19 Kids and Counting was officially cancelled by TLC last week. The network issued a statement about their decision to pull the show, as well as one stating they won’t be creating a spinoff starring members of the Duggar family. They feel the family’s name has been too badly tarnished by the Josh Duggar sexual molestation scandal to continue airing the brand.
Now an online petition has surfaced, with fans urging others to sign. Their sole purpose is to bring 19 Kids and Counting back to TV.
“TLC has announced that it has permanently cancelled 19 Kids and Counting,” the Support the Duggars petition reads. “While the Duggar family may not be perfect and they’ve had difficulties like so many other families, their show WAS one of the few clean, family-friendly shows on TV. Sadly, there isn’t much a family can watch together any longer. The airwaves are full of terrible, trashy television! It isn’t right that the Duggars must be forced off the air while the filthy shows remain!”
“We want our voices to be heard! We all know the power of standing together–just ask A&E what happened when they cancelled Duck Dynasty!” the petition continues. “It seems that every day in America our values and way of life are disappearing. We must all stand together.”
Despite this petition to try to bring back 19 Kids and Counting, it seems the Duggar family has accepted their inevitable fate. Shortly after TLC made their announcement last week, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar issued a statement of their own.
“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!
Over the last several years people have said to us, “We love your show!” We have always responded, “It’s not a show, it’s our lives!” Our desire in opening our home to the world is to share Bible principles that are the answers for life’s problems.
With God’s grace and help Josh, our daughters and our entire family overcame a terrible situation, found healing and a way forward. We are so pleased with the wonderful adults they have all become.
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.
We appreciate the love, support, prayers and kindness extended to us by many of you. You have deeply touched our hearts and encouraged us, during this time.
God’s faithfulness and goodness to us, along with His abundant grace have given us strength and joy even in the most difficult days.
We have committed to Him that in all things—difficulties or success, good times or bad—we will purpose to bring Him honor by staying true to our faith and our family.
We look forward to working with TLC on this upcoming special documentary and hope that it is an encouragement to many.
We know Who holds the future and are confident that He will work all things together for good.
We love each of you and look forward to unfolding the future with peace and joy.
With Gratefulness,
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar family”
Do you think this petition to bring back 19 Kids and Counting will amount to anything at all? Or is it simply helping fans feel like they are doing something to show their faith in the Duggar family?
Members of the Duggar family–Jill Duggar Dillard and Jessa Duggar Seewald–will reportedly appear in a TLC special on child sexual abuse. The special is set to air some time in August.