ANALYSIS: How Will Jon and Kate's Split Play Out on TLC?
TLC confirms show going on hiatus until Aug. 3
By Marisa Guthrie -- Broadcasting & Cable, 6/23/2009 3:53:08 PM
The anticlimactic news on Monday night's Jon & Kate Plus 8 that Jon and Kate Gosselin have filed for divorce, may have raised more questions than it answered. Most pointedly: how will the dynamic of divorce, with its wrenching effects on families play on television?
Kate Gosselin said the show did not break up her marriage and that the couple made their lives available for public consumption precisely because it allowed them to provide for their large family.
"It was not brought on by the show or caused by our career choices at all," she said during the episode. "We've always done the show for the kids."
But will viewers want to watch the Gosselin's family life unravel? And what about the kids?
"Divorce is rough enough on kids without it playing out in front of the camera," says Shari Anne Brill, senior VP and director of programming at media buying agency Carat.
"I don't now how much of a normal childhood they're having," adds Brad Adgate senior VP of media of research at Horizon Media. "And you could even draw some parallels between their kids and child stars that have a hard time adjusting to anonymity as they get older."
Monday night's episode was teased last week in a TLC promo promising a huge "announcement." The hype worked. It was the most-watched program in the series' history attracting 10.6 million viewers, out-rating the series' previous high of 9.8 million viewers for the May 29 fifth season premiere.
In the episode Kate Gosselin proclaimed: "The show must go on." And apparently it will, after a short hiatus. A TLC spokesperson confirmed that after a special retrospective June 29, the show will go on hiatus until Aug. 3. Filming has been suspended to give the family time to "regroup," after which a "modified schedule will be in place to support the family's transition."
The network had previously ordered 40 episodes for the fifth season.
Since problems in the Gosselin's marriage surfaced earlier this year, the couple has become a tabloid favorite. Unflattering characterizations of a marriage on the rocks and parents consumed with media stardom have made the family a paparazzi target. On Monday's episode, Jon Gosselin complained: "We have soldiers dying in Iraq, and all people care about is what I had for lunch."
And while the show will go dark for a few weeks, media analysts envision a plethora of new possibilities for the estranged couple.
"Jon & Kate Go on Dates," quips Brill.
"I wouldn't be surprised if TLC puts out two shows, one with Jon and one with Kate," adds Adgate. "Most likely, they'll have a spin-off show. There's too much money in it not to. How long that will last is up to viewers and adversities. At the very least, next year they could be on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here."
-
I am no longer watching TLC. I find it disgusting how they continue to promote Jon and Kate Plus 8. These children are being exploited terribly, making money for TLC and their parents. These children do not have a say in whether or not they want to be filmed or photographed.
TLC, you seem to have bought the Gosselin's everything, now I think they need a good psychologist.
cecile sloan - 6/27/2009 8:23:52 PM EDT -
As a 35 year old mother to four young children, I am horrified at the events taking place in the Gosselin household. How could anyone think it's ok to exploit children in their darkest hours for ratings? I refuse to watch TLC. It will not be allowed on in my house, unless they end this exploitation. I will be writing their sponsors as well. Please pull this show for the sake of the innocent victims!
Jessica P. - 6/27/2009 7:19:11 AM EDT -
I am a 24 year old graduate student (MBA) and was one of the loyal viewers of Jon and Kate +8 but due to the recent actions taken I will no longer watch the show. I have seen this show evolve into something that I can honestly say none of the producers could have ever imagined. The network should have pulled the plug on this show before it all fell apart.
It is clear that the family needs time to pull together and truly be there for one another. The last thing they need are cameras and crew members in their kitchen capturing the hardest things these kids have had to face and even worse, putting it on national TV for all to see.
If Jon and Kate don't have the guts to step up I sure hope TLC does. For the sake of the eight happy faces, can someone honestly "do it for the kids".
From the lyrics of "Lonestar"
I can remember when you fit in the palm of my hand
Felt so good in it, no bigger than a minute
How it amazes me, you're changing with every blink
Faster than a flower blooms they grow up all too soon
So let them be little 'cause they're only that way for a while
Give them hope, give them praise, give them love every day
Let them cry, let them giggle, let them sleep in the middle
Oh just let them be little
Bridget Digirolamo - 6/25/2009 2:49:10 PM EDT -
Will not watch and have deleted all Discovery channels from my TV. Shame on the Gosselins and TLC for generating income off of the backs of small children. Can't wait until they grow up and sue the pants off of all of you. Pull the plug and pull it now!! Idiots!!
Timothy Lang - 6/25/2009 2:20:48 PM EDT -
I am mortified to see this disaster play out on TLC. I am boycotting TLC and it's sponsors. The childrens needs should be first, not the almighty dollar and ratings. Shame on you TLC. There was no warning before the show about the adult material contained.
The thought of it merely being on "hiatus" is just criminal. These kids deserve privacy without cameras. This has to be stopped. LAWS need to be made that protect ALL children, actor or reality. The Gosselin children need protection. They've lived their lives on camera. Let them have some dignity and please cancel this show. I will not support any corporation or business that sponsors child exploitation.
Gracie - 6/25/2009 1:44:50 PM EDT
Jon and Kate To Seperate, Show Will Go On
06/23/2009TCA: TLC, ‘Jon & Kate' Sticking Together
07/30/2009
