Jon and Kate + Eight

[evaporated]

http://gosselinswithoutpity.blogspot.com/2008/07/how-can-jon-gosselin-sleep-at-night.html

What do you guys think about this family?

[5thcrewman]

Enough?

[jsmeeker]

I have no idea who they are. Are we talking about the geese??

[uncdrew]

I thought they were people...

[jtlytle]

I thought you posted to let us know that Kate is expecting!! :eek:

[Lopey]

My wife loves the show. I think Jon is funny, Kate is somewhat annoying with being clean and not letting the kids do stuff. I don't over analyse it. I started to read that blog and then closed it. I enjoy the show enough, I don't really want to read all the other stuff on line. How do you know who is really posting that stuff?

[Bryanmc]

I can't believe there's a blog post about what Jon's job is.

The guy's got EIGHT kids to raise, if he's able to not have to "work" because of their fame and raise his family then more power to him.

[jsmeeker]

I can't believe there's a blog post about what Jon's job is.

The guy's got EIGHT kids to raise, if he's able to not have to "work" because of their fame and raise his family then more power to him.

not only that, but people seemed to be mad he had a job with paid vacation, health insurance, life insurance, etc. I've got all that. (except the pension. I don't have that) :confused:

I don't get it.

[whitson77]

They both annoy me to death. I can't stand the show. My wife likes it though.

But I could care less how they make money. It won't be from me watching that dreck though. :)

[unicorngoddess]

The only episode I've ever seen is the one where they go to Disney World...and that's only because we have Disney World flagged on our Tivo so anything that has to do with it gets recorded.

From what I've seen, nobody should've let this couple have that many kids! They take them to Disney World (drive no less!) they only appear to have spent one day at MK. Kate (the mom) gets upset when one of the girls gets all cranky about not wanting to wear the Mickey ears (I'd be cranky too after driving for two days!) and then she gets mad at Jon (dad) for giving the kids ice cream...and of course the ice cream is melting in the heat...and its getting all over their clothes. And you would thinking having that many kids you would be more prepared, but she didn't bring a change of clothes for ANY of them WTF? No wipes either apparently. She was really freaking out about not being able to clean them up. Oh, and apparently she can't even figure out how to work a camera. How unprepared can you be when you have 8 kids??? You should be more prepared than anybody because you should take anything that could go wrong and multiply that by 8!!!

[Lopey]

I think people are just jealous. If that's what he wants to do, he likes it, and makes enough money doing it, then leave them alone. Why do people have to get involved in everyone elses lives..

[jsmeeker]

this is a TV Show??

[Bryanmc]

You should be more prepared than anybody because you should take anything that could go wrong and multiply that by 8!!!
But then it wouldn't be good TV. :D

[whitson77]

But then it wouldn't be good TV. :D

It still isn't. Reality TV is for lame-os. :D

[YCantAngieRead]

I don't know why, but I find myself compelled to watch this show lately.

Kate seems like someone that I would really dislike. But the rest of them seem okay.

[evaporated]

I'm actually a fan of the show. I like the couch talks. They contradict themselves so much and Kate's always being bitchy to Jon. It's funny in an uncomfortable sort of way. The kids are cute, and I like being able to say that I'm not them. :P I'm guilty of having it DVR'd!!!

[Gregor]

Sounds like a love eight relationship to me. ;)

[Saturn]

From what I've seen, nobody should've let this couple have that many kids!

How's the view from up there? ;)

They had twins and wanted one more. They had SEXTUPLETS. I don't think 8 kids was EVER in their plan. And if you think you could do a better job, I'm sure they'd be more than happy to let you have all 8 for a few days...

[Polcamilla]

They had twins and wanted one more. They had SEXTUPLETS. I don't think 8 kids was EVER in their plan. And if you think you could do a better job, I'm sure they'd be more than happy to let you have all 8 for a few days...

According to Wikipedia, it wasn't a spontaneously occuring incidence of sextuplets. Significant fertility treatment was involved. So while it might not have been their plan, given the choices they made, it was definitely a possibility.

[Bryanmc]

According to Wikipedia, it wasn't a spontaneously occuring incidence of sextuplets. Significant fertility treatment was involved. So while it might not have been their plan, given the choices they made, it was definitely a possibility.

And?

They don't complain about having 8 kids.

[evaporated]

According to Wikipedia, it wasn't a spontaneously occuring incidence of sextuplets. Significant fertility treatment was involved. So while it might not have been their plan, given the choices they made, it was definitely a possibility.

