“In 2008, TLC launched a new, family-friendly reality show which answered the question (for anyone who ever wondered), “What’s it like to have 17 kids?” The show was called 17 Kids and Counting, and it depicted the everyday life of the Duggar family, who, due to their religious beliefs, do not use birth control: hence, 17 biological children, all from the same two parents. 17 soon became 18, then 19.
Criticized by many for their ultra-conservative lifestyle, 19 Kids And Counting nevertheless amassed a loyal and surprisingly large following who, turned off by the sex, drugs and violence served up in most of television land, appreciated its ‘wholesomeness’ and ‘family values.’ As the oldest of the Duggar children began to…”