I wish the positive reviewers who brag about the Duggars like poster AA not being on welfare would take another look. I doubt if any of them could live their life. Sure you want to protect kids, bit shouldn't they have more free reign as they get older. Shouldn't you have more faith in them to do right? raising umpteen siblings only causes resentment Take it for those who have lived this life. Note it is only the females who are looking after the smaller kids when the parents go on dates. Here lately four of the married couples went on a date. What about letting the rest have some time like that? It seems the daughters are worth nil until they marry. If you are not Christian you should be concerned what this family teaches. Money or not,welfare or not this family wants everyone to live their life and tries to back candidates who come close to it. Some powerful mean dictators never had welfare but used their wealth for control.And if I only had a choice between Teen Mom and the Duggars I would rather not choose. There are gray areas.
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roddma2 January 2015
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flickerz-9095730 April 2015When I first started watching this show, I was interested to see how the lives of such a large and Christian family would play out. Being Christian myself, I thought I was going to see some good TV and important messages about what it means to be a happy family.
Boy was I in for a downer...
Instead, the show describes the overly-protective lives of the children of the Duggar family and just how boring their lives really are. To this day, I have NEVER seen a date in public where the people dating were literally being followed around by their own family.
This show is literally what life would be like if "Big Brother" was actually a thing. These kids lives are being constantly monitored; every single move they make is being made known to everyone else. They're also home-schooled and live in a pretty shut-in community. What these parents are doing is not preparing them for the real world. First of all, these kids need A LOT more independence.
They need to be able to determine for themselves what's right and what's wrong, and not have their parents watch their every move.
Yes your kids can and will be tempted to do what's wrong, but they need to be able to flee temptation on their own. If you don't think your kids are going to do the right thing when no one is looking, then you have a problem...
In conclusion, this show is more disturbing than entertaining. With all the overbearing rules and overly protective parenting this family has, it's no surprise that the kids that have already moved out turned a little wacko... -
aishaclarke-286317 October 2021It way beyond me why she still with Josh Duggar. I don't know why she would even stick by him after he cheated on her to begin with. Everyone kept talking about how we should forgive and shouldn't judge. No, someone that cheats on their wives shouldn't be forgiving. And who stays with their husbands after they are accused of child porn???!! I don't understand her at all.
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There's not the slightest bit of entertainment. Watched it all the way through expecting that at some point I might be able to justify a show like this one taking up space as entertaining 'programming'. Worse, it's on some days back to back in place of programming with some human interest or some interesting dialogue and characters. Nothing interesting happens. Why is a show like this even on TV? Is it because it's seen as'wholesome?'. Wow. Do TV's writers and scripters think everyone's forgotten about good programming? It's kinda scary, if like me, you once had good TV to watch. The 'family' shows of old were really good quality. Nothing like this nonstop boring awfulness. No comparison whatsoever. Sad sad.
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wes-connors5 June 2015Family values hits a perverse peak with "19 Kids and Counting" (the reality TV show's title changes as new babies are added to the family). This show celebrates an Arkansas family for producing a lot of children. Good for them. Each baby is given a name beginning with the letter "J". This celebrates family dad James "Jim Bob" Duggar. Since there are a lot of names beginning with the letter "J", we can expect mother Michelle to keep getting pregnant (as long as she is able). This show is making a statement, of course. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to make babies and you don't have to be a rocket scientist to get the point being made, here. They are saying "no, No, NO!" to birth control...
Many wonderful people have big families. If you have the time and money, great. In one episode, the older daughters are seen making an audio for their book; elsewhere, some of the sons work on their video. This means money. Book and video deals can be a gravy train. Jim Bob and Michelle also have time on their hands. They "homeschool" their children. A full-time parent and teacher must to be very smart. One of the weaknesses of homeschooling is your child's lack of socialization skills. Children meet a diverse group of peers in public school. Many wonderful homeschooling parents make sure their children join groups, where they meet and interact with other children. The Duggar family builds its own peer group...
