Too Real, Reality TV

Like many people, I've watched Jon & Kate +8 since the beginning of the show.

The fascination comes from a watching couple who struggled to get pregnant find themselves with a set of twins, then a set of sextuplets.

Thank you TLC for highlighting reality at it finest.

It was a great show. There were the couple's arguments and such, but to be honest, the reality of 8 children is no easy task.

I only have 3 and some days i'm taxed like I have 10.

But, after all the tabloid accusations, the infidelity stories, and Monday night's premiere, it's time to end the show.

They have to.

The camera angles have changed. In every shot that may have Jon and Kate in it, they're looking for a tense moment, a wrong move, a mean spirited comment.

It isn't going to be about the children anymore.

It'll be about how the show reflects the media's portrayal.

End it for the kids.

It was obvious that Mady and Cara are helping mom out in a new way. Dad's not around, so they've stepped in to replace his presence. They're doing it honestly, but eventually they'll come to understand whats going on.

When they are all older do you think they'll resent having a DVD set of their parents marriage dissolving before the world's eyes!?

These are REAL people, with REAL emotions, and REAL issues that so many go through in a very private way.

But enough is enough.

The show has taken a turn, I literally cried throughout the episode. Cried when one of the birthday girls told her daddy she missed him.

This reality has become too real and too sad.

It's not the same show anymore, it can't be.

Kate's tears, no matter how her makeup looked, were real.

I wouldn't be disappointed if that was the premiere and the finale of the show, it has to end now.

TLC, let Jon and Kate deal with their family issues in private, do it for the kids!
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Need more reality talk, check my Bachelorette post!

59 supporters in group:

  1. WeaselMomma said...

    I have never watched or followed the show, but just from standing in the checkout line at the store agree that this show and these people need to go away.

  2. Elyse said...

    I TOTALLY AGREE with you! The children will have to be told eventually and this show is TOO REAL right now. No one's personal life, don't care who you are, needs to be slewed across national television.
    ~Elyse

  3. The Back Ali said...

    I totally agree! After watching the premiere I felt like I couldn't watch it anymore. I felt like I was intruding in a private matter!

  4. Heather B. said...

    I agree! I watched it again last night and it is just so heartbreaking. No matter who is to blame it is 100% not about their kids anymore. Now that the paps are involved they should just end it!

    Oh and Kate needs to stay out of the tanning bed! She looks like a beaten piece of leather!

  5. AUDREY {LIL' BOOGER BLOG} said...

    I couldn't have said it better myself. As much as people would like to think, reality shows about real families DON'T WORK. At point point is enough enough? I am also really worried about the Duggar Family. There's just nothing good that comes from a reality show. Is the money really worth it? I think not.

  6. Sass said...

    You've got it...

    Exactly right.

    It's not about the parents anymore, it has to be about the kids and what they're going to deal with in the future.

  7. Anonymous said...

    I couldn't agree with you more.

  8. Lisa said...

    I just watched it last night & about cried too. So, so sad. Sad how they treated each other, sad how they've let their egos get in the way, sad how they don't even seem connected with the kids. I agree completely - it needs to end ASAP! Hopefully they read your blog :)

  9. Shana said...

    I agree 100%. The whole thing is disheartening.

  10. Keyona said...

    I didn't see the latest episode but I can only imagine how sad. I agree. It's one thing having a show about raising a big family but to plaster their marital problems over national tv is HORRIBLE.

  11. Molly said...

    I have never watched the show, but I know people who love it.

    I always had a funny feeling about putting your kids on TV in a reality setting.

    We know all the horrible things that happen to child actors-but what about child reality "stars".

    I am with you on ending it now, but I am also in the camp of it never should have started.

  12. Michelle said...

    I am with you! My husband and I had the same conversation. You can tell from the premiere Jon just wants it to end ASAP but I don't think Kate will let it go. Yuck they need a break from the show and some counseling ASAP. You can just tell they have grown apart and Jon seems to be going through a mid life crisis. It is so sad. I hope they don't just let their marriage go but fight to save it.