I agree with that. I do get a little irritated when people want a hand-out because "God blessed me with this many children, and it's just too hard for me to do it alone", when in reality, they put themselves into the position to have all those kids. If they wanted to be sure to not have more than one or two more babies, then they should have only transfered one or two embryos during her IVF.

[evaporated]

And?

They don't complain about having 8 kids.

But they are using them to earn income. I don't really know if I agree or disagree with the exploitation, mostly because I'm entertained by it.

[Polcamilla]

And?

They don't complain about having 8 kids.

And nothing. Just that it wasn't a completely random and unpredictable occurance (as implied by the poster I quoted). They made a choice that carried a risk of having a lot of kids and they got a lot of kids.

[Bryanmc]

And nothing. Just that it wasn't a completely random and unpredictable occurance (as implied by the poster I quoted). They made a choice that carried a risk of having a lot of kids and they got a lot of kids.

Gotcha.

[MickeS]

Shouldn't this be in "Now Playing"? ;)

[slydog75]

I find them both EXTREMELY annoying. Her because she's a royal bitch and treats her husband like S&^T and him because he lets her.

[unicorngoddess]

How's the view from up there? ;)

They had twins and wanted one more. They had SEXTUPLETS. I don't think 8 kids was EVER in their plan. And if you think you could do a better job, I'm sure they'd be more than happy to let you have all 8 for a few days...

No thank you! :p

Its just the part that REALLY bugs me is the unpreparedness through everything. Like i said, how could you not be prepared for worse case scenerio x 8 with that many kids? I know its suppose to make for good tv and all but the mom in me has to go, "COME ON!"

[IJustLikeTivo]

I find them both EXTREMELY annoying. Her because she's a royal bitch and treats her husband like S&^T and him because he lets her.

I watched this once out of morbid curiosity and then never again. Part of me thinks back to the dionne quintuplets and the circus their lives became. Frankly I find the idea of providing food and shelter for the kids by shamelessly exploiting them to be in very poor taste and seems like a awful thing for a parent to do. Most large families manage to deal with it without turning the kids into sideshow freaks.

[betts4]

I find them both EXTREMELY annoying. Her because she's a royal bitch and treats her husband like S&^T and him because he lets her.

I watch it and think the same thing. But I still watch it. Sometimes it is amusing and sometimes it isn't. I can always change the channel. :)

[slydog75]

I watched this once out of morbid curiosity and then never again. Part of me thinks back to the dionne quintuplets and the circus their lives became. Frankly I find the idea of providing food and shelter for the kids by shamelessly exploiting them to be in very poor taste and seems like a awful thing for a parent to do. Most large families manage to deal with it without turning the kids into sideshow freaks.

Ehh, I'm not so much bothered by that aspect of it. It doesn't appear that they're actually interfering with the kid's lives in any negative way. It's just THEM that bother me.

[JoBeth66]

I hate the idea of taking advantage of the kids and living off of them. It seems wrong, and I worry about the long-term issues the kids are going to have growing up as a spectacle.

(Caveat - I don't watch the show. Mainly because I don't like the premise.)

[wprager]

No thank you! :p

Its just the part that REALLY bugs me is the unpreparedness through everything. Like i said, how could you not be prepared for worse case scenerio x 8 with that many kids? I know its suppose to make for good tv and all but the mom in me has to go, "COME ON!"

Just out of curiosity, how many kids do you have?

I don't have 8, but I can recall many, many instances when I was not prepared. Stuff happens. With eight kids a lot more stuff happens.

[Havana Brown]

The kid and I watched one show and that was enough. We couldnt' handle all the crying and whining. No thank you.

[sieglinde]

I caught part of this by accident recently. When I realized who these people were I turned it off.

The fertility treatments usually involve the "culling" of a number of fetuses so that the ones remaining in the womb are more likely to be viable. When told of that proceedure they said that it was "unnatural" My reaction was that the whole process was unnatural and that humans are not meant to have litters.

Having a bunch of kids is a choice but the vast majority of people have them one kid at a time.

[Penny Lane]

Just out of curiosity, how many kids do you have?

I don't have 8, but I can recall many, many instances when I was not prepared. Stuff happens. With eight kids a lot more stuff happens.

I'm with unicorngoddess on this one. How can you go to someplace like that and not carry wipes. Kids hands are always needing a wipe down.

[JoBeth66]

Just out of curiosity, how many kids do you have?

I don't have 8, but I can recall many, many instances when I was not prepared. Stuff happens. With eight kids a lot more stuff happens.

With *3* kids I always had wipes. Heck, with 2 adult sons & 1 teenager I usually have wipes. :)

I'm one of 9. My mom ALWAYS had wet-ones (that's what we called diaper wipes back in the day. :D ) or a reasonable facsimile thereof available. The first time we went to Disney (1972) she had wet washcloths at the hotel, wrapped them in plastic wrap and then in tin foil and threw them in her purse.

