Ever since TLC’s Jill & Jessa: Counting On specials, Duggar fans have wondered if the famous family would soon be back on TV officially.
When, and in what form, remain open questions, however …
TLC executive Nancy Daniels recently spoke about the potential for a spinoff starring members of the maligned, yet still popular family.
“We just aired three specials during the holidays. They did very well. The audience clearly cares deeply about these girls,” she said.
While the network brass reiterated that they are “still talking and considering” all their Duggar options, they have “not made a decision yet.”
At first it seemed like Jessa and Jill Duggar would be the most obvious choices for a spinoff, with Counting On serving as a trial run of sorts.
Says a source close to the family and production:
“The show had begun to focus on the next generation of Duggars, anyway – mainly Jill and Jessa and their marriages and babies.”
“That’s when the show got its highest ratings.”
But with Jill in Central America doing missionary work and causing one controversy after another, Jessa soon became the leading candidate.
Not only did she distance herself from the Josh Duggar sex scandals, but she has a new baby Spurgeon and a loyal social media following.
Yet it’s a Jana and Jinger Duggar spinoff that has become the subject of rumors more so than ever as filming continues in Arkansas.
Along with her twin brother John David, the 26-year-old Jana was filming with the little Duggars recently, attracting a great deal of interest.
This was not publicized by the network, but still stood out among locals and eagle-eyed fans dying to see more of “Cinderella” Jana.
Notably absent? Jessa. And her parents.
Jim Bob and Michelle, like Josh, have become radioactive over the past year, but Duggar Nation remains a significant, loyal fan base.
Might a fresh look at the family starring sweet Jana – who was featured on Counting On regularly – and Jinger make the most sense?
We wouldn’t be opposed. Just saying.