  13. Unknown said...

    I feel bad for the kids myself...but unfortunatly I think Kate has more control over the run of this show than TLC...She just bought a 1.3 million dollar home...I'm sure she would do whatever it took to keep it going...

    It's sad...but I think, unfortunatly, alot of it is self imposed...Yes, she is hurting...but I struggle with how much is the disintegration of the marriage...and how much is for the loss of the cash flow...

    I agree, they should stop...

  14. Heather said...

    I didn't watch the premiere, just some clips on the net and I wholeheartedly agree with you. Too sad...especially since I'd just watched the re-runs about them renewing their vows before all this crap came up.

  15. Diva Ma @ Mommy Fabulous said...

    I don't watch the show. Maybe catch an episode every now and then, but I have been hearing what the tabloids are saying. I agree that they should cut the show loose and handle their private issues privately. They are celebs now, but is it fair for the kids to have their most hurtful times broadcasted all over the television?

    On the otherhand, from a viewers point, it is interesting to see how someone else might handle such situations.

  16. Laura Marchant said...

    I watched it last night for the first time. It was sad. It was heartbreaking to see that they were already doing "visitation" weekends where Jon was "off." You can tell they both have checked out. I think Jon wants to end the show and Kate just can't give it up. It's sad and I really, really, really hope it is not staged like some have said. But those feelings looked real last night.

  17. Anonymous said...

    Thank You! I totally agree. It's not what it was when it first started. They need to work on there relationship in total privacy.

  18. TentCamper said...

    I have never seen the show...and never had any interest in it. BUT, I get what you are saying. The kids have to come first.

    shows like that where the cameras intrude on kids' lives are just wrong.

    You have my support in your plead!

  19. kristi said...

    I was surprised they were even doing another season.

    And the birthday party, it was so uncomfortable for ME! And I wasn't even there! OY.

  20. A Crafty Mom said...

    I totally agree, Jen. I watched it Monday too and it was so sad, and so painful, I really couldn't believe it. You said it perfectly. Either TLC or Jon and Kate themselves need to pull the plug on this show, for their kids' sake.

  21. He & Me + 3 said...

    I don't watch it, never have but my cousin keeps me posted. I just hear things, but you are right...it needs to end now for everyones sanity.

  22. Tara R. said...

    I've only seen the show a couple of time, but I think you're right. It won't be about the family any longer, it will be about trying to catch the parents in a bad light. It needs to end, like you said, for the kids.

  23. Ranch Girl said...

    I watched only about 10 minutes once, but I agree - END the show for the kids' sake! Give up the expensive lifestyle and work on the marriage and raising those kids!

  24. Ali said...

    Amen! I keep reading blogs that are hatin' on Kate and it's just depressing. I think they are both at fault and it's time to fix it by ending the show. I'm not even sure my 5 and 7 year olds have even heard the word paparazzi. It's time to give these kids a normal childhood.

  25. Sandi said...

    I am with you! It breaks my heart.

  26. Amy Amy Bo Bamey said...

    It is sad, I do feel slightly bad for Jon. It seems like he does not want to do the show anymore but she wants to keep going. I do think it should end. They should concentrate on their marriage and giving the kids what they need at this time. Kids are not dumb, they know whats going on. What is really sad is how her brother and Jodi have been giving interviews about Kate and painting a bad picture of her. Makes it even worse that it is tearing the whole family apart.

  27. Marla said...

    i'm with you this is just plain sad...sad...sad...the kids are old enough now that whatever happens they will be able to relive for the rest of their lives on video...

    ...not sure why i think this... but i think it is a publicity thing... bring back the buzz...something about the whole thing just isn't adding up to me...

