his children to Thunder games and on family trips—ordinary moments that mean everything to someone who has chosen family over fame.
Chase has described himself as the “luckiest man alive” as a father, a statement that reveals where he finds his greatest fulfillment in 2026. The choice to step away from a growing television career makes complete sense through this lens: no amount of fame or recognition could compete with the simple joy of being fully present in his children’s childhood.
Social Media Presence (2026 Update)
Chase maintains his Instagram account @chisel_and_sawdust, but activity has been extremely limited since mid-2023. His last known posts focused primarily on furniture work and family moments rather than any television-related content. This minimal social media presence appears intentional—Chase seems to have deliberately stepped back from public life to focus on the private world of family and work.
As of early 2026, there have been no new public updates suggesting any change in his lifestyle, career direction, or relationship to Fixer to Fabulous. The silence isn’t concerning—it’s simply consistent with a man who has chosen privacy and presence over publicity.
Will Chase Ever Return to Fixer to Fabulous?
This is the question fans have asked most persistently since Chase’s departure. While nothing is impossible, all available evidence points toward a permanent exit rather than a temporary break.
What Dave Marrs Has Said
Dave has maintained nothing but positive things about Chase since his departure. In various comments and interactions with fans, Dave has said things like “Hope you come back to the team soon!” These statements make it clear that Chase remains on excellent terms with Dave and Jenny Marrs. There’s no animosity, no burned bridges, and no professional conflict that would prevent a return.
The door appears to remain open from the production side. If Chase wanted to come back, even for a guest appearance or special episode, the Marrs family would almost certainly welcome him. This speaks to the genuine friendship they share—it transcends the show itself.
Chase’s Stance on Returning
Despite Dave’s openness to his return, Chase himself has been crystal clear. His 2023 comment—”Sorry no chance”—wasn’t ambiguous or conditional. It was a firm no based on priorities that haven’t changed in the years since.
Chase’s reasons for leaving haven’t disappeared: his children still need a present father, firefighting still offers the schedule stability that television can’t, and the life he’s built in Northwest Arkansas away from cameras still aligns better with his values than returning to HGTV.
For Chase to return would require either a massive change in his personal circumstances or a production arrangement so flexible that it wouldn’t resemble a typical television commitment—neither of which seems likely.
What Fans Are Saying
The fan response to Chase’s absence has been consistently emotional and supportive. Comments like “The show just isn’t the same without him” appear regularly on Fixer to Fabulous posts and forums. Fans have made countless requests for guest appearances, special reunion episodes, or even just an on-camera update about his life.
Some devoted viewers continue hoping for a special episode comeback—perhaps a holiday special or a single project where Chase could build one more custom furniture piece for Dave and Jenny. While this remains theoretically possible, Chase’s definitive statements suggest fans shouldn’t hold their breath.
2026 Status: As of February 2026, there is no indication whatsoever that Chase is considering a return to Fixer to Fabulous in any capacity. His life has moved in a different direction, and he appears completely at peace with that choice.
How the Show Has Changed Without Chase
Fixer to Fabulous has continued successfully without Chase, now in its later seasons, but longtime viewers notice the difference his absence makes. The show’s dynamic shifted when Chase departed, though the Marrs have done their best to maintain the warmth and authenticity that made the series popular.
Joe Looney, Chase’s father, continued appearing on the show through Season 5, providing some continuity and maintaining the Looney family connection that fans appreciated. However, Joe’s role was different from Chase’s—he didn’t have the same on-screen chemistry with Dave that came from decades of friendship.
Other crew members have stepped up to fill the construction manager role and handle the custom woodworking elements that Chase once dominated. The show’s quality hasn’t diminished from a production standpoint, but there’s an intangible element missing for fans who connected with Chase’s story and personality.
Fan sentiment about the show’s dynamic without Chase ranges from understanding acceptance to genuine disappointment. Many viewers respected Chase’s decision and appreciate that the show continues to honor quality home renovation, while others admit they miss the specific energy and friendship that Chase brought to every episode.
Chase Looney’s Impact and Legacy on Fixer to Fabulous
Even though his time on the show has ended, Chase’s impact on Fixer to Fabulous remains significant and lasting. His contributions went beyond the custom furniture pieces he created or the construction work he managed.
Chase’s most profound legacy is his inspirational story of overcoming tragedy. Losing his eye just one week after filming the pilot could have ended his television career before it started. Instead, he returned wearing an eye patch and never treated his injury as something to hide or be ashamed of. This courage inspired countless viewers facing their own challenges, disabilities, or physical differences. He proved that authenticity and character matter more than conventional appearance.
Additionally, Chase represented everyday working people on television in a way that felt genuine. He wasn’t a polished TV personality or a celebrity designer—he was a firefighter and carpenter who happened to be really good at his job. This authenticity made him relatable to viewers who saw themselves in his story rather than being intimidated by impossible standards.
The authentic relationship Chase built with Dave and Jenny Marrs also set a tone for the entire show. Their friendship wasn’t manufactured for cameras—it was real, built on years of shared experiences, and it showed in every interaction. This genuine connection helped establish Fixer to Fabulous as a show about real people doing real work, not just another staged reality program.
Fans connected with Chase because he was approachable, humble, and clearly loved what he did. He never sought the spotlight but handled it with grace when it came. His furniture pieces remain showcased in homes across Arkansas, tangible reminders of his craftsmanship and the period when he shared his talents with a national audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chase Looney still on Fixer to Fabulous in 2026?
No. Chase has not appeared on the show since the Season 4 premiere in November 2022 and has clearly stated that he will not return.
Did Chase Looney get fired from Fixer to Fabulous?
No. All evidence suggests Chase chose to leave voluntarily to focus on his family and his firefighting career. He remains on excellent terms with Dave and Jenny Marrs.
What happened to Chase Looney’s eye?
Chase lost his left eye in a tragic fireworks accident on July 4, 2017. He required about eight hours of emergency surgery, which happened shortly after filming the pilot episode.
Is Chase Looney divorced?
Yes. Chase and his wife Chelsie separated in 2021 and later divorced. He now co-parents their two children, who are his top priority.
What does Chase Looney do for a living now?
Chase returned to his career as a firefighter in Northwest Arkansas and also runs Chisel and Sawdust, his custom furniture and woodworking business.
Where is Chase Looney now?
He lives in Bentonville and the Northwest Arkansas area, working as a first responder while creating custom furniture and raising his children.
Did Chase Looney remarry?
There is no public information about Chase remarrying as of 2026. He keeps his personal relationships private.
Can I buy furniture from Chase Looney?
Yes. His brand Chisel and Sawdust creates custom walnut furniture pieces. However, current availability is unclear due to limited recent social media activity and his full-time firefighting commitments.
Conclusion
Chase Looney’s journey from eye injury survivor to beloved television personality to devoted father represents a story of resilience, authenticity, and choosing what matters most. While fans miss seeing him on Fixer to Fabulous, his focus on family and community service as a firefighter shows his true character.
Chase’s legacy on the show remains through the custom furniture pieces he created and the inspiration he provided to viewers facing their own challenges. Though the door remains open from the Marrs family, Chase has found fulfillment in a quieter life serving his Northwest Arkansas community.
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