I think 35 years later a mom of 8 should be able to figure that out. She also always had a few extra tshirts around - and with 8 kids, 6 of whom are essentially the same size? Throwing a couple of extra outfits in the diaper bag is a simple no-brainer.

[DeeDee]

I like watching this show...whenever I have doubts about my parenting abilities (when the time comes) I just think that if Kate can handle 8, I can handle 1! :)

On a side note, I watched a special where she was interviewed and mentioned that the pregnancy originally had 7 babies. I guess as the pregnancy progressed the 7th didn't make it. :eek:

The show could have been Jon and Kate + 9! :)

[IJustLikeTivo]

The show could have been Jon and Kate + 9! :)

I think the show should be called: "jon and kate are idiots and shouldn't be allowed to breed!" Sadly, no one asked my opinion. ;)

[sieglinde]

:)

If all these kids are being raised on welfare and/or charity they should have had how ever many they can afford. Is that teaching the kids that they are entitled.

[BeanMeScot]

I've watched a few episodes here and there. I don't care much to watch couples who don't really like each othe try and live together.

[sieglinde]

so the married couple doesn't seem to like each other. Great. Another bad marriage held together by religion.

This family belongs or belonged to a Baptist denomination I used to belong to. They are pretty old fashioned and fundamentalist. Unlike the Catholic church which actually is against the form of fertility treatment they have, this church has not thought through the issue so I guess you can get litters.

[DeeDee]

I've watched a few episodes here and there. I don't care much to watch couples who don't really like each othe try and live together.

Why do you say that they don't like one another and try to live together?

[waldingrl]

They crack me up. :)

[Miller6988]

She might be a bit bitchy, but...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/miller6988/Hit-It-Clinton.jpg

[Lopey]

People just crack me up. People watch 1, 2, 3 episodes and they think they know everything about them. I've been watching for a while, and it seems like a normal family to me with more kids. I know that my wife and I don't always agree on everything, and we get into arguments. Seeing that this is a TV show, and they only have 1 hour a week they go for whatever will be most entertaining.

To me they seem very involved with the kids, taking them all over the place doing family things. Recently they did a series on when they take the kids 1 at a time to places that the kids choose. Yes there are times where things are crazy... perhaps because there are 8 kids.

[BeanMeScot]

Why do you say that they don't like one another and try to live together?

Their entire attitude when talking to each other and to the camera.

[Lopey]

Their entire attitude when talking to each other and to the camera.

I don't get that same feeling...

[DeeDee]

I don't get that same feeling...

Same here...i think that they occassionally will snap at each, but I don't think anyone can really blame them. They have to be under tremendous stress with that many kids.

[sushikitten]

Out of curiosity, I finally watched a few eps of this. I agree that she sometimes treats him like crap, but I can see me being the same way with EIGHT KIDS and I felt dear old hubby wasn't helping as much as I thought he should. :o

It's interesting. I will give it that. Just the mechanics of having to do/feed/prepare/bathe/watch that many kids and they try to make life fun - I do like that they seem to want to do things with them (i.e. take them places) because I imagine a lot of parents would just sit them in front of the TV and hope things go well (or I've been watching too much Nanny 911 lately). I mean, really, what SANE person would want to take 8 kids "big bed" shopping? Did they ever think that could go well? But they did it any way, because they wanted the kids to feel special. That takes a special kind of person.

[newsposter]

i never watched this show but saw it was coming back may 25 (http://www.thefutoncritic.com/showatch.aspx?id=jon_and_kate_plus_8&view=listings)

I had NO idea these folks lived down the road! I guess I need to keep more on top of the news :)

[MickeS]

I had NO idea these folks lived down the road! I guess I need to keep more on top of the news :)

Yeah, especially the local news. Get with it, man! :D

[MickeS]

It's interesting. I will give it that. Just the mechanics of having to do/feed/prepare/bathe/watch that many kids and they try to make life fun - I do like that they seem to want to do things with them (i.e. take them places) because I imagine a lot of parents would just sit them in front of the TV and hope things go well (or I've been watching too much Nanny 911 lately). I mean, really, what SANE person would want to take 8 kids "big bed" shopping? Did they ever think that could go well? But they did it any way, because they wanted the kids to feel special. That takes a special kind of person.

They do the stuff because it makes for interesting TV.

[tiams]

Show maybe more interesting now that Jon was caught with a 23 year old woman at 2 am while Kate was out of town.