  28. Sarah said...

    I used to watch the show religiously...but then it fell by the wayside as I found other shows on in the timeslot. I never became a superfan...and I stopped watching with all their 'gifts' being aired (hair plugs, trips to hawaii)...it lost it's luster for me.

    And I didn't watch this premier. Mostly because TLC sickened me with the CONSTANT commercials touting the premier and how "John and KAte face each other for the first time". It made me sick when the night before I literally saw the commercial 10 times in 10 minutes (every other commercial was the same one)...and I wasn't even watching TLC! I feel bad for THEM that TLC is raking in the dough for this and promoting the downfall of their marriage.

  29. Susiewearsthepants said...

    It breaks my romantic heart to see this very private struggle playing out in the public eye. I don't know if I CAN watch it anymore. It's not the show it was when I first started watching. Not at all.

  30. Unknown said...

    SO so sad. I have my opinions of these two but at the end of the day, they are a family in crisis and I wish the best for them. I don't think I can watch another episode.

  31. Sue said...

    I have only watched the show a couple times and couldn't handle the way Kate spoke to her hubby, deserved or not. You just don't talk down to your spouse that way in front of the kids!

    I agree with you - they need to step away and refocus back on the the things that are important (and being a celebrity is not one of them!).

    So so sad!

  32. Patrice said...

    I cried watching it too!! It is just so sad what has happened to their family. I really think that the rest of the season won't be like the premiere though because I heard they re-shot the premiere to address all the media stuff, but the season actually shows stuff from earlier. I don't know, but either way it is just too sad!

  33. Mom! Dude! said...

    Well said, and you are absolutely right!

  34. A Christian Mom said...

    Very well said! And thank you for not "bashing" them like everyone else seems to do.

    I cried, as well. I felt like Kate shares some real emotion, that we've never seen before.

    I think it's definitely time for them to shut the cameras off and work on fixing their family.

  35. Merrie said...

    I couldn't agree more, and was even thinking about blogging the same thing. However, I don't see them stopping, based on how they've built their lives around the show. He doesn't even have a job anymore -- they make their money from TLC, endorsements and her books -- even they went into this season, knowing they were having problems. It's a shame, but I think they take a lot of responsibility for staying on the air.
    And you're right -- the kids won't thank them later for the DVD's of these memories.

  36. Anonymous said...

    Kate has always been too much of a media whore and TLC is making a fortune off this show to ever consider pulling the plug right now.
    It's never been about the kids or the marriage. From the second they were pregnant, both she and Jon were out there shilling those 6 unborn children. Both of them have been in it for the money and fame from the start.
    She courted the media and now she's shocked when they don't portray them in a good light? Please! She has brought all of this on herself.
    She'll keep this going for as long as she can so that she can keep up the fancy lifestyle to which she has grown accustomed. Whether the kids suffer or not.
    This is why I hate "reality" TV. Anyone who thinks it's ever a real portrayal of life is completely naaive. It was never "reality at its finest." Sorry, Jen.

  37. Fun Things Kids said...

    I agree, they need to work on their marraige for the sake of the kids. I feel bad for the older daughters becasue they are old enough to know whats going on. The show was so sad on Monday night, the way Jon talked the marriage is over, I think Kate still has a little hope but not much. I hope someone ends this mess soon.

  38. Brittany said...

    They do need to end the show. You are so right.

  39. Unknown said...

    I certainly think you are right but is it TLC who wants the show to go on or Kate? I'm betting it's a little bit of both. I've never liked that woman. I am sorry her marriage is in a shambles and I totally agree that their lives need to be conducted OFF the air...

  40. Unknown said...

    I totally agree with you, they need to stop the show and work on their lives.

  41. Amy W said...

    I don't watch the show, but every friend of mine that does cried their way through the premiere, too. It is so sad and too easy to throw blame on one or the other spouse, when it is clearly a problem with both of them and their insane situation.

    I hope they quit the show and work on their relationship, too.

