Duggars Heartbroken: Cancellation of ’19 Kids And Counting’ Saddens Duggar Family
The Duggars are heartbroken over the cancellation of their popular reality show, 19 Kids and Counting, and the family recently expressed their desire to return to TV, People magazine reports.
“The Duggars want to return to TV because they truly believe it was part of God’s plan for them to spread the word about their faith,” a source was quoted as saying.
Last week, it was revealed that 19 Kids and Counting was canceled by TLC after the eldest son of the clan, Josh, confessed to the sexual abuse of some of his sisters and other underage girls. The family also confirmed the cancellation of their show via a statement that was posted on their website.
“Today, TLC announced that they will not be filming new episodes of 19 Kids and Counting. Years ago, when we were asked to film our first one hour documentary about the logistics of raising 14 children, we felt that it was an opportunity to share with the world that children are a blessing and a gift from God. We are so thankful for our film crew that has shown up at our house for over a decade. They have become like family to us. They have invested their time and energy into our lives and have been so loving and patient. We love and appreciate them so much!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rk9POw1Wky4
TLC gave the following statement to ABC News regarding the cancellation.
“After thoughtful consideration, TLC and the Duggar family have decided to not move forward with 19 Kids and Counting. The show will no longer appear on the air.”
Although the Duggars are reportedly heartbroken over the cancellation, TLC announced that they would still be working with the family on an upcoming one-hour documentary that aims to raise awareness on child sexual abuse. The documentary is scheduled to air in late August.
TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting was the channel’s most popular show, averaging an impressive 2.3 million viewers per episode. The show had been in limbo since May, when it was revealed that Josh Duggar, 27, had sexually abused five children. It was taken off the air after emerging reports of abuse that occurred about 12 years ago. For 10 seasons, the series followed the family life of the Arkansas couple, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, and their 19 children.
The sexual abuse, according to Josh himself, occurred when he was 14. On the program’s Facebook page, he apologized for having acted in an “inexcusable way.”
“Twelve years ago, as a young teenager I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret. I hurt others, including my family and close friends. I confessed this to my parents who took several steps to help me address the situation. We spoke with the authorities where I confessed my wrongdoing and my parents arranged for me and those affected by my actions to receive counseling. I understood that if I continued down this wrong road that I would end up ruining my life. I sought forgiveness from those I had wronged and asked Christ to forgive me and come into my life. I would do anything to go back to those teen years and take different actions. In my life today, I am so very thankful for God’s grace, mercy and redemption.”
[Image via Handout / Getty Images]
