Would '19 Kids and Counting' Be Cancelled if Michelle Duggar Wasn't Pregnant?

on November 9, 2011 at 12:21 PM

duggars It's an inspiring story: Michelle Duggar makes the ultimate sacrifice for her family. She gets knocked up for the 20th time so the family show can go on. What a champ! Thanks, Mom. We know your last pregnancy was life-threatening, and that just adds to the drama, so we're super excited to see how this pans out. Maybe you could arrange for a third round of pre-eclampsia as well? Or at least another preemie? The studio will pay for Pitocin.

What, you think that's cynical? America is pretty divided over the Duggar family. You either love them or you're totally repulsed. But there's one thing I think we can all agree on: everyone loves a television pregnancy. Baby #20 is ratings gold for TLC.

From a television producer's perspective, the Duggar story is kind of old news. Lots of kids? What's the difference between 17 or 18 or 19 kids, really? When you're dealing with those numbers, once you get over the shock, it's just episode after episode of good church-going children behaving themselves. Boring! Where's the drama if these kids are all sweet and obedient along all the time?

That's why the Duggars need another pregnancy. And not just any pregnancy -- a super-scary high-risk pregnancy. She's 45 now! Anything could happen. Can't you just wait for the anmnio? You know they could stretch that out for two or three edge-of-your-seat episodes alone!

So let's get it out there. Exactly how much money is at stake? E! Online said it was $25,000 to $40,000 per episode back in 2009 when there were only 18 kids. Those numbers could be bigger now. Sure, Papa Duggar brings in some dough through the family's properties, but this is not just about supporting the Duggar family. This show supports directors, lighting techs, all kinds of people. They're just the public face of a big family business. But no pressure, Michelle.

Do you think it matters that so much money is at stake for the Duggar family's 20th baby?

Photo by Brendan Hoffman/Getty

About the author Adriana Velez

is a staff writer who dabbles in food, parenting, news, entertainment, molecular biology, and anything else that that pops into her head. She lives with her husband and elementary school-aged son in Brooklyn, land of urban farms and artisan everything.

Filed Under: celeb babies, celeb moms, duggars

Comments (30)

jaxmadre

on Nov 9, 2011 at 12:29 PM

I don't think they do it for the money

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PonyChaser

on Nov 9, 2011 at 12:44 PM

Wow, you bloggers really *hate* the Duggars, don't you?

Nonmember comment from sam

on Nov 9, 2011 at 12:46 PM

I think its despicable if they are having a baby for the show. They are no better than the Kardashians.

JAFE

I think it's none of my business how many children someone has. Especially since they are self supporting which is more than I can say for a lot of people here who constantly judge others.

momma1013

on Nov 9, 2011 at 12:47 PM

I agree with jaxmadre. If you research their religion, the quiverfull movement, they believe you cannot just be willing to accept God's belssings in one area of life without being open to all areas. That's why they have so many children. They leave everything up to God and trust that He will provide for them. It may seem strange to us, but it's a very spiritually-based lifestyle for them. So, I don't think it is all about the money; they would also see that as a blessing from God, that He is providing for their family.

Nonmember comment from Shelly

on Nov 9, 2011 at 12:53 PM

If it's not about the money, what is it about? Witnessing? Please. It's about the money they have 19 kids. Money.

amomonous

on Nov 9, 2011 at 12:54 PM

I think they are a beautiful family and i'd rather seem then have 20 children than most of the poor families out there having 5 or 6 and rely on US to pay for them. The Duggars are harming no one. God Bless them and their new addition

Facebook comment from Leisa Wolfe

on Nov 9, 2011 at 1:09 PM

Sounds like who ever is behind this article is a bit BITTER about well behaved children and families with Christ like character Hummm!

on Nov 9, 2011 at 1:25 PM

I have to wonder... if Michelle Duggar was under this much scrutiny for having ABORTED all 20 pregnancies, would you be so judgemental? Or would you be saying "her body, her choice","stay out of her uterus", and holding her up as a shining example of the Pro-Choice Movement?

Because, dear bloggers, once again, you can't have it both ways. If (as a commenter on one of the other Bash-Michelle pieces said) she should be "steralized (sic) by the government", then you should be all for outlawing abortion, too. BOTH are undrmining a woman's right to choose. It's just that, in THIS case, she is making the CHOICE to have kids.