  42. John Deere Mom said...

    I don't watch the show religiously, but I have watched several episodes over the past couple of years. I agree with you completely. I think TLC and Jon and Kate need to decide that it's over. I have a feeling they are doing it for the money to provide for their family, but enough is enough. I refuse to watch a marriage crumbling on TV. It's just too sad.

  43. The Bertone's said...

    I to have watched this show from the beginning.. I love Aiden... he is so cute! But I agree with you...its time to end. These people are real and have feelings. I cried as well thru the whole show. No child should have that much told about private things that go on in their home! Its just wrong! I hate to see them go, but they are good kids and deserve so much more!

  44. Unknown said...

    I cried too! And you know I totally agree with everything you said!

  45. Sweet Serendipity said...

    I agree with you too. I watched it and just felt depressed and horrible after wards. As a child of divorce it brings up many miserable feelings.
    Not only should the show end, but the two of them should do EVERY THING they can to salvage their marriage.
    It seems they are both stuck in the blame game. I hope they find a way to move on together and not just faking it for the kids, as was indicated by the final scene of the bbq.
    How very sad.

  46. Jill said...

    AMEN!!! I wish they'd stop too.... though I doubt it'll happen. Ratings baby. So sad!

  47. Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting said...

    I haven't seen it, but after hearing how many people were literally crying and upset about the episode, I agree with you, it needs to end. Those poor children don't need the play by play on DVD.

  48. Pam said...

    i'll have my own take on this son over at dad blogs, but you're right. it needs to end. now.

  49. City girl turned Country Girl said...

    I personally have not gotten to see the actual episode yet. I did watch a bit from an interview and I too believe Kate's tears were real..And I too think for the sake of the kids it should be cut...

  50. Sarah said...

    I agree with you 100%. I loved watching before but on Monday it was painful...for everyone involved.

  51. Martha said...

    Very well said, I tried to reply to another post this morning, and my thought are disjointed from exhaustion and no caffeine. You said it all very well. It needs to end, it is no longer our business. I think the day the papparazzi started stalking my family, would have been the day I called it quits. They did not get into this to be celebrities (at least not at first). Fans saying hello, and admiring your family one thing, but paparazzi with their long lenses hiding in the bushes, it has gone too far.

  52. Amy W said...

    Argh!! I just heard that the network ordered 40 more episodes after the series premiere did so well....

  53. MrsSki said...

    Amen, Sister! After I saw the sign that the kids made last season you know the one..."stay owt camras" It was like a big smack in the face. I cannot imagine being a child and having no privacy. All they have ever known are cameras...how do you think that will effect them when they are older. And I completely agree that Jon and Kate's situation needs to end the show...how awful for those kids 5, 10, 15 years down the road watching the dvd's that led to their parent's divorce. Great post!

  54. Leslie said...

    I'm finding it interesting that every time I hear Kate talk, she keeps saying, "I'm doing this for the kids." Yet, I can't help but think that given the choice, the kids would rather be in their old house without all the fancy smancy stuff and have their parents together.

  55. Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

    AMEN...I was totally going to blog about this.

    I think TLC needs to step up and pull the plug, whether or not Jon and Kate want it.

    Those poor kids.

  56. Annie said...

    Bravo! I agree 105%!

  57. Jenni said...

    I posted about them today, too!

    I am tired of hearing about them...and I really do feel bad for those kids.

  58. Wendy said...

    I am a mother of four (ages 1-5), so of course I identify with this show TONS! I am in total agreement that they need to try to give their kids a normal life at this point. The kids are all getting older, and I know that this has to be affecting them in ways that no one can really even predict. Really. Think about it. No one really has ever been through this type of lifestyle since birth. What impact will all of this have on those sweet kids? I think unfortunately that the fame and money have gotten the best of this once sweet family, and I do pray that they will return to "non-TV" days and that the media will eventually allow them to do so.

  59. Vicki said...

    AMEN!

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