TLC has finally canceled 19 Kids and Counting but appears to be laying the groundwork for more Duggar family shows.
In a statement, TLC announced the cancelation:
After thoughtful consideration, TLC and the Duggar family have decided to not move forward with 19 Kids and Counting. The show will no longer appear on the air.
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The recent attention around the Duggars has sparked a critical and important conversation about child protection.
Over these past weeks, TLC has consulted regularly with leading victims’ rights and advocacy organizations in the U.S., including RAINN and Darkness to Light, to discuss how to use this moment to address the issue and make a positive impact. Unfortunately, child sexual abuse is not an isolated issue; it affects many children and families around the world. To that end, we are partnering with both organizations on a multi-platform campaign to raise awareness and educate parents and families about the issue. In the first phase of this initiative, TLC will work closely with both groups and with the Duggar family on a one-hour documentary that will include Jill and Jessa and other survivors and families that have been affected by abuse.
TLC has been especially concerned for the victims in this situation, including the Duggar family, and it is our hope that this effort will help those in need learn where to turn for information and help. The documentary will be commercial free, and we anticipate it will air later this summer.
The Duggars released a separate statement that also mentioned that they were looking forward to the documentary, “We look forward to working with TLC on this upcoming special documentary and hope that it is an encouragement to many. We know Who holds the future and are confident that He will work all things together for good. We love each of you and look forward to unfolding the future with peace and joy.”
It is difficult to believe that the same parents who spent hours on Fox News trying to spin their son’s molestation in an attempt to save their show have done a complete 180 and now are interested in raising awareness and helping victims.
The network’s handling of the Duggar scandal was completely different from how they handled the similar Here Comes Honey Boo Boo scandal. There was no network special featuring the victim that appeared on Honey Boo Boo. Instead, after the allegations surfaced, the show was dropped and never spoken of again.
TLC won’t say it, but it sure looks like they are trying to figure out a way to get the Duggars back on the air.
The reason TLC waited so long to cancel the show was that the network was hoping that the public opinion would shift, and the scandal would go away. Reports have been circulating for weeks that TLC is considering replacing 19 Kids with a show that features the Jill and Jessa Duggar, who are also appearing in the documentary.
The documentary will probably do huge ratings, and it won’t a surprise to anyone who is paying attention if TLC announces in the near future a new series featuring the Duggars, because the network seems unwilling to let go of their cash cow.
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
