'Unexpected': Jessica tries to help Reanna with her relationship, fans slam show for 'glamorizing teen pregnancy'
In the all new episode of TLC’s ‘Unexpected’ that premiered on December 20, viewers were taken on an eye-opening journey at teenage pregnancy and parenthood. The new episodes explore the life-altering journeys that teenagers and their families embark upon as they prepare for a baby.
From the struggle to raise multiple generations under one roof to the inevitable tensions that arise when family members disagree on parenting decisions, this show covers it all making it different from other teen pregnancy shows. However, the story of Reanna (15) and Taron (17) is a little different from the rest of the couples on the show. The couple had broken up 10 weeks before Reanna was going to deliver the baby and blocked each other on social media handles.
Viewers took to Instagram to comment on the show saying, “I don’t know who needs to read this but, when babies have babies, It’s not a good thing to aspire to be or a great life goal! SMH.” Another accused the TLC network of glamorizing teen pregnancy as they wrote, “Great parenting! And even greater for TLC promoting and glamorizing this. And yes it’s GLAMORIZING because these little girls think it’s cute and they will get on tv for this insanity.” Another wrote, “Why another show like this? These kids are not role models. How the hell can they raise a child when they are kids themselves?”
Reanna’s mother Jessica (33) seemed to be the only sensible one in the family as she tried very hard to settle the water between the two of them. Jessica said there was zero communication between the two of them and that both were snapchatting other people. A viewer wrote, “Bruh. She's 33 and a grandma. When I'm 33 I probably won't get a text back.” Another wrote, “I'm 33 with a 16yr old and people judge me and my daughter probably hates me but ooohhhh weeeee do I keep my daughter under lock and key yea not good but I supervise her everywhere once your 18 you can do whatever you want until then I'm tagging along sorry judge all you want.” While another wrote, “Teen moms giving birth to teen moms.”
Jessica invited Taron over to have a chat and told him that he hadn’t helped out much with Reanna’s pregnancy. Jessica confessed to the camera that Taron was a good person and he should text Reanna and look after her during her pregnancy. Taron said he was trying very hard at school to get a scholarship in football or wrestling. Reanna was called to join the conversation by her mom but she didn’t do much to mend the relationship. When her mom took Taron’s side she got agitated and left.
A viewer commented, “I'm sorry but I had a baby at 14....it wasn't a Cool thing to do. It was rough. Now teens out here thinking oh I can become famous by getting pregnant and put on a damn show ..NO STOP IT now these kids are out here TRYING to get pregnant so they can get on one of these damn shows and make money. Stupid. I broke the cycle. I told my kids EDUCATION FIRST. I became a grandma at 40 but my daughter is 21 and a NURSE.”
Catch ‘Unexpected’ on Sundays at 10 pm ET/PT on TLC.