[andyw715]

I can see why Jon is tapping the 3rd grade teacher. If I had to live with Kate for more than 10 minutes I would do the same.

[Havana Brown]

I can see why Jon is tapping the 3rd grade teacher. If I had to live with Kate for more than 10 minutes I would do the same.

Or kill yourself.


She's just nasty.

[LlamaLarry]

She's just nasty.She really does have to be about the most horrible wife I have ever seen. I really, really, have to hope that some of it is a put on for TV, but after watching pretty much every episode I kind of doubt it. :( Jon and the kids, even Mady, all deserve better.

[BeanMeScot]

I've watched a few episodes here and there. I don't care much to watch couples who don't really like each othe try and live together.

Prophetic...;) :D

[bareyb]

Wow. Another victim of the "reality show curse". Feel bad for all (10) of them... That's sad. :(

[newsposter]

geez now with these comments above it really makes me want to watch! She sounds pretty bad and i wouldnt be surprised if tlc has had to fence in their yard lol...i did read one article that they have a "body guard" when they go out.

Yeah, especially the local news. Get with it, man! :D

well if i had a decent news source, i wouldnt be so uninformed.

Maybe i can moonlight as paparazzi :cool:

[Jeffho]

Apparently their family isn't too happy with the show either. Kate's brother and sister-in-law, both of whom I believe have been on the show numerous times. They were shown helping out with babysitting and the such. They say how their marriage is now for show and Jon has a contract with Kate to do as he pleases as long as he shows up for the show.

Kate Gosselin gave husband Jon a contract saying he could date others as long as he showed up for filming of their hit reality show, Jon & Kate Plus Eight, her brother and sister-in-law Kevin and Jodi Kreider said in an explosive new interview, exclusively with RadarOnline.com.

Kate Gosselin has told Jon their relationship is over and they should begin dating others, according to Jodi Kreider. She said Kate had presented Jon with a contract that laid out the aforementioned circumstances in explicit detail. She said Jon was taken aback by Kate's bluntness in terminating the relationship.

Kevin Kreider said Jon has told him he can have girlfriends, do his own thing and has the freedom to do what he wants [on] certain days -- so long as he fulfills his professional obligations in regards to the show.

Jodi said both ignored their marital problems to keep the show's ratings high, and that it takes many people to pull off the ruse of showcasing their dysfunctional marriage as a happy one for the cameras.

"This is a train wreck," Jodi said.

Here is a link to them being interviewed.

http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2009/05/exclusive-new-interview-jon-kates-secret-marriage-contract

[Havana Brown]

well if i had a decent news source, i wouldnt be so uninformed.



The Reading Eagle doesn't carry it? ;)

[whitson77]

Apparently their family isn't too happy with the show either. Kate's brother and sister-in-law, both of whom I believe have been on the show numerous times. They were shown helping out with babysitting and the such. They say how their marriage is now for show and Jon has a contract with Kate to do as he pleases as long as he shows up for the show.



Here is a link to them being interviewed.

http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2009/05/exclusive-new-interview-jon-kates-secret-marriage-contract

That's not surprising to me at all. I'm glad I didn't watch one episode. It's sick to whore out your family for $$$. And even after you've destroyed your marriage, you put on a show to continue to get $$$.

[pdhenry]

The Reading Eagle doesn't carry it? ;)It's pretty surprising how much J+K stay below the radar locally. I recall something a few years ago when the 6 were born but since then they just don't do local news, I guess. They have no visible community involvement to speak of, and it's a bit interesting to see them portrayed among local landmarks that I'm familiar with, because other then the show you would not be aware of them at all.

[evaporated]

Their big mistake is that they couldn't keep it quiet. It won't take long for the show to get pulled now. I'd be surprised if this isn't their last season. Right after they bought that big ass house too. Ouch.

[bareyb]

Their big mistake is that they couldn't keep it quiet. It won't take long for the show to get pulled now. I'd be surprised if this isn't their last season. Right after they bought that big ass house too. Ouch.

As soon as she handed Jon that contract it was over. There is no way he wasn't going to "get caught" and there was no way something like that was going to stay a secret. He should've kept it in his pants until the show was off the air. Now he's gonna have to get a "real job". Hope it was worth it. :p

[MickeS]

Their big mistake is that they couldn't keep it quiet. It won't take long for the show to get pulled now. I'd be surprised if this isn't their last season. Right after they bought that big ass house too. Ouch.

There was an article about them in a recent EW, and they mentioned they had considered pulling the plug on the show. I was just thinking "yeah right!". As if they would ever give up that income voluntarily.

