Should ’19 Kids and Counting’ be canceled by TLC following Josh Duggar reports?
Let it be known that this is a serious story, and one that is not meant to be taken lightly. As a TV industry website, we do have to take this with a very specific approach.
Following up reports from In Touch Weekly that Josh Duggar allegedly molested several minors when he was a teenager 12 years ago, he and the rest of his family have come out and given statements explaining in part of what happened. Take, for example, the one that Josh (who is the eldest of the nineteen Duggar children behind “19 Kids and Counting“) had to give to People Magazine:
“Twelve years ago, as a young teenager, I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret. I hurt others, including my family and close friends … I confessed this to my parents who took several steps to help me address the situation. We spoke with the authorities where I confessed my wrongdoing, and my parents arranged for me and those affected by my actions to receive counseling. I understood that if I continued down this wrong road that I would end up ruining my life.”
Our hearts go out to all of the victims affected. From a television perspective, the question here is fairly simple: What should TLC do about this? The incidents go back beyond the statute of limitations, and at this point it is hard to tell if anyone will speak out. However, there is an admission that at least something happened, and there are many calls for the show, which first aired back in 2009, to be canceled. It has gone on to be one of the network’s most-popular series, in particular any wedding and baby specials that are produced.
Our feeling right now is this: It is going to be very hard for the network to stop a potential snowball that could soon become an avalanche.
We have attached a poll below for you share your thoughts on what is a pretty delicate situation. (Photo: TLC.)
Clare
May 24, 2015 @ 4:26 am
Absolutely yes The WHOLE family, Community, and Republican leaders covered it up destroyed evidence and did not corporate with Police
Rhonda Harris
May 24, 2015 @ 1:54 am
I don’t think the show should be canceled because this happened before the show ever started. Besides he was a young stupid teenager and did something a young stupid teenager might do. If we drag all this up it will only hurt the victims in the long run. I am not saying it was ok what he did or excuse it because of his age. I’m just saying there’s no need to rub salt in the wound.
Andrea
May 23, 2015 @ 10:33 pm
Canceling the show won’t change the past. However, I don’t think Josh should be able to reap financial benefits from his wrongdoing.
Clare
May 24, 2015 @ 4:27 am
The Family should not be financially be rewarded for covering up a crime
Clare
May 24, 2015 @ 4:32 am
Josh WILL still get money if the show continues no question You do not think that his family is not going to give him money after Josh bought a house in Arkansas recently?
S
May 23, 2015 @ 7:25 pm
I love this show and hope that TLC can keep it on tv in spite of what has happened. All of us in this world are all sinners, and we all make mistakes. God’s grace is sufficient enough to cover our sins and love us in spite of our wrongs. I think each situation is different and we need to focus on the fact that he was a young teenage boy who made terrible choices. He has asked for forgiveness from the victims and from God. Who are we to judge?? He has moved on with his life and hopefully so have all the victims. I don’t need to know who the victims are so I hope that none of them speak out about it. We are such a nosey nation. Everyone wants someone to blame and to sue and the media just wants some story to blow out of proportion. Let’s pray for this family and I do hope that TLC can make it work so that the show can remain on air. They are getting ready for a new season and I am excited about it. I think they have some really good values and I appreciate that it is a show that my child can watch.
Clare
May 24, 2015 @ 4:30 am
Michelle duggar Ridicules transgender compares them to sex offenders while Josh molested his sisters TLC should not reward these values
Clare
May 24, 2015 @ 4:35 am
the whole Honey Boo show was canceled because a sexual offender was associated with it What is Different with the Duggars The WHOLE Duggar show should be canceled