Jon & Kate Plus 8 (2007–2009) User Reviews (31)

One of the few interesting reality shows out there

[cosmic_quest · 5/10 · 9 March 2008]

'Jon and Kate Plus 8' has the honour of probably being one of the few decent, interesting reality shows on the box, and this is taking into consideration the sheer number of reality tat that is being churned out by television companies these days. The show centres around Jon and Kate Gosselin, who are parents to an incredible eight children (six-year-old twin girls Cara and Maddy, and three-year-old sextuplets Aiden, Collin, Joel, Alexis, Hannah and Leah).

'Jon and Kate Plus 8' works because it offers a bird's eye view of everyday life with this huge family, warts and all. As for the kids, especially the twins, they are cute and endearing in their antics. That said, as the show progressed, it has become apparent that there is a tyrannical, controlling side to Kate, which can make it quite hard to watch her at times, especially when she expects the kids to act like little pristine robots instead of spontaneous children who are going to make noise and get messy. It will be interesting to see how this family fares over the years, as the children grow up and no doubt become less tolerant of being filmed twenty-four/seven (I feel the twins are already at this point and perhaps it's time to wind down on filming for the sake of allowing them normal school lives).

Overall, this is a fairly good show that not only offers a slice of what life is like for the Gosselins' but also is an insight in American family life.

The show I love to hate

[missylizzie13 · 4/10 · 21 December 2008]

I love to hate this show. The kids are being exploited by their parents especially their over controlling mother Kate. Jon is no help either because he just goes along for the ride. The kids are being exposed to life that is being tapes 4 times a week. Aren't there child labor laws? It isn't real any more. All of the freebies, the new book and the way that the promote products is sickening. The last episode about Giving Back was excruciating! I mean they were giving themselves a pat on the back about visiting sick children. I know Kate said that she was just doing this to bring awareness to the issue but then why hand out "Multiple Blessings" (a book she didn't even write and is taking all the credit for) and promote the new movie "The Tale of Despereaux" while doing it. If it is all really just about giving Life Experience to the kids, how about realizing the years of painful ridicule and embarrassment to come? Those kids will NEVER know what privacy is because Jon and Kate never gave them a chance at it.

Ways of how to ruin your marriage and exploit your children.

[ManhattanBeachGal · 1/10 · 27 May 2009]

For the greatest tips on how to ruin your marriage, and exploit your children... please tune in to Jon and Kate plus 8, they will show you all the tips on how greed can ruin lives. I see nothing wrong in securing financially for your children, but let us realize that Kate was a nurse, and Jon had a decent job as well. They weren't poor by any means. Too much of anything is unhealthy. Maybe one season was just enough, then she could of focused on writing, but to let it play out this long is disgusting. What disgusts me even more is that people tune in to watch this crap. I hope you know that it's staged. The wedding vows they renewed, staged! Everything is scripted in what they do. I'm happy I didn't tune in on Monday, but then again you can just see it's all over front pages of yahoo, and other various sites. Boycott this show for the sake of the children, let Jon and Kate deal with this in private. If not you just continue to feed ratings for the network that is motivated by money! Kate should of wrote a book about, 100 ways to destroy a family! Jon you're just as guilty, fckn grow a pair!

Child exploitation by parents, network, and sponsers

[interrobang100 · 1/10 · 2 August 2009]

This show is all about lazy parents making a living off their children. They had jobs that would have earned enough to support this family in a simple way, but they didn't want to work. So they put the kids to work. And don't believe for a minute that it's just the kids living their lives. There are plenty of examples of things done for the show that any sane parent would not have allowed.

The parents insist they do it for the kids, but the reality is they only think about all the goodies they get, the free trips, a fancy house, free stuff. The kids don't care about that. All they want is to be able to play with their friends, not be humiliated on national television, not having to do stuff for the camera, and to have a childhood, which has been stolen from them by greedy adults. And they will probably have nothing to show for it when they turn 18 but resentment.

Don't support this exploitation. It's a travesty that a network calling itself the The Learning Channel has become the sideshow carny channel. Please, do those children a favor, boycott the show and the sponsors and let the sponsors know you won't buy their product so long as they support harming children.