[sushikitten]

She really does have to be about the most horrible wife I have ever seen. I really, really, have to hope that some of it is a put on for TV, but after watching pretty much every episode I kind of doubt it. :( Jon and the kids, even Mady, all deserve better.Maybe I am just disillusioned, but I don't think I would consider her the most horrible wife ever. I can imagine LOTS more horrible people out there. Is she perfect? Of course not. Is she whacked out? Certainly to some extent (and I am sure I would be a little nutso too with 8 kids). But the most horrible wife ever? Not by a long shot.

[newsposter]

The Reading Eagle doesn't carry it? ;)

game/set/match

It's pretty surprising how much J+K stay below the radar locally. I recall something a few years ago when the 6 were born but since then they just don't do local news, I guess. They have no visible community involvement to speak of, and it's a bit interesting to see them portrayed among local landmarks that I'm familiar with, because other then the show you would not be aware of them at all.

Plus while i get understand you cant devote a column every day to them, you'd think i would have at least seen 1 or 2 articles a season on them to promote the local area. A search of a certain newspaper site shows only 19 hits total with their last name as a parameter and a few of them were duplicates.

maybe the Myerstown Herald has more :)

and now that i know local stuff is in the show, almost makes me wanna watch!

[cheesesteak]

Kate Gosselin gave husband Jon a contract saying he could date others as long as he showed up for filming of their hit reality show, Jon & Kate Plus Eight, her brother and sister-in-law Kevin and Jodi Kreider said in an explosive new interview, exclusively with RadarOnline.com.
I never even heard of these people until two weeks ago and have never watched an episode of this show. I just can't figure out who would want to date a soon to be divorced, married guy with eight young children who is a reality show star.

[Havana Brown]

I've watched bits and pieces here and there and I could tell before the whole being caught thing that they didn't get along. Just watch their body language. They'll sit on a couch and be on opposite ends. They'll cross their arms across their chest. They'll tilt their body to the outside of the couch instead of inside toward each other.

[Mars Rocket]

How many episodes have there been? I heard that they get paid $50K per episode. Would it be worth it? Would you accept that kind of money to be on national TV?

[aindik]

How many episodes have there been? I heard that they get paid $50K per episode. Would it be worth it? Would you accept that kind of money to be on national TV?

My count from tv.com shows there have been 93 episodes (two 10 ep seasons, a 32 ep season and a 41 ep season). Though, of course, they weren't getting $50k per for the entire run.

[newsposter]

on these kinds of shows. are there scripts or is the stuff 'real'

for 50K an ep, i may have to consider letting them into my house. It's a very decent amt of money for the area they live in to make in one year, much less a handful of eps

[Ment]

TLC is renaming the show Jon and Kate: Ingrate :)

[BeanMeScot]

I've watched bits and pieces here and there and I could tell before the whole being caught thing that they didn't get along. Just watch their body language. They'll sit on a couch and be on opposite ends. They'll cross their arms across their chest. They'll tilt their body to the outside of the couch instead of inside toward each other.

That is what I was saying last year in this thread. I've never thought they got along.

[DevdogAZ]

on these kinds of shows. are there scripts or is the stuff 'real'
I don't think it's "scripted" per se, but they do create situations that will be the basis for interesting episodes, rather than simply keep the cameras running 24/7 and hope that something interesting happens.

[speaker city]

I've never sat down and watched an entire episode, but I'm familiar with the concept. A so-called Christian couple had a bunch of fertilized eggs put into the wife's uterus and were :SHOCKED: when more than one baby came out. Right away I have a problem because it's the so-call Christians in this country that rail against birth-control and embryonic stem-cell research because they consider it "playing god." But hey, Christianity and hypocrisy go hand-in-hand with each other. Then these 'Christians' whore out their kids to make a buck. I'm pretty sure the Fifth Commandment goes both ways.

This family is going to be in shambles and the parents will have no one to blame but themselves. These kids are not going to have happy lives. I'm predicting lots of drug use, crime, hardcore porn, and probably suicide in the future of these kids. Oh well, it will make for interesting television.

[pdhenry]

The shows are based on typical activities: The family goes to dutch wonderland (kiddie amusement park). The family goes to the pumpkin patch. The family paints the family room. The family goes on the Today Show. Etc.

[pdhenry]

A so-called Christian couple had a bunch of fertilized eggs put into the wife's uterus...FWIW, there's little to no prosteletizing on J&K+8. I understand she may have "got religion" but it's not really an aspect of the show (as it is, to a greater extent, on 17 Kids & Counting, but there the parents have done it themselves without help).

[aindik]

Also, they didn't "put fertilized eggs into the wife's uterus." They used a fertility treatment, but not that one.