As of this writing, this TV show was "suspended" due to a sex scandal involving eldest son Joshua "Josh" Duggar. What happened is unclear, since molestation can cover a lot of territory. One of the early explanations from the Duggar family was that son Josh was simply "playing doctor." That's very normal. Then, it was disclosed that he was 15-years-old while "playing doctor." That's not normal. None of this was shown on his TV program. In fact, the television family seems super-sensitive regarding any extra-marital sexual activity. For example, when daughter Jessa Duggar was "courting" Ben, the couple demonstrated the "side hug" as healthy physical contact (it kept the couple's fronts from touching)...
Josh moved to Washington DC with his wife Anna. If you're thinking there is potential for significant political activity in the Washington DC area, you're correct. Off-screen, the Duggars are a very politically-involved family. Jim Bob and his family advocate for Gov. Mike Huckabee, Sen. Rick Santorum and other "conservatives". Naturally, the younger Duggar family started having children. They decided to use names beginning with the letter "M" (nicely honoring mother Michelle). The second Duggar family has "3 Kids and Counting". This makes it a total of "22 Kids and Counting" (if you're counting). Although the two families live apart, they are often seen together, through the magic of television and money...
They don't watch TV, but hope you watch them. Blessedly, the show may no longer be in production, but episodes are reproduced on the Internet. They seem very nice. Of course, father Jim Bob and eldest son Josh are especially involved in politics. However, it's mother Michelle who may have raised the most eyebrows. While campaigning against a law that would allow transgender individuals to use a women's bathroom, she feared males with past child predator convictions will claim they are female and take the opportunity to molest young girls in the bathroom. A concerned mother is a wonderful mother, but most sexual molestation does not usually occur between children and transgender women in public bathrooms.
* 19 Kids and Counting (2008-2015) Jim Bob Duggar ~ Michelle Duggar, Josh Duggar, Jill Duggar, Jessa Duggar -
exportgeek25 August 2015The series is extremely bland. The "excitement" of watching someone grocery shop or make a cake doesn't grow just because 23 people are stuffed into one house. An older sister took three younger kids to the store and they bought flour or something. That's ten minutes of the show.
I admit that I only watched maybe one and a half episodes because I was home sick. The other "excitement" in the episode was the parents making out in front of their daughter. They were on a double date with her "suitor." This was done, according to Michelle Duggar, in an effort to get her to consider marrying a 19 year old stranger. The "date" was at a miniature golf range. I think watching my parents play tonsil hockey would make me want to avoid intimacy. I'm not telling what happens after that, you'll have to watch.
I can't keep up with all the "J" names, either, they all sort of blur together. Which one is "Jessa" and which one is "Jinger?" I'm also not sure it matters, since the activity the other one is doing will be folding laundry or making beds. I can watch that sort of thing in my own home. -
Johnny_West29 August 201919 kids and they kept planning more. The parents often do not know who these kids are. The show follows them around buying in bulk, and stacking all the tons of canned foods, toilet paper, etc. in their gigantic pantry closets.
Family events are like a roll call at a prison. Having so many kids to the point that they are treated like numbers is sad and depressing. These are horrible parents, and this show is a testament to their insanity. -
Possibly one of the worst shows on television today, 19 Kids and Counting is perfect for those looking for your daily dose of discrimination that is already prevalent in modern America today!
Unlike most trashy television shows that market themselves as, well trashy television shows, 19 Kids and Counting attempts to slap on a "family friendly" vibe but ultimately fails in covering up their numerous flaws. From their blatantly sexist views to the rather disgusting white-knighting that is reminiscent of the imperialistic tendencies of the West in the late 19th/early 20th century, the Duggars manage to cover nearly every form of discrimination that mankind has discovered all while touting themselves as a "wholesome" family. The fact that there has been such little public backlash against this show is rather alarming and, unfortunately a sad reflection of our country today. I guess if you're white, middle- class, Christian and smile creepily at the camera, everything's A- okay. Hopefully this show will be taken off air soon and TLC might even go back to trying to educate people. But I wouldn't hold my breath.
