Is 'Counting On' canceled? Josh Duggar's child porn charges make TLC take shocking decision
After super successful 11 seasons, TLC has abruptly pulled the plug on their hit reality show 'Counting On', as announced by the network on June 29, 2021. The decision comes after original show star Josh Duggar was arrested in April on charges of possession and reception of child pornography. Shocking details about the charges against him surfaced soon afterward, as the US Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Arkansas stated, "Duggar allegedly possessed this material, some of which depicts the sexual abuse of children under the age of 12, in May 2019."
Over 200 photos of child pornography were discovered on Josh Duggar's computer. In fact, the sex offender even received child porn barely weeks after his wife Anna Duggar announced her sixth pregnancy. It came to light during the investigation that Duggar was probed earlier for molesting five minor girls as a teenager, including four of his own sisters.
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After Duggar was released on bail, he was strictly barred from even visiting his own children. The 'Counting On' star's lawyer entered a deal pleading not guilty on his behalf. While his original hearing was scheduled for July 6, 2021, now it has been postponed to November 30. Duggar can face up to 20 years in prison along with a penalty of $250,000 for every count, in case of conviction. Duggar is currently putting up with pastor Lacount Reber and his wife.
Is TLC canceling 'Counting On'?
'Counting On' is a spinoff series on the Duggar family, who became celebs after starring in the reality show '19 Kids and Counting'. The original series ended in 2015, but the spinoff had become equally popular.
TLC had previously addressed Josh Duggar's charges, issuing a statement that 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.”
Presently, TLC took the decision to scrap the show as they thought "it is important to give the Duggar family the opportunity to address their situation privately." The network was in a precarious position following Duggar's arrest, as they ran the risk of being boycotted by viewers had they not addressed the controversy. On the other hand, carrying on the family show would also have created legal difficulties for the creators.
Josh Duggar is the eldest son of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, who were the stars of the original show '19 Kids and Counting'. Parents to 19 children including nine daughters and ten sons, the life of the Duggars became the prime attraction of the show. The devout Baptists follow a strictly religious lifestyle and do not make use of birth control methods.