The Duggar family has been a staple of TLC programming going back to 2008 starting with 17 Kids and Counting and evolving into the Counting On spinoff in 2015, but the show has officially been cancelled by the network after 11 seasons. Notably, the cancellation comes ahead of the trial of Josh Duggar, who was arrested back in April on charges of receiving and possessing child pornography. His sister, Jinger Duggar Vuolo, has already shared her thoughts.
Rumors have abounded following the charges against Josh Duggar that Counting On would be cancelled as TLC's schedule remained devoid of Counting On Duggar content, although Josh Duggar never appeared on the 19 Kids and Counting spinoff. Now, TLC has released a statement (via People) confirming and explaining the cancellation:
TLC will not be producing additional seasons of Counting On. TLC feels it is important to give the Duggar family the opportunity to address their situation privately.
The trial of Josh Duggar was originally scheduled to begin on July 6, but court documents from the Western District of Arkansas (obtained by Fox News) reveal that the trial has been moved back to November 30, despite Duggar's legal team originally pushing for a February 2022 date. This isn't the first time that the actions of Josh Duggar have resulted in the end of a TLC show starring his family, as 19 Kids and Counting was cancelled after the allegations that he molested a number of underage girls, including some of his sisters.
Members of the Duggar family who starred in Counting On spoke up about the situation following Josh Duggar's arrest, and his sister Jinger Duggar Vuolo has already released a statement about the cancellation on behalf of herself and husband Jeremy Vuolo on Instagram. The reality TV star posted:
We are grateful for TLC giving us the opportunity to be on their network over the years and their kindness towards the Vuolo family. It's been a remarkable journey that has opened doors to traveling and experiencing the world in a way that we wouldn't have imagined possible. We wholeheartedly agree with TLC's decision not to renew Counting On and are excited for the next chapter in our lives. We'd like to thank our fans, friends and the amazing film crew who have shown us love and support. We look forward to continuing our creative journey in Los Angeles and seeing what the future holds.
Jinger Duggar Vuolo and her husband at least agree with the decision made by TLC to cancel Counting On; only time will tell if more of the expansive Duggar family weigh in with their thoughts on the end of the show. What is clear at this point is that the charges against Josh Duggar aren't going away. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for the charges if he's found guilty, and could be forced to pay $250,000 per charge.
Josh Duggar is no longer is prison while awaiting his trial, but he was not permitted to return home to wife Anna Duggar and their six children. Instead, he is living at a third party residence while out on bail, but his wife is reportedly standing by him and allowing him to see their kids.
With the trial pushed back from July to November, it may be a while before the case sees any form of resolution, and TLC's cancellation of Counting On guarantees that no part of the Duggar family's reaction to Josh Duggar's situation will be documented on the network. Among the family, Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo at least are just fine with that.
