Counting On Season 11: How Low Can They Go?

[HereticHick]

48 minutes ago, EmmieJ said:

Excellent point.  The gravy train looks like it's coming to an end and wouldn't it be ironic if things came absolute full circle:  2nd generation Duggars living in homes that are too small for the size of their families, "buying used and saving the difference," and relying on the generosity of fellow church members.

I've always wondered when--possibly as early as 5 or 6 years from now--JB and Michelle will need to let one of the 2nd generation families move into the big house with them. Either JB and Michelle will relocate to grandma's old room, or it will become the young married couple's bedroom (or Anna Duggar's bedroom, if Josh has a prison bunk). Nieces and nephews sharing the two big bedrooms with whatever unmarried aunts and uncles--Josie, Jordyn, Jenny, etc.--are still around.

[Idlewild]

It will be interesting to see- perhaps they will start to take education and training a bit more seriously and get qualified so they can actually do certified work.

Ben might realise that his dream of being a pastor was only worth having while he was subsidised for supporting a wife and soon to be 4 children.

Derick has got to be feeling quite smug right now and I suspect Jeremy congratulates himself with handling it perfectly. While Jinger is popular with her fan base, it’s going to be hard work sustaining the level of income for the lifestyle they want when they cannot make reference to a cancelled show. While I am not a big fan of the Dillards, they have at least secured a family home and an income stream that doesn’t depend on being a Duggar.

[ifosterkittens]

ISB: I imagine JB or Michelle (whoever is the brains of the operation) loved the income from TLC specials and then the show, but knew it wasn't a guarantee and have always known if could end, and have planned for that eventuality. JB and Michelle managed to build their house and get help and TLC to finish it, so I doubt they are carrying a mortgage. Yes, they still have expenses, but I figure they know about how much it costs to run their household each year (figuring in food, clothing, utilities, medical, insurance, taxes, vehicles, their normal expenses) and have those expenses covered from some/most of their income producing properties. Plus I would guess they have a good sized savings account to cover unexpected expenses. I believe Dave Ramsey is a proponent of an emergency fund, so I bet they have one. 

From the beginning I can imagine JB and Michelle saying once you marry and move out you are responsible for your expenses. For now we will provide you with housing, and a family job (car lot, etc), but these aren't forever guarantees. If the car lot went under, and there were no TLC filming obligations I can see JB saying to his sons and son in laws it is your responsibility to provide for your family, figure it out. Plus the adult kids haven't been making money from the show, so while certain perks are gone (trips) they are now free to work a more regular schedule presumably. 

I wonder if JB/Michelle would pay (or front the money) for the sons/son in laws to go to some type of trade school (plumber, electrician, gas, mechanic, HVAC) and provide the money to buy start up equipment for a stake in the company for years to come. If a couple of the guys did one trade program they could in time start a Duggar Brothers company if they were willing to put in the time and effort. While they were filming it wouldn't have worked, but now that might be a wise move. I could also see JB wanting the boys to have different trades so all his rental property needs could be handled by his sons. 

[NancyDrewFan1989]

A little late to the cancellation party but I have a couple of thoughts:

1. TLC or network television is not done with the Duggars yet. They are going to try and piggy back on Bringing Up Bates and the Plath's show. Also, it wouldn't shock me if the producers are looking at doing a show on a specific couple like Jeremy and Jinger or Ben and Jessa or doing specials with the family for like live births and weddings. They managed to bring them back after Josh got exposed in 2015, wouldn't surprise me if they have a plan up their sleeve.

2. Jim Bob, Michelle and the family, are probably, completely pissed off and angry at Josh for once again being exposed as a pedophile pervert who has not and never will learn his lesson. Counting On managed to bring the Duggars back, albeit with out Josh and his family, with paychecks they've grown accustom to since their first special aired. Now, all of that is going away, again. 

[HereticHick]

2 minutes ago, ifosterkittens said:

I wonder if JB/Michelle would pay (or front the money) for the sons/son in laws to go to some type of trade school (plumber, electrician, gas, mechanic, HVAC) and provide the money to buy start up equipment for a stake in the company for years to come. If a couple of the guys did one trade program they could in time start a Duggar Brothers company if they were willing to put in the time and effort. While they were filming it wouldn't have worked, but now that might be a wise move. I could also see JB wanting the boys to have different trades so all his rental property needs could be handled by his sons. 