If I am to be honest though, I have learned one very important thing from this show; that I am extremely lucky. This show has made me so thankful that I have a father that trusts me, respects me as much as my brother, stays out of my sex life, and has supported pretty much every professional endeavor I have attempted instead of demanding I get married before 25 and start popping out babies. Thanks a million dad.
Additionally, I know I should not criticize appearances but Jim Bob's lack of eyebrows drives me crazy. Where are they?? -
MrAndrewFord20 February 2011Ignore the dreadful, disgruntled comments here by people who don't share the Duggar family's faith. People these days seeking to please God and bring their children up with decent standards are bound to be a laughing stock now more and more people regard God as a 'sky fairy' rather than the Creator.
Top marks to this family for everything they are trying to achieve by swimming against the current. It is inspirational to see a group of youngsters who are honest and decent - a huge contrast to the delinquent behaviour which has now become the norm amongst teenagers. Compare the faces of the Duggar children (and their friends) to the faces of many young people nowadays. You will see innocence and genuine happiness. This contrasts to the 'grab a quick pleasure fix' mentality among modern teens who are groping around in the dark, and end up screwed-up.
For those seeking to put the Duggars down and suggesting that they need therapy, 'the proof of the pudding is in the eating'. Just see the positivity in these young lives and how stable-minded they are. If only more folk could bring their children up in a Godly way, the world would be a better place! -
joshineuropa1 December 2014It is unbelievable that in this day and age, when millions of people lack the access to natural resources to begin to provide them with a basic human lifestyle, this show trumpets the 'virtue' of having such a ridiculously large family. It is a already physically impossible to provide the number of people living on earth already with a first world lifestyle. The is simply not enough trees, water, hydrocarbons, calories or any of the other natural resources required to live a middle class lifestyle in suburbia. Do these people not realise that eventually all these kids will need and want houses, cars and stuff of their own one day? They are just stealing what could be used more responsibly for others. The amount of stuff required to raise just one child in the first world is just staggering. While it is natural to want to reproduce, having 17,18,19 and more children is not natural. Nor is it being a thoughtful, socially conscious member of the human race. How these people can even think they are being 'proper Christians' (whatever that means). I'm pretty sure Christ didn't say be reckless with your reproduction so your family can have it all, and others can have none. National Geographic did a documentary how many resources it take to raise a child, just to the age of eighteen a few years ago, and it shocked me. Google it. THAT is worth a watch. Not this ridiculous program. I wish that TV executives would get rid of programs such as this and replace them with something; thoughtful, educational and actually entertaining. But I doubt that in the age of Honey Boo Boo and Jersey Shore, this would be to much to ask.
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I have only seen 2 episodes, but I have read a number of articles about this family. As I watched the episodes and listened to the expressed feelings, I felt myself repeatedly nodding in agreement.
AFter reading some surprisingly negative views expressed, I did more reading and found that those with real knowledge of this family spoke positively about their strong love and honesty.
I am not a Christian and my wife and I only had 4 children (youngest is 30), but we are a very close family and believe in mutual respect, hard work, and sharing work and play. Many of their professed beliefs we seem to hold in common.
Discovering this TV show was a great change from the other 'family' models.
Thoroughly enjoyed the interactions, appearance, and obvious love of this amazing family. Continued success, guys! -
I know giving "17 Kids and Counting" a good review is rather silly, but I was sold on how adorable and smart some of the younger kids were especially Johannah Duggar! In the wake of the sex scandal involving Joshua Duggar and his younger sisters, I am not so kind. It scares me he got away with the molestation for so long and I am scared for his two daughters, Makynzie and Meredith because it is hard to rehabilitate a child molester and those kind of people do target their own children eventually. When Michelle Duggar said they don't allow the little girls to sit on older boys' laps, but they allow them to sit on daddy's lap, I thought, "Lady, fathers molest their daughters too!"
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NickGagnon94215 December 202117 Kids and Counting is a horrifying show about a family with over 17 kids. The parents need that many kids why? Religious reasons? Its a really sick and sad program that shows a family cult with awful views. More recently Josh Duggar has come out as a total pervert who molested his sisters and downloaded illegal porn. He was protected by his twisted parents and evil friend Ray Comfort. This show is shockingly awful.