[DevdogAZ]

I've never sat down and watched an entire episode, but I'm familiar with the concept. A so-called Christian couple had a bunch of fertilized eggs put into the wife's uterus and were :SHOCKED: when more than one baby came out. Right away I have a problem because it's the so-call Christians in this country that rail against birth-control and embryonic stem-cell research because they consider it "playing god." But hey, Christianity and hypocrisy go hand-in-hand with each other. Then these 'Christians' whore out their kids to make a buck. I'm pretty sure the Fifth Commandment goes both ways.

This family is going to be in shambles and the parents will have no one to blame but themselves. These kids are not going to have happy lives. I'm predicting lots of drug use, crime, hardcore porn, and probably suicide in the future of these kids. Oh well, it will make for interesting television.
That's quite the presumptive post. From what little I've seen of the show, there is no mention of religion at all. And I don't recall seeing any mention of religion in this thread either. So to turn it into a Christian-bashing opportunity seems pretty intolerant of you.

[marksman]

With all the pub they have gotten lately for their marriage issues, I am hooked. I set up a pass and have been watching every episode I can. I think the show is kind of funny. Their marriage is a bit dysfunctional, but the kids crack me up, and I am just amazed at all the logistical challenges you have to undertake when you have that many kids.

Like someone who complained because they drove the kids to Disney World. I already saw them take one plan trip, it is a massive undertaking, to take all of them on the plane, so I suspect in a lot of cases going by land driven vehicle is the only sensible choice. I also admire that Kate actually wants the kids to try and have some normal exposure and kid experiences that they often might be denied just because it is so unwieldy with that number of small children all the time. I don't like everything about them, but I find the whole thing very interesting.

As for that initial blog berating the guy, I do think they have to be careful and think beyond the tv show. However, it is not stupid for someone to devote their efforts to maximizing their energy to get the most of out something that brings in 100s of thousands and millions of dollars of revenue. It would be like someone telling a guy he is crazy for leaving his job to help manage the million dollar family business. On what planet is that crazy?

[speaker city]

there is no mention of religion at all.

O RLY??

Kate Gosselin: "Bible-Believing Christian" Who Hopes To Inspire Moms

http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/famecrawler/archive/2009/04/26/kate-gosselin-quot-bible-believing-christian-quot-who-hopes-to-inspire-moms.aspx

I don't care if their religion is part of the show or not. You don't get to protest against science like birth-control and stem-cell research one day, then use science to get pregnant the next.

And yeah, I'll take any oppurtunity I can get to expose organized religion for the detriment to society that it is.

[firerose818]

Also, they didn't "put fertilized eggs into the wife's uterus." They used a fertility treatment, but not that one.

Correct. It was Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI). I've never seen it addressed if Clomid was also used.

[Ment]

Sneak preview of the season opener http://tlc.discovery.com/videos/jon-kate-plus-8-season-premiere-sneak-peek.html

Interesting that they have separate interviews, normally they are together. I wonder if their lives thru the season will be this way, interacting only as necessary to raise the kids

[aindik]

Correct. It was Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI). I've never seen it addressed if Clomid was also used.

IUI, by itself, doesn't increase the risk of multiples. There had to have been drugs involved.

[firerose818]

IUI, by itself, doesn't increase the risk of multiples. There had to have been drugs involved.

That's what I figured in order to get seven eggs fertilized (they have said one embryo died early on).

[whitson77]

And yeah, I'll take any oppurtunity I can get to expose organized religion for the detriment to society that it is.


LOL That is funny. You can isolate some idiots, but taking a few individuals and declaring all organized religions a detriment is inane.

Ignorning all the good, organized religion does is pretty foolish IMO. There are some pretty awesome charities that are religious in nature. And of course there are some great non-religious based ones as well. But if you are going to make blanket statements, at least try to be unbiased.

[latrobe7]

But if you are going to make blanket statements, at least try to be unbiased.Isn't that an oxymoron? :p

[whitson77]

Isn't that an oxymoron? :p

Yeah, I like it. :D

All TCF member are respectful and thoughtful.

[marksman]

I hate the idea of taking advantage of the kids and living off of them. It seems wrong, and I worry about the long-term issues the kids are going to have growing up as a spectacle.

(Caveat - I don't watch the show. Mainly because I don't like the premise.)

It is kind of hard to be part of sextuplets and not have a pretty out of the ordinary expereince growing up, regardless of tv cameras. I actually give the parents credit because they actually do try to do things that normal kids and families do, and that other children who have grown up in similar circumstances have often done with out.