Jon and Kate

[hugsandhissyfits · 1/10 · 29 December 2008]

I use to be addicted to this then to a point it certainly get to be the same Ole same Ole after they have gotten tons of money and fame now they get to go do everything have no real struggles only bickering between each other. I lost all respect for Kate after she told TLC her best friend and sister in law could not profit from their children after all the countless hours they helped w the kids after all loved them and gave up their own time and own time with their children.I think its a sad woman who does this.Aunt Jodi deserved more..she was a good human being much better than Kate.. I will never watch again..and I've told all my family and everyone I speak do not watch this..she should want and desire the nest for everyone who wanted good for their kids.

Another letdown in TV programming

[vampyrecowboy · 1/10 · 20 October 2009]

Wow - how low can Hollywood sink? Let's brutally destroy some family by putting them on camera and then feeding every tidbit of their lives into the media.

If the kids don't grow up to be pshyco murders by the time they are 13, I will be surprised.

What a boring show, a stupid show and a sad attempt at an introspect of people's personal life.

Reality TV has got to stop now.

It has surpassed the point of stupidity and has become a bore and mind-numbing to watch.

There is nothing salvageable on this show and the fact that the tow parents are fighting constantly now over the money from this lousy production is sad and as uninspiring to read about and hear about as the show is itself.

Just one more reason that TV shows suck!

The parents are annoying and the kids are brats

[FortiesFilmFanatic · 30 August 2008]

The wife is an obsessive control freak and the husband is spineless to put up with her crap. She screams at him in public.

Kate won't let the kids have any fun for fear of making a mess. What is her problem. They have no friends or family left in their life because they have run everyone off.

I used to like watching the show in the very beginning but the parents have changed. Even the kids attitudes are getting bad. Why do they subject the kids to the constant cameras and lack of privacy.

If you check the message boards, it sounds like the parents are just in it for the money. They canceled a bunch of speaking engagements they had committed to with churches under the pretense of "needing to spend less time away from the kids" - just supposedly to have replaced them with new speaking engagements where they are charging $25,000 to appear.

One of the only decent reality shows out there....

[sherbert_08 · 10/10 · 19 April 2008]

I ABSOLUTELY adore this show! My older sister got me into this show because she has 3 kids (older girl and a set of twins) and watchinig this show gave her hope that she can make it through everyday life. This show is entertaining, endearing and most definitely has it's "oh dear" moments with the rambunctious and "oh my" Mady. Quiet and nurturing Cara...and melt your heart moments with the little kids such as the little cutie pies Leah and Aaden Mommy's helper Hannah and Collin. daddy's mini-me in Joel and Alexis the load and adventurous one. This show is one of the few on television that are actually filling up some quality time on the time slots. Hopefully Jon and Kate never stop filming, because this show is just spot on.

A Good Show If You Watch It Just For the Kids

[firefairy528 · 7/10 · 2 April 2009]

Jon and Kate Plus 8 is a reality show based around the lives of Jon and Kate Gosselin and their eight children, Cara, Mady, Alexis, Hannah, Aaden, Collin, Leah, and Joel. The shows wins points for being one of the few reality shows that actually isn't fake. Everything is shot in real time, and what you see is actually what is going on in their everyday lives. However, while the show is realism is a positive point, it also proves to be a negative point as well.

The show has been on the air for four years, and in that time viewers have watched Kate Gosselin go from a loving mother to a greedy woman who does not show her children the love they deserve. While Kate was controlling in the first two seasons, she still showed her children that she cared for them. But, too many freebees have gone to Kate's head, and it is painfully obvious. Jon is less greedy then his wife, but it is still obvious that much of the things they receive from helpful sources is just a bad attempt at product placement. Many viewers have been driven away by Jon and Kate's greed. It seems that they will take anything as long as its free.

On a lighter note, the true joy of the show are Jon and Kate's eight children. Each child shines in their own way.

Cara is motherly towards the younger children, and is the athlete in the family.

Mady tells it how it is. She is not afraid to show her family to tell her parents how she feels about something. While some may call this bratty, I call it spunk.

Alexis is the loudest of the sextuplets, and is the biggest troublemaker of the bunch.

