Jessa Duggar & Jill Duggar To Star In ‘Counting On’ Show: Can TLC Count On Sponsors As More Viewers Slam Duggars?
Jessa Duggar Seewald doesn’t exactly have the typical life of a new mom. But then, not much about Jessa’s life has been typical since becoming one of the co-stars of 19 Kids And Counting. Although the Duggar family reality TV show was cancelled after the oldest son, Josh Duggar, was revealed to have molested five underage girls (including several of his sisters, among whom were Jessa and Jill Duggar), the Duggars have stayed in the news for a variety of reasons. Josh made headlines for his accounts on Ashley Madison and confessions that he cheated on his wife Anna Duggar and was addicted to porn, but the Duggar sisters have been keeping their fans updated on their websites and social media accounts.
Now Jessa Seewald and Jill Dillard, along with their husbands, Ben Seewald and Derick Dillard, are set to be featured in their very own TV show, Counting On, which starts in December, reported CBS News.
A preview revealed that among the topics the sisters will discuss is how they felt about Josh’s confessions, from molesting underage girls to cheating on Anna to porn addiction.
“The whole world was shocked. We were devastated,” admitted Jessa.
“I cried a lot of tears,” added her sister. “We still do. I know I’m hurting.”
The sisters’ show will include both the Dillards on their mission trip, as well as Jessa and Ben Seewald getting ready for their first child.
“Jessa and I are trying to call each other ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad’ just so this whole being parents thing can sink in a little,” shared Ben.
But when it comes to the diaper part of being parents, it’s all Ben, according to Jessa.
“Ben is changing all the diapers,” declared the new mom.
Jessa is nursing Spurgeon, but the 23-year-old reality TV star has help from her 25-year-old sister Jana as well as Grandma Duggar. That makes it somewhat easier for the new mom to sleep.
“I thought I’d sleep at night, but I hear [the baby] breathe or something, and I take out a flashlight and shine it on his face to make sure he’s okay,” confessed Jessa. “You never realize the responsibility of being a parent until you have a baby yourself.”
Jessa’s sister has encouraged her to seek help from the family, reported Christian Today.
Although she’s still involved in her mission work with Derick, Jill wrote a letter to Jessa about their shared bond of motherhood.
TLC’s site promoting Counting On describes the issues that the family has faced as challenging.
“After some challenging months Jill Dillard and Jessa Seewald are ready to look towards the future. ‘Jill & Jessa: Counting On’ follows the lives of the sisters as they navigate adulthood and the changes that come with it. From Jill & Derick making a major move to Central America with their baby boy Israel, to newlyweds Jessa and Ben preparing for their first child, we’re excited to see what’s in store for the young couples.”
But visitors to this site aren’t all so excited, and some comments are decidedly negative.
“Whoever decided to put this family back on tv should be fired. They are a bunch of grifters, asking for presents for their baby or money for their vacation/mission. I am asking my cable company to take TLC off my lineup,” wrote one person.
“Why on earth is this ridiculous family still on your network? What are we learning? How to be an extremist?” questioned another.
In addition, a Facebook group that focuses on contacting sponsors to dissuade them from advertising on the Duggar sisters’ show is growing. With more than 900 members, it’s succeeded in getting responses from a variety of brands.
“ANOTHER BIG ONE BITES THE DUST FOLKS! I JUST GOT COKE! YES AFTER SIX FREAKING WEEKS THEY ARE NOW OUT! YE HA!!! IF I COULD DANCE I WOULD! LOL,” wrote one such member of the group enthusiastically.
[Image via Jill & Jessa: Counting On/ Facebook]