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wkozak22125 July 2015I tried to watch this when the pilot aired. I knew this was an extremely unusual show from the start. I saw it right away. I understand wanting a "big" family but 19 kids is WAY over the top! Also, if you looking at all of the girlfriends or daughters they look and dress exactly like the mom. Also, they have to pass dad's approval. Their dating habits are suspect too. I also, think that no one has an outside job. I truly believe they are insular. They do not let any outside people in. They really need to let people move away from them and not build a house that is big enough to be a hotel for everyone in the nuclear and extended family. Also this show is cancelled then stop the reruns. Put old cartoons in the time slot.
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forthetollferry21 August 2018Evidently no shame for contributing to overpopulation. Thankfully most people have a little more consideration. Demonstrates the lack of insight and devolvement of humankind that is concomitant with religious fanaticism.
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mary-ivancic15 April 2014I recently tuned in accidentally to this show, so I watched the episode.
I thought that this was about a couple who adopted some children, but I was wrong.
I totally disagree with having that many children in this day and age and feel that the parents are very selfish, and the children will suffer in the long run.
Many years ago, there was no birth control and families were big in order to work on the farm, but even then, the number children seldom reached 19-20.
I feel that the Duggars are trying to spread their faith via this show, and although I believe in free speech, I think that the show is disgusting. The behavior of parents in front of their children is very sexually provocative. I believe that they are taunting their children, while telling them to not even hold hands and/or kiss until they are married.
I will not be viewing this show in the future and hope that TLC will cancel it very soon. -
dyed_red8 October 2013I fail to see why any one watches the show. It's about a fairly messed up family that believes you should have as many kids as you can. The show provides you with a view of their lives and teaches you all the side effects of being one in a family of 19 kids. Without a TV show, this is still bad for the kids never having any time alone with their parents. But the show pretty much exploits this and shows their fairly hectic life. The show is incredibly boring, mostly because each episode is pretty much the same. Shows the Duggars doing random stuff, and how they do it differently because they're trying to overpopulate the Earth.
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agent_deathbat10 November 2008The Duggards are very interesting specimens. Yeah they are a bit freaking and abnormal but since there's so many of them they find solace in each other's company. Its truly a show about the strength of family. The world might view them as crazy (and I do as well); but they live their lives the way they want and no one can stop them and that is something I admire. They are crazy religious and all the kids are like too perfect. (Seriously the 20 year old son is dating a girl and they have chaperons for all of their dates!) I have to admit I end up laughing so hard at some of the things this family comes up with but you gotta love the kids (and hope they are sent to therapy someday). I probably won't watch another episode of this show but if you're into looking at other people's lives deeply then this show is worth a shot.
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tigerdol370613 February 2014I just have to laugh at some of these reviews bashing this family for "over populating the Earth" or "using the kids for money". Seriously? They were approached by the media. They were asked by TV news shows to do be on the show. Michelle and Jim Bob didn't go looking for it. So if you want to hold anyone responsible for making money off of the kids then blame TLC and the Today Show.
The whole over populating the Earth thing is just ridiculous. These kids are adding to society in a positive way, and aren't just a an aspect of lack of birth control, or popping out another child to stay on Welfare. Here's a mother and father that are paying for their kids on their own. They don't take from the government like others do. They work. The older kids learn responsibility by helping to take care of the younger ones. It also helps to teach them and get them ready for when they are parents. If MORE parents did this then maybe we wouldn't have so many selfish, bratty, and generally pain in the butt kids in the country right now. If you'd actually watch the show it's mentioned several times by Michelle and/or Jim Bob how they take time with EACH child alone. The guys are very active and aren't "lazy males". Josh had his own business at a young age. The younger boys help out around the house. These kids help out as volunteers to help after tornado disasters all around the Southeast.