Hannah is what Kate calls "the little mother." She is mature for a four year old, and actually helps fold laundry for her mother. But she also has an attitude of an eight year old.

Aaden is the animal lover, and he is always pretending to be some animal of sort.

Collin is the most stubborn of the six little children, yet he is helpful. Kate calls him her "helper boy." Leah is the smallest of the bunch, but don't let that fool you. She is a bundle of energy that is always running around and jumping off things.

And last but not least you have Joel. He is the quietest of the tups, but he is also the cutest of the boys. It's is to hard to describe Joel in a few words so I'll just say he is interesting.

Overall, the children are the reason the show is on the air, and it well worth the time to watch. You never know what to expect from these children, and each episode is a pleasure to watch so long as the children are the center of attention.

Painful To Watch

[forthetollferry · 1/10 · 20 June 2008]

I'm still trying to figure out what is so amazingly special about this show that makes it come on like 10+ times a day every day. To me, being within earshot of a program that has eight screaming kids and a histrionic mother is not something I care to endure endlessly as TLC would have it, much less for half an hour. Obviously, there is some psychological draw to this show though for the way it gets so much publicity and the way some people (like some that I know) flock to it without a second thought and gleefully disperse its earful of tensions to everyone else in the room. I really, really don't get it, but I guess that doesn't really matter as long as it sells.

Jon and Kate plus 8

[gstraitfn2003 · 9/10 · 20 May 2008]

I watch the TV show "Jon and Kate Plus 8" a lot. The show is so real and that's why I think it is so good. For parents that have two, or more children, it is a great way to see how these parents manage with a set of twins and sextuplets! I think the contrast of personalities of Jon and Kate are great. Jon , being the more "laid back" one and Kate , so organized and somewhat "over-the top" about certain things, keeps things very interesting. As parents , I think Jon and Kate do a wonderful job. They love all their children and do things with them that "normal" parents do. I hope the shows continue as I would love to see how all the children grow and progress in this large family.

It was probably all Kate's idea

[pooterbear1 · 7/10 · 6 July 2013]

Honestly I'm about to give a opinion and a theory that I observed over the past week. I've been watching TLC all day today and that they so happened to have a Kate plus 8 marathon going on today and at the end of it they played the sextuplets turn 10 episode. After all these years of watching this show, I finally realized that Jon had nothing to do with these kids on TV. Kate probably forced Jon into signing the contract to film their life when they first started the show. Kate knew the outcome of filming her and her children, she knew 8 kids + National television = money. So there must of been a 4 or 5 year contract with TLC to keep them on their channel and to film them and like I said this must of been Kate's idea of earning some cash. So she quit her job because she knew she wouldn't need it after all the money she expects to get. I noticed how Jon is miserable in all these episodes of the show because he must of wanted better for his kids and wanted them to feel normal due to the fact that they kind of aren't Normal in general due to the fact their are 8 of them a set of twins and a sextuplet bunch. Finally Jon snapped and had enough and decided to divorce kate because she is killing these kids mentally and wants better for them so around the time Jon and Kate got divorced, was around the same time the show ended. So basically without Jon the contract was trash and they had to pull the show. So the moral of all this is Jon saw deep within Kate's mind and saved his children from the exposure that Kate was putting on them for some money. (Bravo!!! Bravo!!!)

O.o

[Liandria · 2/10 · 17 May 2009]

I gave 2 stars out of 10... and i am being nice. When the season first started, I appreciated the show. They had a regular house, with regular jobs and regular cars. As the seasons go, the house goes bigger (and WAY bigger), the jobs are changing, the cars are changing, and their personality completely changed.

In the beginning, Jon and Kate were explaining the difficulties of what it is to have so many children. Example: How Kate doesn't like how her body looks. Some days she would not have make up or have her hair done... and with the seasons, you realize that Kate had probably had a tummy tuck done, gets her hair done every day and had amazing make up, nice clothes and goes to the gym very often. Kate is a very bitter person and should learn to be nice and accept to be told how to do stuff. She is not the queen of the world. I have the Impression that now the show is more about what expensive stuff they go than their own family. Look how many trips they done; in my whole life, i never went to so many places... I find it pretty sad how much they show off their money now. Before they didn't... I am impressed they don't have an expensive car yet just for the couple...(maybe they do but they don't show it)

The other thing I go annoyed with the show is how much religion is put in. Not everyone in the world is Christian... Their site is filled with religious stuff. Life ain't only about religion and the show should be neutral. Maybe Its because I am Canadian that i feel that way, but There is so many religion in this world that they shouldn't push it so much in their show. There is so much subject they could use than going to church and talk about it.

