Will TLC cancel 'Counting On'? Network's statement after Josh Duggar arrest for child pornography raises doubt
Josh Duggar's past atrocities of molesting his own two sisters and another girl was the prime reason behind his family's TLC reality show '19 Kids and Counting' getting canceled in 2015. The Duggar family's stint on TV was, however, soon reprised when the show returned as the spin-off, 'Counting On', that focused on the adult Duggar kids, their spouses, and families.
But in light of new child pornography charges that Josh has been arrested for, speculation surrounding the spin-off's continuity on TLC is rife. With the network already canning the show once for Josh's actions, will TLC cancel 'Counting On' and the Duggar family for good?
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Will TLC cancel 'Counting On'?
Given the network's fondness for family's with an extraordinary number of kids, it sounds highly unlikely that TLC will totally can the show from their network for good. They had done that in the past with the original show, which was immediately revived within months. Although, Josh was never a part of 'Counting On'; not even featuring once. However, it is worth noting that the network's statement following Josh's arrest has been quite vague. The show has addressed Josh's prior sexual abuse and infidelity on screen, but following his arrest, the network is yet to peep a word about their upcoming plans with the show.
In a statement obtained by People magazine, the network said, "TLC is saddened to learn about the continued troubles involving Josh Duggar. 19 Kids and Counting has not aired since 2015. TLC canceled the show on the heels of prior allegations against Josh Duggar and he has not appeared on-air since then." And that leaves things rather vague about the show or the Duggar family's feature on-screen.
As of April 2021, 'Counting On' has neither been renewed nor canceled by TLC. With no new episodes announced for the year, the chances of a flat out cancellation also reigns high. The show was on air for the last time in March 2021, with a special that saw them celebrating Easter and the birth of Kendra and Joseph Duggar's third child.
Duggar family's statements
Since Josh's arrest on Thursday, April 27, his parents Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar said in a statement, "We appreciate your continued prayers for our family at this time. The accusations brought against Joshua today are very serious. It is our prayer that the truth, no matter what it is, will come to light, and that this will all be resolved in a timely manner. We love Josh and Anna and continue to pray for their family."
Following their parents' post on their website, the Duggar siblings have also come forward with their statements about their eldest sibling's arrest. Jinger (Duggar) Vuolo and her husband Jeremy Vuolo said in a joint Instagram statement, "We are disturbed to hear of the charges against Josh. While this case must go through the legal system, we want to make it clear that we absolutely condemn any form of child abuse and fully support the authorities and judicial process in their pursuit of justice."
If convicted, Josh faces upto 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000. As for his family's show on TLC, looks like there might be no return from this controversy.