With the news that TLC’s Jill & Jessa: Counting On is dropping the “Jill and Jessa” part of its name comes rumors of sweeping changes.
Among them? The return of the Duggar family pariah …
If Josh Duggar is returning to Counting On, as many suspect, his chorus of critics will surely be up in arms, asking the obvious question:
Why did TLC even cancel 19 Kids and Counting?
The Duggar family’s penchant for procreation was, and is, a crucial aspect of conversation – and life – on both iterations of the show.
Counting On will premiere at the end of August, sans Jill & Jessa in the name; Jill and Jessa’s roles in the coming season are unclear.
Jill and Derick Dillard’s return to Arkansas from their mission trip does signal that she will be available for additional filming, and press.
Still, it’s clear that the show is pivoting to a point.
A major focal point this season will be Jinger Duggar and Jeremy Vuolo’s engagement, and other siblings (Jana!) will play a big role, too.
All eyes are on one shadowy figure, though:
Rumors of Josh Duggar slowly being integrated back into the fold on the new season of Counting On have been surfacing for months.
In the wake of his molestation, pornography and affair scandals of the past year, this would certainly be a controversial move for TLC.
The network has offered no comment, and while the family has denied his return, they can only pretend he doesn’t exist for so long.
Last year, after advertisers threatened to pull out faster than Josh with Danica Dillon (sorry), the network canceled 19 Kids and Counting.
Soon enough, though, they floated a Josh-less trial balloon, and fans could watch Jill & Jessa Counting On online or on TV once more.
With the furor over Josh’s scandals dying down, is TLC quietly planning to add Josh back into the mix as it downplays Jill and Jessa?
If you think about it, this could be genius.
Not a full-scale reacclamation, but a brief appearance or two at first – enough to stoke some nice public outrage and generate headlines.
And ratings. Lots and lots of ratings.
Then, depending on just how freaked out advertisers get at the sight of this guy, they can decide how much further they want to push it.
This gives them options – enough of a chance to see how fans react, and wiggle room to scuttle his existence once again if need be.
Plus, Anna Duggar crying plays well with audiences. Really, how is this not a win-win for TLC and the disgraced child molester’s family.
What do you think, though?
Would Josh’s presence impact how you view the rest of the family? Would TLC be more or less likely to be “Counting On” you watching?