So I Gave 2 stars because the kids are adorable and I am sure they have a better life than most of us. the only thing they don't have is now privacy. They should have privacy for their own safety...

annoying

[jdmxrain · 3 April 2009]

I've seen a few of these episodes and I don't like it. Kate treats Jon like he's her dog, by bossing him around and being rude and overreacting on every little thing. She treats him like he's one of the kids. She doesn't respect her husband and dominates him. Jon always looks like he's miserable.

Its like he goes on with whatever is going on and whatever Kate tells him to do. They say the octumom is bad, well what they're doing isn't so great either. They're not giving their children any privacy and kids need that growing up. I'm sure they keep doing the show because they couldn't support their family any other way.

Jon is the only one who works and one income isn't enough to support 10 people so I'm sure the show pays them well. Kate says she has a type A personality, yea I get that but it goes beyond that with her. On the plus side, it seems like the kids are treated equally. Its also a boring show, and the way Kate acts is annoying. I really don't like her and Jon.

you took the words right out of my mouth...

[jbkcray · 10/10 · 14 May 2009]

I love this show too, but couldn't have put it any better if I had written it myself. You are absolutely correct about Mady, Kate, and the way the children may turn out if something isn't done soon. I'm so glad you had the guts to say what needed to be said and in a tasteful, compassionate way, I don't want to see this family fail. But I can't help but see that each week things get worse and worse, and I am enjoying less and less of the show and thinking more and more about what is about to explode. Jon Hang in there, hold your family tight and get them the help they need. With God and America on your side Kate's wrath is just a splash compared to the tidal wave that could come over your family in the years to come.

vain, vain, vain

[yankee6570 · 7/10 · 2 June 2009]

Kate needs to stop denying she's a perfectionist and a controller. she needs to watch her own show and see how she acts. she became to vain. since when did she become "conscious" about paparazzi. you live in the spotlight. what do you expect. money is really the root of all evil, see what happens when you ask for too much, you have to remember it has to balance, can't have them all. have you seen how you treat Jon..."go do something", "remove this and that", "sit there"...you are too worried on how you would look like for the TV or the camera...you forgot how to have fun. kids are suppose to have fun, so what if they have to get dirty, give them old clothes for play clothes so you don't have to worry of getting them dirty.

Excellent

[zbwyws · 10/10 · 14 June 2021]

Absolutely Love the show! I just now have found it! Surprised I've never seen it before! Sorry to inform but the Wife has OCD and is extremely Controlling. They are hilarious to watch! Love to see the kids grow!

Jon and Kate plus 8

[poopypants69 · 2 March 2008]

This show is about a couple,Jon and Kate Gosselin,who have 8 kids. They have 7 year old twins, Cara and Mady, and 4 year old sextuplets, Alexis, Hannah, Aaden, Collin, Leah, and Joel. None of them are identical. Kate is more controlling and incredibly organized. Jon is more laid-back and easy going. This family is picked on a lot, but even though I've never even met them, I can already tell that they're really great people, It is really cute because each of the kids have their own little personalities. From a day in the life, to shopping, to vacations. We get to watch the Gosselins experience it all. I love this show and I really hope they don't stop.

What a wonderful show!

[jse-12 · 10/10 · 27 January 2008]

I adore this family! I only had one child so it is interesting to see what one does with eight! The children are adorable and the parents have completely devoted themselves to love and care for these children. The task is unimaginable, but Kate and Jon do a wonderful job. What a wonderful show to watch and my only regret is that in my area, I have to stay up late to watch it. It should be aired on prime time and anyone who watches it will be entertained, amused, and fascinated with the way this family functions. Kudos! to all involved. Please tell anyone who complains or is having a difficult time coping with their children of 1, 2, 3, 4 or more, to just take the time to watch this show and see how it CAN be done with love.

