Yesterday we reported that TLC had officially cancelled 19 Kids and Counting, the reality show that had come under fire in recent months due to sexual molestation allegations against a member of the Duggar Family. The family has now made their first public comment regarding the cancellation of the long running show.
Posted to the Duggar Family Facebook page the statement focuses on the family’s faith in God getting them through the ending of their respective TV careers, with only a brief mention of the scandal which led to the end of the series.
”It is our prayer that the painful situation our family went through many years ago can point people toward faith in God and help others who also have lived through similar dark situations to find help, hope and healing, as well.
The statement itself is unsurprising in its lack of directly dealing with the issues at hand. The only other mention of the sexual molestation that Josh Duggar has been accused of is a reference to Josh, and their family, overcoming “a terrible situation.” It’s not even clear what terrible situation is being referred to here. Is it the crimes allegedly committed, or the cancellation of their TV show? They are very complementary of TLC and the crew that worked with them for so long, calling them part of the family,but it's clear its an end of an era for the family.
TLC had little choice but to cancel the show after several of the programs’s advertisers bailed. Between the money problems and the bad press, it was unlikely the cable network could afford to keep the show on, even if they’d wanted to. As successful as the show was, sometimes you just have to let the money go. Very few people were publicly supporting the Duggars following the allegations.
We will see the Duggars on TV at least once more, as TLC has announced a documentary on the topic of child sexual abuse that will include the girls who were the alleged victims. The Duggars say they look forward to working on the documentary. In addition there’s also talk of a possible spinoff which would include some of the less controversial members of the family. Even if the spinoff does happen, don’t expect it until well after the documentary has aired and the Duggars have been off TV for a good long while.
TLC has a long string of reality shows that have been canceled at the height of their popularity. Prior to the Duggar debacle was Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, a series which was also canceled due to concerns around child molestation. TLC is probably wishing for the salad days of Jon & Kate+8 where the worst thing they had to deal with extramarital affairs.
We'll let you know what sort of programs TLC beefs up its lineup with down the road.