I've long been surprised that no Duggar guys have trained to become licensed plumbers, electricians,  auto mechanics or HVAC techs. Ironically, the extended Bates family, which does NOT have a big collection of rental properties, does have a licensed plumber (Kelton), a HVAC tech (John Webster), and an apprentice electrician (Evan).

[ifosterkittens]

1 minute ago, HereticHick said:

I've long been surprised that no Duggar guys have trained to become licensed plumbers, electricians,  auto mechanics or HVAC techs.

I've wondered the same thing, but I figured JB didn't want them not available for filming. I wondered if JB figured they could always attend those programs at a later date (when filming was no longer happening). 

[WiseGirl]

12 minutes ago, HereticHick said:

does have a licensed plumber (Kelton), a HVAC tech (John Webster), and an apprentice electrician (Evan).

Even more interesting to me is these are all the son-in-laws. Zach quit police work to go into the tree business. Nathan is supposedly a missionary in the Phillipines.  Lawson...what the f*ck does he do other than travel? No idea what Trace or the other of age guys do. They are a financial mystery like the Duggars. I assume these guys get filmed for their show too which doesn't explain the Duggars to me.

So I guess the son-in-laws get jobs and the Bates boys do ...something?

Erin, Whitney, and Carlin Bates have their boutique, Carlin and Evan are making money from their YouTube, and Josie has her beauty business. So I guess the Bates or at least the Bates women have more of a work ethic than the Duggars?

Update thanks @clueliss there is a Paine Construction and some Bates boys work there. I wish they would get licensed like their brother-in-law...

 

Edited June 30, 2021 by WiseGirl
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[clueliss]

9 minutes ago, NancyDrewFan1989 said:

A little late to the cancellation party but I have a couple of thoughts:

1. TLC or network television is not done with the Duggars yet. They are going to try and piggy back on Bringing Up Bates and the Plath's show. Also, it wouldn't shock me if the producers are looking at doing a show on a specific couple like Jeremy and Jinger or Ben and Jessa or doing specials with the family for like live births and weddings. They managed to bring them back after Josh got exposed in 2015, wouldn't surprise me if they have a plan up their sleeve.

 

Bringing up Bates is NOT a TLC show.  It is filmed by Figure 8 - the same company that produces Counting On - but it is on a competing network - UP. 

1 minute ago, WiseGirl said:

Even more interesting to me is these are all the son-in-laws. Zach quit police work to go into the tree business. Nathan is supposedly a missionary in the Phillipines.  Lawson...what the f*ck does he do other than travel? No idea what Trace or the other of age guys do. They are a financial mystery like the Duggars.

So I guess the son-in-laws get jobs and the Bates boys do ...something?

Although Erin, Whitney, and Carlin have their boutique, Carlin and Evan are making money from their YouTube, and Josie has her beauty business. So I guess the Bates or at least the Bates women have more of a work ethic than the Duggars?

 

I *think* Trace and One (or more) of "The Middle Boys" actually work for Chad in Paine Construction.  Hence why Alyssa had them come down to lay floors in their new house.

[Giraffe]

I'm sure JB will continue trying but I hope they're too much of a risk for any network to deal with. There are plenty of other families TLC can exploit who don't come with federal arrests for heinous crimes. I know the crimes belong to Josh and no one else but to me it seems like with JB calling the shots Josh ruined it for everyone else, too. 

[SweetLaurel]

2 hours ago, SorenaJ said:

Kinda unrelated, but are people who are professional scammers doing it because they are desperate, or because they have really a shitty morality compass? Like how sex workers are often doing it because they are desperate? 

They do it because it is their job.   Are you talking about dating site scammers?  I did a lot of research on them when my friend got scammed out of everything.  She ended up living in a tent till I took her in.  They do it because their 'marks' aren't real people to them.  They are talking to dozens and dozens and more at a time  They just don't care.  They get hardened.  They are in it for the 'wahoo!' when they get someone to send them money.  They get paid off every day and it seems normal to them.  Like working in a slaughterhouse - sure you puke first time or two, but after the first couple days - this is normal.   Is that what you were asking?  

[fundiefan]

I didn't see news all day so I just now read they are finally freaking cancelled. And since I am way too far behind to follow discussion of those who have known all day I will just say - it's about damn time. Adios. Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out. Buh-Bye.

