The Duggar family has long been a polarizing presence in reality TV, but recent developments have some fans convinced that TLC is intentionally keeping its distance. Despite their former popularity and loyal fanbase, the network has shown no signs of welcoming the Duggars back onto its programming schedule. Many speculate that TLC is simply too cautious to reignite a public relations firestorm in the wake of serious allegations and controversies surrounding the family.
The Duggars’ History with TLC
The Duggar family first entered the spotlight with their hit reality show 19 Kids and Counting, which chronicled the lives of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and their many children. The show gained attention for its portrayal of conservative Christian values and large family dynamics. However, in 2015, TLC abruptly canceled the show after it was revealed that Josh Duggar had molested several of his sisters when he was a teenager.
Though the scandal was severe, the network made a surprising move by reviving the family in a spinoff called Counting On, which focused on the older Duggar children and their courtships, marriages, and growing families. This show ran for several seasons and helped repair the family’s public image — at least temporarily.
But in 2021, Josh Duggar was arrested again, this time on federal charges for possessing child sexual abuse material. The severity of the charges led TLC to sever ties with the family once more, canceling Counting On and making no indication that the Duggars would return to television anytime soon.
Public Opinion: Is TLC Afraid?
In the wake of Josh’s conviction and a damning Amazon documentary that further explored the family’s dark secrets and controversial religious affiliations, fans began to speculate about TLC’s long-term intentions. On platforms like Reddit, users have voiced strong opinions about the potential risks the network would face by reintroducing the Duggars to their lineup.
Many users expressed doubt that TLC would ever risk another backlash by bringing the family back, especially after multiple public missteps and widespread criticism. Some pointed out that Jim Bob Duggar’s continued defense of Josh, and reports that he did not pay his children fairly for their time on the show, further complicate the possibility of any return.
One commenter noted, “After Jill’s book, I don’t think TLC wants to get near Jim Bob. The only Duggar anyone is really interested in now is Jinger, and she’s made it clear she doesn’t want her kids in the spotlight.” They added that public interest in this type of content has likely faded, stating, “I don’t think America wants to watch this kind of reality TV anymore.”
A Family Divided
While Jim Bob and Michelle have retreated from social media, many of their children remain active online. Some have distanced themselves from the family’s legacy, speaking out about the harmful aspects of their upbringing. Others continue to share glimpses of their lives, maintaining a smaller, but loyal, group of followers.
The divide within the family has become more visible over time, particularly with the release of memoirs and interviews from Duggar children like Jill and Jinger, who have criticized the family’s strict religious lifestyle and lack of personal freedom. These revelations have only deepened the public’s skepticism toward any possible Duggar reboot on TV.
Will TLC Take the Risk?
At this point, TLC has not made any formal announcements about bringing the Duggars back. While there may be behind-the-scenes discussions or interest in capturing the family’s evolving story, the network appears to be weighing the potential backlash more heavily than the ratings boost such a move could bring.
Until there’s a clear signal from TLC, fans can only speculate — and many believe the Duggar era on TV is officially over.
For ongoing updates and news about the Duggar family, be sure to check back regularly.