For the review that it's a cult? Oh please... Just because you have a family that doesn't want to expose their children to the crap that is out in the USA today doesn't make them a cult. They reach out to others, don't judge, show kindness, help when they can, and are respectful, which is far more than what most people do that criticize them. These kids come across healthy, loving, kind, compassionate, and extremely intelligent. With the way kids act in public schools today, I don't blame Michelle and Jim Bob for home schooling. Teachers can't even discipline kids today, and parents aren't disciplining them either.
This family is fine. I'd be much more concerned about the kids walking into their school shooting people, the teenagers having babies (did you bash the MTV show about teenage moms?) than the Duggars. imho -
ShelbyTMItchell18 February 2013The Duggars began with 17 kids and then with 18 and now 19. As we see them as a Christ like God fearing family. That loves one another and show love to serving others.
They have no TV, radio, internet. But they do have fun with other things. In particular the outdoors and with other Christian families, mainly the Bates family who are like them and have the same amount of children.
But they have been criticized for not being "in the real world!" Well that is how they like it. And really as a Christian myself, I applaud TLC for showing Christlike values like their family! -
Even though I may not be a Christian, I am grateful that there is a show out there that actually show what it's like to be a financially and morally responsible individual. Some of the rules re: dating may be a little extreme but I would rather see that than the crap that is so prevalent on every other TV show out there. All u see nowadays are people being promiscuous and materialistic... And it's considered "normal"! Please populate this earth with people who actually take care of each other, don't waste money on frivolous status symbols, without being on welfare. And please no more "reality " shows about housewife drama, who has the biggest house, best party or most "swag". I seriously don't think we need people with regular incomes feel that you need that stuff or kind of life to be successful. So yes, this show rocks because it showcases values like integrity, working hard, personal responsibility, family and parental figures who actually love and support each other. Please America, take notes.
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cvcsong218 October 2014I've been watching the Duggers for many years and enjoy every show more than the last ! It's so wonderful to see a family with such love , respect , unselfishness , and a real joy and grasp of what truly matters in life . They are the best kind of role models !, Each episode is full of surprises , laughs ,and for me , I've often been moved to tears!! It's SO refreshing to not hear profanity and see vulgar behavior .... Like the typical sitcoms , and reality shows ! This family has brought a world of pleasure to my TV viewing !! Kudos to a beautiful family , that is strong enough to stick to their beliefs !! God bless them !! 😇
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VUPbrarian12 January 2015This is a great, loving and caring, stable family! The Duggars and the Kellers are great people and this show is so productive with so many values and stable relationships! I love that the daughters are being responsible for their ages and taking care of their younger siblings! The parents are also smart, educated, and professional people who are open-minded and raising/bringing more open-minded, intelligent children into this world! If I could give this show 20 stars, I would!!! Definitely recommend anyone gives this a shot and sees how stable this family is and intelligent, and show as a whole!!! The Kellers here have a normal, brilliant relationship, and they are all there! None are missing! The Duggars are also hardworking, and this show hopefully gets renewed and shows the progression as the kids grow up. The boys are so active and have a great, physical and determinate lifestyle, and the girls, older as they are, are responsible and definitely to be well-revered adults and elders. To put it short, great show and great, normal family unit and values!
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marksmithz17 December 2015The world is completely unfair to this show. They have had their problems, they were naive. But the positives of the show far out weight the actions of one.
The amount of venom that the media has for this show is very un-balanced. If there was a program about Orthodox people of any religion I think in a side by side comparison the Duggars would be the clear winners in the way they try to run a family.
Every program on TV if you screened all the cast and crew I'm sure you would find something un-savory. Does the actions of one mean the rest of the people should be blamed and what they have to offer discarded?
Buy or download this show and put it on and enjoy it as a family. -
lillianeggleston10 February 2015I love this show. My kids love this show my daughter is 13 and she says she loves the way the Duggar girls are. Love that there so family oriented.I just wish more people had there values. This world would be Truly a better place. There family is respectful to others and I love how they help others in different country's.This show is inspirational to my family. I would want my girls to marry into a family with there values. If I would of grew like them it would of saved me from a lot of headache.i can't wait to see jessa's wedding and Jill's baby bump. I can't wait to buy all there books and DVDs. Can't wait for February 17 for the new Duggar show to come out.