It might have taken a full-two-months for TLC to finally muster up the courage to cancel their hit TV show, 19 Kids and Counting, but the network isn't done with the Duggars just yet. According to the latest gossip news updates, the religious reality TV family will be appearing in a documentary focusing on child molestation cases like Josh Duggar's. Word has it that with the two sisters, Jill and Jessa, that have publicly come forward as their brother's victims will be featured in the special, that Jim Bob and Michelle hope that with any luck they can use the opportunity to turn public perception around -- allowing them to return to the air.
Despite their long appearing as the All-American family, the Duggars are said to be desperate to jettison bad-egg/son, Josh, in an last ditch attempt to salvage their reality TV careers.
One source in the latest August 3, issue of OK! Magazine explains that once TLC officially canceled their controversial show July 16, Jim Bob and Michelle got the message that it was time to cut Josh out of their family unit:
"The show was their biggest moneymaker...this comes as a big blow to their wallets and their egos.
"The only way that the family can get a new show or spin-off approved is by staying away from Josh and everything he represents.
"They are in panic mode and will day or do anything to get the show back. They'll throw Josh under the bus if that's what it takes."
Although they were arguably a little slow to act in the case of the Duggars, TLC announced that in addition to pulling 19 Kids and Counseling from the air, they are making a new special documentary -- which will include both Josh's known victim, Jill and Jessa Duggar -- in an attempt to prevent such horrible abuses in the future (via Us Weekly):
"In the first phase of this initiative, TLC will work closely with both groups and with the Duggar family on a one-hour documentary that will include Jill and Jessa and other survivors and families that have been affected by abuse."
According to an official statement made by the Duggars, they are all super-excited to be participating in the special (via Associated Press):
"We look forward to working with TLC on this upcoming special documentary and hope that it is an encouragement to many."
What do you think about the Duggars' cancellation?
Was 19 Kids and Counting just bullied off the air by a godless, liberal media?
Or did TLC do the right thing in removing a show that seemingly condoned serial child molestation as an everyday part of growing up?
