In the wake of the Josh Duggar molestation scandal, many 19 Kids and Counting fans have been fretting about the future of the Duggar family. Unfortunately for Duggar lovers, they’ll have to keep waiting to find out the fate of their favorite reality series. However, there’s a ray of hope fearful fans — TLC still hasn’t decided to cancel 19 Kids and Counting .
The Washington Post reached out to TLC on Wednesday, and a spokeswoman for the network revealed that there’s “no update” on the future of 19 Kids and Counting . This likely means that network execs are still deciding whether they want to cancel the show or keep it on the air. Because they’ve been so reluctant to give the show the ax, this makes it seem as though they’re hoping to save the show by simply waiting for viewers and the media to move on from the Josh Duggar molestation scandal. If TLC wasn’t interested in saving 19 Kids and Counting , the network probably would have caved to the public pressure to cancel it weeks ago.
The Washington Post points out that “the news cycle moved on soon after” members of the Duggar family appeared on Fox News to discuss the shocking revelation that Josh Duggar fondled the breasts and genitals of four of his younger sisters. After spending most of their interviews defending Josh, the stars of 19 Kids and Counting went back to being active on social media. Now they’re basically acting like the whole sexual molestation scandal never happened.
As the Inquisitr previously reported, two of Josh’s victims, Jessa Duggar and Jill Duggar, have recently used social media to share a few major life updates with their fans — Jill revealed that she and her husband Derick are going on a mission trip overseas, and Jessa recently let fans know that Josh’s wife, Anna Duggar , is due to give birth next week.
Josh’s sisters are probably doing exactly what TLC wants them to do — if the Duggar family can convince 19 Kids and Counting fans that Josh’s victims are doing just fine now, it’s possible that their show won’t lose a large portion of its audience. Evidence of Duggar fans’ loyalty can be found on the family’s official Facebook page, where every post is flooded with comments begging the Duggar family to stay on TV.
“I sure miss this show, I haven’t watched TLC since they pulled the show,” one fan wrote in response to a photo of Jeremiah playing the piano.
“Prayers for this precious family! Put them back on TV, their family inspires & motivates!” another commented.
“Get on another network, one I can get on cable. Your programs are the best on TV. Love all your family including Josh.”
19 Kids and Counting fans like to argue that the family doesn’t deserve to lose their show because what Josh did happened so long ago and everyone involved has moved on with their lives. However, one of Josh’s victims actually hasn’t moved on. According to In Touch Weekly , Josh Duggar’s only non-family molestation victim is planning to file a civil lawsuit against Josh and his parents. She’s upset that the Duggars went on TV to downplay Josh’s actions , and she feels like she’s being forced to relive the nightmare that she experienced as a child all over again.
If this case goes to court, it will likely create a huge wave of negative publicity. Perhaps TLC network executives won’t decide the fate of 19 Kids and Counting until they find out whether Josh’s fifth victim follows through with her plans. If she does, the Duggars may be able to avoid an ugly legal battle by offering to settle out of court.
Do you think TLC will kill 19 Kids and Counting if the Duggar family is forced to go to court?
[Image via Duggar Family Facebook ]