Best Show Ever!

[bouffard-heyitsnicole-ni · 10/10 · 6 July 2012]

This Show is amazing, IT IS NOT FAKE AT ALL. I love the whole family, and think the kids are adorable. All of you haters should stop hurting this family. Yes i do agree that the show was better when it first started due to people could relate, know i feel only the rich can. But i still think that Kate is doing a wonderful job taking care of the kids and Jon too. I don't think Kate is full of herself its her personality, i am the same way, GET OVER IT. Just because she is controlling and wants things her way is not a big deal. If Jon was so angry he could have stood up and said something. But anyways the kids are so cute and i love seeing them on the show. I wish the show was still going on, i miss the whole family dearly. This show was and still is my favorite and i wish the family the best of luck and great lives.

Love this show!!!

[lpierce-1 · 17 October 2007]

I love, love, love this show!!! I've been a fan of this website for years now and have been waiting for Jon & Kate plus 8 to arrive on it and now it has. This is an awfully interesting family. The couple (Jon and Kate) have 8 children. A set of 6 year old twin girls age 6 (Mady and Cara) and a set of 3 year old sextuplets (Aiden, Collin, Joel, Alexis, Hannah and Leah). Kate is a beautiful woman with excellent organizational skills and she's a fantastic Mom. Jon is more laid back, but works hard for the children and is a great Dad as well. The kids are so cute and I've been watching the show so long I can name them pretty much just by looking at them once. Even tho they are sextuplets, they don't look exactly alike. The twins, though, are identical I believe. All in all great show. Can't wait to see the next episode.

Jon & Kate + 8

[winterbirch · 10/10 · 21 August 2008]

I thoroughly enjoy JON & KATE + 8. It's better than anything else on T.V.: educational and entertaining. Jon and Kate are excellent parents and the kids are darling. Kate is lovely and is so patient with the kids when disciplining them: she provides appropriate consequences without raising her voice. Jon is also a great husband and parent. Kate's teasing and interrupting Jon, however, is abusive and stymies communication. My mother's "playful" teasing wore down my dad. Maddie loves her mother and I think she is reacting to Kate's behavior, having to compete with her for her own identity. Jon's better at guiding the older girls. I just wanted to share this. I still love the show and am a faithful viewer.

How reality TV got a surge

[ThunderKing6 · 10/10 · 5 June 2022]

The Big Brother, Bachelor, Osbourne's, Paris and Richie family reality TV may have been some of the first reality TV in modern TV era. However, Jonny and Katie plus 8 helped surge reality TV to what it is today.

Remember, the BS story was huge back in the day. I'm not sure why because I thought it was absurd that this show and story were in the headlines for months.

About: Reality show (Fake) about a Caucasian family day to day life.

Story and Production: It looked hash and fake. Even the whole extra story seemed fake and pointless.

Highlight: The actual extra story because it was silly how everyone cared.

Main intelligence: -5

unworthiness Level: -5

Should you watch this? You can't because it's cancelled, and that's a good thing. It was an awful, fake show. It was meaningless. All in all, no the show was hash.

Viewer of Jon & Kate plus 8

[darian0412 · 9 June 2008]

I'm a single parent with one daughter. My daughter is 11 and she and I really enjoy watching Jon & Kate plus 8. It's a great show and Jon and Kate do a great job. I could not imagine having that many kids but if I did I would do the same by taking care of them. My mother had 8 but not at the same time. The only comment I'd like to make because I am divorced and raising my daughter alone. I think it's great that Jon and Kate get away and have dinners alone from time to time. The only thing I notice and my daughter often comments on, is the fact that Kate is so bossy. On several shows I notice how she speaks to Jon as if he was one of the children. I was watching one episode were Madeline commented that her mom bosses her dad around and she's the queen bee. That's the only thing that really bother me. But, it's nothing against the show I just had to express that.

Sincerely, faithful viewer

Excellent

[zbwyws · 10/10 · 17 June 2021]

Not your typical Reality Show! This show is based on real life! That is what makes this show so much more! I wish every TLC show was like this!!!!!!!