[socalrules]

I honestly think the Duggar shows in general are done. They are really passed their prime as times have changed since the show first started. They have nothing new to say and their lifestyle has stopped being an interesting oddity and is now just sad/scary. We live in a country where a woman is Vice President. Young girls will grow up knowing they can achieve anything they want.   It’s going to be hard to for TLC to keep selling the idea it’s cool to raise uneducated young women who are not trusted enough to go out alone, date or choose a career that does not involve gazing lovingly at her headship. They are basically advocating a woman being completely controlled by a man which anyone with common sense would say is abusive. How long can they keep selling that? How many young women really want to spend their lives under someone else’s thumb?  

[Coconut Flan]

When the show began they were still pretending that their kids could all go to college and become lawyers, nurses, accountants, and teachers.  

[Hera]

Yeah, I think they’re done, too. It’s hard to come back from a charge of possession of child porn - even harder when he’s eventually convicted or pleads guilty. And also, while it’s “cute” to see a “wholesome” family of 19 children and “how do they do it all!?”  It’s pathetic to see a bunch of uneducated and unskilled grown ups without real jobs popping out more and more kids to be uneducated and unskilled and it just gets depressing. They’re not interesting anymore. 

Edited June 30, 2021 by Hera

[Lady Dondarrion]

The trial has been pushed back to November 30th due to the cancellation news.

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/josh-duggar-child-pornography-trial-postponed-tlc-cancels-counting-on-170008135.html

[postscript]

3 hours ago, ifosterkittens said:

 

I wonder if JB/Michelle would pay (or front the money) for the sons/son in laws to go to some type of trade school (plumber, electrician, gas, mechanic, HVAC) and provide the money to buy start up equipment for a stake in the company for years to come. If a couple of the guys did one trade program they could in time start a Duggar Brothers company if they were willing to put in the time and effort. While they were filming it wouldn't have worked, but now that might be a wise move. I could also see JB wanting the boys to have different trades so all his rental property needs could be handled by his sons. 

I don’t see this ever happening. Jim Bob has made it abundantly clear he doesn’t value higher education or certifications. He seems to believe only in learning by doing. Nothing wrong with that, but not having formal certifications is going to limit the kids in their professions.

In addition, the kids are, after all, adults who should be able to pay their own way. My own family values education highly, but after a certain point we were expected to fund our own higher education. And, to be honest, that’s fair. Jim Bob has already given several of the kids no-cost housing. He has no obligation to pay for higher education. 

I could, however, see Jim Bob loaning money to one of the kids at a low interest rate, to be used to buy houses, as seed money for a business, or for higher education. Interfamily loans are common in wealthy families. 

[browngrl]

JB and M almost certainly have squirrelled away a chunk of cash for themselves which they will dole out according to their whims. I do think a large part will go towards Josh's defence but they will have to be careful about this as their other dependants will likely become increasingly resentful - some so resentful that they leave the cult. 

As for the younger ones/the young marrieds this could be an opportunity. Nothing like necessity to break inertia and if they use this impetus to get an education or learn a trade then they will probably do fine - and no doubt feel better for having accomplished something on their own. Out of the public glare they will have a chance to be themselves and that might be a relief. 

However I'm concerned about a darker turn the future could take. I suspect there is hidden damage from the abuse we know about and possibly abuse we don't know about. When out of the limelight and away from any mandatory reporters who knows what malignant things lie. 200K is a reasonable income - particularly in an area where living costs  are low - but there are an awful lot of people to support. What happens when resources become thin? Likely what happened before they hit the tv jackpot - living in small cramped spaces with barely enough. 

I must admit I'm a little surprised TLC did not try and exploit Josh scandal more. Maybe they thought it was too off brand but I think a tell all or investigative series would mean lots of views - a sort of tiger king but fundie style. 

 

[ToriAmos]

18 minutes ago, Lady Dondarrion said:

The trial has been pushed back to November 30th due to the cancellation news.

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/josh-duggar-child-pornography-trial-postponed-tlc-cancels-counting-on-170008135.html

Wasn't it pushed back a while ago? Why would the show cancellation affect the trial date?

[ifosterkittens]

13 minutes ago, ToriAmos said:

32 minutes ago, Lady Dondarrion said:

The trial has been pushed back to November 30th due to the cancellation news.

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/josh-duggar-child-pornography-trial-postponed-tlc-cancels-counting-on-170008135.html

Wasn't it pushed back a while ago? Why would the show cancellation affect the trial date?

