Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar react to ‘Counting On’ cancellation

Reality TV

The Duggar parents have spoken.

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar released a statement addressing TLC’s recent decision to cancel the family’s show “Counting On” ahead of their son Josh Duggar’s upcoming child porn trial — but did not directly mention Josh’s troubles.

“Since we began filming so long ago, we’ve had the amazing honor to share our lives, our faith, and our story with you — including some of the most difficult and painful moments our family has ever faced,” the statement read. “We are full of deep gratitude for the love shown to us and the prayers of so many who have sustained us both now and through the years.”

Jim Bob and Michelle also noted that they are looking forward to “new adventures and endeavors” in the future, and said “we look forward to discovering what’s next for our family and sharing more with you along the way!”

Duggar Family in 2014 on "Extra"
The Duggars are pictured in 2014.
Getty Images for Extra

On Tuesday, TLC announced that “Counting On” — a follow-up to the family’s original series “19 Kids and Counting” — would not longer be produced.

“TLC will not be producing additional seasons of ‘Counting On,’” the network said in a statement to The Post. “TLC feels it is important to give the Duggar family the opportunity to address their situation privately.”

Josh Duggar is seen in a 2021 booking photo following his arrest on child porn charges.
Josh Duggar is seen in a 2021 booking photo following his arrest on child porn charges.
AP

TLC axed the show after pressure from fans who created a Change.org petition to nix all Duggar programming. Nearly 29,000 people had signed the petition as of Sunday morning.

Some family members spoke out in full support of the cancellation, including Josh’s younger sister Jinger Duggar and her husband, Jeremy Vuolo.

“We wholeheartedly agree with TLC’s decision not to renew ‘Counting On’ and are excited for the next chapter in our lives,” they said. “We’d like to thank our fans, friends and the amazing film crew who have shown us love and support.”

Josh has not appeared on a TLC show since 2015, when news broke that he’d allegedly molested five minors when he was a teenager. At the time, TLC canceled “19 Kids and Counting” and later replaced it with “Counting On.”

Josh child pornography trial is expected to begin in November. He was arrested this spring in Arkansas after allegedly downloading and keeping a disturbing trove of child porn on his computer.

Josh, 33, has pleaded not guilty.

Articles You May Like

Babygirl’s Director Explains Why Working With Intimacy Coordinators Is Like Working With Stuntmen
Massive Attack Say They Turned Down Coachella Due to Festival’s Environmental Impact
School district pays $45K to teacher who refused to use trans students’ pronouns
Married pro lesbian hockey players featured in adorable SUV ad
The 2024 Publishing Year in Review