In the TV industry, there are two classifications of shows that people will gladly spend hours of their time watching – scripted productions (dramas, comedies etc.), and those that are considered reality television. While there are many who hold the opinion that many elements of the latter are also scripted, there are some shows that appear too real to be. One such show is 19 Kids & Counting.
The series follows the daily exploits of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, and their children – all 19 of them. This translates to having one child an average 18 months apart. For the past decade, TV lovers have been able to witness the events that unfold in the lives of this Christian family from Tontitown, Arkansas, and watch as the children (and the family) grow right before their eyes. In homage to their 10th years on the air, here is a look at the on-screen journey of the Duggar Family:
Before They Hit 17
The TLC production 17 & Counting may have been the series that allowed Americans to witness the Duggar Family on a consistent basis, but those who have followed the family’s progression would know that they had been featured in shows for a long time. In 2004 there was 14 Children and Pregnant Again!, the first original special of the Duggar Family.
17 Kids & Counting
After numerous specials, TLC decided it was just about time that they made the Duggar family regular programming, so they got them started with 17 Kids & Counting, the 17th child being Jennifer Duggar. With each episode, households across the country became more intrigued by this family and their interesting story. There was also a lot of commentary on their homeschooling practices, as well as questions related to their expenses – food, water, electricity etc.
The perceived success of the opening season prompted the renewal of the series, but before this premiered it was revealed that a name change was required.
18 Kids & Counting
By the time the series renewal began in 2009, Jim Bob and Michelle had already added their 18th child to the family – Jordyn-Grace Makiya Duggar. During this time there were a number of notable episodes, including 20 Years, 20 Duggars – the title pretty much telling what it was all about.
19 Kids & Counting
In December 2009, the Duggar’s had their last (hesitated using the word ‘last’, but you know what they’re up to) child Josie Brooklyn Duggar. Understandably, this prompted another name change for the TLC-aired show. She was the spotlight of many early episodes, with TLC featuring Josie Duggar’s First Christmas, Josie Duggar’s First Hug, and Josie Duggar’s First Shoes.
Josie Duggar
There could have been another name change in 2012, but Michelle unfortunately suffered a miscarriage in December 2011.
Random Titbits about the Duggar’s
The Name Game
Believe it or not, all 19 children of Jim Bob and Michelle have a first name beginning with the letter ‘J’ – one would assume it’s as a result of the dad’s name beginning the same way. With nine boys and 10 girls it would be easily to imagine that they might have some sort of difficulty finding names of such ilk. One name in particular that may justify that point is ‘Jinger’, which we all know isn’t actually spelt that way.
Interestingly, while all children’s names start with ‘J’, it would appear as though Josh Duggar – the eldest child – is out to try and settle the score for his mother. He and his wife Anna have three children, and all their names begin with the letter ‘M’.
Josh Duggar and his wife Anna changed the “J” trend. Their children’s names start with “M” (Mackynzie Renée, Michael James and Marcus Anthony).
“Dating” Rules
To say that the Duggar family is traditional would be an understatement in every sense of the word, and their view on dating is just one way this is manifested. All social outings are chaperoned by an older sibling, while all forms of physical contact are totally against the rules. That being said, with two kids already married and another engaged to be wed in a couple months, it would be safe to assume that the rules aren’t that big a challenge. Some have even been looking on the Duggar Family as a standard… somewhat.
Numbers Don’t Lie
Many may not realize this, but the Duggar Family has featured in excess of 120 episodes (with specials included it’s actually close to 200 episodes), and with the current season just beginning that number is naturally going to grow. If looked upon by no other standard, the number of episodes possibly indicates that there is a high degree of popularity surrounding this large family from Arkansas.
It Might Not Have Been…
Ironically, the couple had practiced birth control for the first four years of their marriage, but then made the decision to let God dictate the number of kids they had.
As it is now, the series (name changes aside) is in its ninth season, and while it would appear as though Jim Bob and Michelle have finally given themselves breathers, the children and grandchildren could ensure that the air time of the Duggar Family proceeds for another decade or so to come.
The On-screen Journey of the Duggar Family
No comments:
Post a Comment