Josh Duggar Child Pornography Charges, Trial: Everything We Know (usmagazine.com) Sorry I don't seem to be able to link the exact article, but the US article written yesterday June 29, 2021 said "Documents obtained by Us in June 2021 confirmed that a judge signed off on Josh's request to move the trial date back — but only by four months. Pretrial proceedings were rescheduled to November 18, 2021, with the trial beginning on November 30." There was no mention of the show being cancelled in the article yesterday, so my guess is the decision to postpose the trial was made first. Emily D Baker said on her youtube channel that Duggar's request to delay the trial so the defense could have their experts review the evidence was common, and she figured it would be granted. 

[sndral]

42 minutes ago, Lady Dondarrion said:

The trial has been pushed back to November 30th due to the cancellation news.

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/josh-duggar-child-pornography-trial-postponed-tlc-cancels-counting-on-170008135.html

 

23 minutes ago, ToriAmos said:

Wasn't it pushed back a while ago? Why would the show cancellation affect the trial date?

The linked article doesn’t claim that the trial continuance was caused by the show cancelation.

Indeed, back when the trial date was such a quick set a lot of legal types on FJ predicted the trial would continue. IME once a defendant is out of custody the wheels of justice slow way down.

Of all of the adult married Duggar spawn, only Jinger/Jeremy live in a high cost area, it’ll be interesting to see how they fare financially going forward.

[Bad Wolf]

So the Rebers get four more months of Josh. Lucky people. I bet Mrs. Reber is wishing she'd stood up to her headship.

[onekidanddone]

5 hours ago, HereticHick said:

I've always wondered when--possibly as early as 5 or 6 years from now--JB and Michelle will need to let one of the 2nd generation families move into the big house with them. Either JB and Michelle will relocate to grandma's old room, or it will become the young married couple's bedroom (or Anna Duggar's bedroom, if Josh has a prison bunk). Nieces and nephews sharing the two big bedrooms with whatever unmarried aunts and uncles--Josie, Jordyn, Jenny, etc.--are still around.

How would that work? I get all the cousins can be stacked in the two bedrooms, but what about their parents?

I see all the married also in bunkhouses  like little cabins on the property 

 

1 hour ago, browngrl said:

JB and M almost certainly have squirrelled away a chunk of cash for themselves which they will dole out according to their whims. I do think a large part will go towards Josh's defence but they will have to be careful about this as their other dependants will likely become increasingly resentful - some so resentful that they leave the cult. 

As for the younger ones/the young marrieds this could be an opportunity. Nothing like necessity to break inertia and if they use this impetus to get an education or learn a trade then they will probably do fine - and no doubt feel better for having accomplished something on their own. Out of the public glare they will have a chance to be themselves and that might be a relief. 

However I'm concerned about a darker turn the future could take. I suspect there is hidden damage from the abuse we know about and possibly abuse we don't know about. When out of the limelight and away from any mandatory reporters who knows what malignant things lie. 200K is a reasonable income - particularly in an area where living costs  are low - but there are an awful lot of people to support. What happens when resources become thin? Likely what happened before they hit the tv jackpot - living in small cramped spaces with barely enough. 

I must admit I'm a little surprised TLC did not try and exploit Josh scandal more. Maybe they thought it was too off brand but I think a tell all or investigative series would mean lots of views - a sort of tiger king but fundie style. 

 

I’m not sure not being around any mandatory reporter would be any different than their lives now. 
 

The Duggars have been on TV for a decade now and don’t tell me TLC didn’t know what might have gone on in the tinker toy house of horrors. 

[NancyDrewFan1989]

5 hours ago, clueliss said:

Bringing up Bates is NOT a TLC show.  It is filmed by Figure 8 - the same company that produces Counting On - but it is on a competing network - UP. .

I meant in general. I don't think the Duggars are going to try and get on Bringing Up Bates on a different network trying to get another show with another angle. Sadly, there are many people who will still watch the Duggars scandals and all. 

[Antipatriarch]

6 hours ago, NancyDrewFan1989 said:

Also, it wouldn't shock me if the producers are looking at doing a show on a specific couple like Jeremy and Jinger or Ben and Jessa or doing specials with the family for like live births and weddings. They managed to bring them back after Josh got exposed in 2015, wouldn't surprise me if they have a plan up their sleeve.

I've wondered this very thing about a Jana wedding. As long as Smuggar doesn't appear, I think they could do a one-off for her wedding especially, without any pushback or contradicting the show cancellation.

[Not that josh's mom]

Not sure where to put this - but interesting that both Jessa and Joy posted on the same day about camping and selling whatever those marvelous pillows are. Expect we will be seeing a lot more Duggars selling stuff now. 

Edited July 1, 2021 by Not that josh's mom
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