From the dozen or so episodes I have seen so far, it seems like the children are having a pretty extraordinary childhood. Not to mention the cameras are not there 365 days a year.


I've watched a few episodes here and there. I don't care much to watch couples who don't really like each othe try and live together.

I think more people need to see that sometimes every day in married world is not hunky dory, and even at times when you are at odds you have to work at it, and it can be hard and not every day is going to be your best friend waking up next to you.. but you still have to work at it.

As for this contract stuff, that is too bad but even without that I think it is pretty much impossible for the to get divorced. It just seems like it would be totally unmanageable. Are you going to have two places to house 8 children? Visitation all the rest. I think they are stuck with each other until the kids are grown up.

[Mars Rocket]

Isn't that an oxymoron? :p

No, blanket statements and bias have nothing to do with each other.

"All water is wet"

[latrobe7]

No, blanket statements and bias have nothing to do with each other.

"All water is wet"

Sure they do. A blanket statement means that every instance of "x" is "y". That indicates a pretty strong bias toward "y".

Saying "All water is wet" shows a very strong bias toward the determination that water is wet, as opposed to the idea (as absurd as it may be) that "All water is dry", or that "Some water is dry; if one considers ice 'water'.".

[evaporated]

As soon as she handed Jon that contract it was over. There is no way he wasn't going to "get caught" and there was no way something like that was going to stay a secret. He should've kept it in his pants until the show was off the air. Now he's gonna have to get a "real job". Hope it was worth it. :p

Considering that before he left his full-time employment to stay home for the show, he was making less than $40k and was an "IT Analyst", I'm guessing that it will be pretty hard to make enough money that will support himself living alone going forward PLUS all that child-support. I know that in Texas, for the first child, it's 22.5% after tax income that goes to child support. For each additional child, it's 7.5% (these are based on figures from the late 90s; this could have changed in the past 10 years). I'm not sure how that is figured when you have so many children to support, but JEEZUS, that's going to be a fat payment every month. Add that to the fact that he's been out of his working element for a while now, and I'm guessing he's going to have to take a step backward in order to go forward. That's just the way it is with the IT industry.

I never even heard of these people until two weeks ago and have never watched an episode of this show. I just can't figure out who would want to date a soon to be divorced, married guy with eight young children who is a reality show star.

No kidding. He's cute, but he ain't that cute.

How many episodes have there been? I heard that they get paid $50K per episode. Would it be worth it? Would you accept that kind of money to be on national TV?

I have to admit, if someone wanted to give me $50k per episode to follow me around and video my mundane life for TV, I'd take it.

I've never sat down and watched an entire episode, but I'm familiar with the concept. A so-called Christian couple had a bunch of fertilized eggs put into the wife's uterus and were :SHOCKED: when more than one baby came out. Right away I have a problem because it's the so-call Christians in this country that rail against birth-control and embryonic stem-cell research because they consider it "playing god." But hey, Christianity and hypocrisy go hand-in-hand with each other. Then these 'Christians' whore out their kids to make a buck. I'm pretty sure the Fifth Commandment goes both ways.

This family is going to be in shambles and the parents will have no one to blame but themselves. These kids are not going to have happy lives. I'm predicting lots of drug use, crime, hardcore porn, and probably suicide in the future of these kids. Oh well, it will make for interesting television.

Wow, I would have never said that. Yes, their life is odd and the fact that it's broadcast pretty much 24/7 has to be a strain on the life of this family. But if you have ever watched the episodes, you'd know that those kids are pretty well-adjusted, and I'd have to say they are better behaved than most of the kids I come in contact with on a regular basis. The only brat is Maddy, and she hasn't really done anything to indicate that she's going to turn into a suicidal crack-whore on the run in a few years.

FWIW, there's little to no prosteletizing on J&K+8. I understand she may have "got religion" but it's not really an aspect of the show (as it is, to a greater extent, on 17 Kids & Counting, but there the parents have done it themselves without help).

Um, that's 18 kids and counting. ;)

That's quite the presumptive post. From what little I've seen of the show, there is no mention of religion at all. And I don't recall seeing any mention of religion in this thread either. So to turn it into a Christian-bashing opportunity seems pretty intolerant of you.

Um, that's not exactly true. There are bible verses taped on index cards throughout their house. They don't hide them. They are everywhere. If you pay attention, you'll see that.

[bareyb]

Just saw an ad for the new season which starts on Monday. It looks like they are going to run with the "marital problems" theme. I'm ashamed to admit, I set up an SP just to see what all the noise is about, so perhaps I played right into their hands... Now I'm starting to wonder if this isn't all just a setup to get better ratings. :D

[jilter]

I like the show. I don't agree with everything I see, and
I don't necessarily agree that having the show is "whore-ing" out the kids. If it allows them to have a better life, what is the harm? One thing seems to shine thru all the BS. There is a lot of genuine love in their family. If that is staged, they are the best 8 kid actors in the universe.

One other thing:
I think the fact I tuned it in out of curiosity (from this thread originally) and stayed with it- says much about the quality of entertainment offered to television audiences today.

[wprager]

I've never sat down and watched an entire episode, but I'm familiar with the concept. A so-called Christian couple had a bunch of fertilized eggs put into the wife's uterus and were :SHOCKED: when more than one baby came out. Right away I have a problem because it's the so-call Christians in this country that rail against birth-control and embryonic stem-cell research because they consider it "playing god." But hey, Christianity and hypocrisy go hand-in-hand with each other. Then these 'Christians' whore out their kids to make a buck. I'm pretty sure the Fifth Commandment goes both ways.

This family is going to be in shambles and the parents will have no one to blame but themselves. These kids are not going to have happy lives. I'm predicting lots of drug use, crime, hardcore porn, and probably suicide in the future of these kids. Oh well, it will make for interesting television.

As far as I know only Catholicism (of the "big" ones) has an issue with birth control, although abortion as a method of birth control is pretty much universally panned.

Actually, the Fifth does not go both ways. At least not in the original form. It is expanded upon in Ephesians, though, where it says "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord". Maybe that's what you meant.

And did you ever stop to think that, perhaps, doing this show is the only way they can afford some of the things they would otherwise not be able to afford? Like going to Disney World, or that nice, big house, or food. It may not be a choice you would make, but it's their choice. I'm sure the CAS is well aware of this show and, if there had been any indication of improper treatment they would have been in touch.

[sushikitten]

Um, that's not exactly true. There are bible verses taped on index cards throughout their house. They don't hide them. They are everywhere. If you pay attention, you'll see that.
Yes, you may see them if you pay VERY close attention, but they never say anything about them or read them...

[Steeler Mike]

Just saw an ad for the new season which starts on Monday. It looks like they are going to run with the "marital problems" theme. I'm ashamed to admit, I set up an SP just to see what all the noise is about, so perhaps I played right into their hands... Now I'm starting to wonder if this isn't all just a setup to get better ratings. :D

You set up a SP for J&K+8???? Report to the nearest man station & turn in your man card immediately! :down:

[bareyb]

You set up a SP for J&K+8???? Report to the nearest man station & turn in your man card immediately! :down:

I know... I did say I was "ashamed to admit it". It's just kind of morbid curiosity at this point. :p

[marksman]

Yes, you may see them if you pay VERY close attention, but they never say anything about them or read them...

Yeah but she does have a book coming out with the children's favorite bible verses in it.

[Martyp]

I allway liked at the end of the show they allways leaned away from each other.

She loves to cross her arms and bitch a lot

[newsposter]

i have what i guess, under forum rules, has to be considered spoiler information on an upcoming show...who would have thunk me with such information lol :eek:

today my gf came back from a place where kate was yesterday and told me

The place is the bell tower spa. the manicurist told her that Kate was there yesterday getting filmed and there was a guy from american chopper there too. Unsure who it was or why they would pick someone for a guest on a show that's supposed to be about her?? Kate was all bitchy and complained that real customers were in the spa and she thought she should be the only one that should have been there for a treatment. Overall the employees did not get a good impression of her :rolleyes:

SP set!:up: cant miss this local action and drama:D

[justapixel]

Maybe I am just disillusioned, but I don't think I would consider her the most horrible wife ever. I can imagine LOTS more horrible people out there. Is she perfect? Of course not. Is she whacked out? Certainly to some extent (and I am sure I would be a little nutso too with 8 kids). But the most horrible wife ever? Not by a long shot.

I agree with this. She is very controlling, but given her circumstances, I'm not sure her life would work if she wasn't. She doesn't have two or three kids, she has eight, with six the same age. That means to be a successful parent, you have to be pretty regimented with your time. Getting them anywhere can take hours - washing 8 faces, having 8 kids brush teeth, putting on shoes, making sure they go to the bathroom - it's a lot more time-consuming then non parents can imagine, times 8. If you don't have a regimented schedule, it won't work.

Look at octomom - way worse parent and her older kids can't even get to school on time - or at all.

Jon seems like a nice, relaxed guy who lets Kate do all the hard work. He kind of acts like one of the kids, rather than her partner. It's all just flexible to him - he ignores naptime, lets them stay up too late and then Kate has to deal with the consequences. So, because she is strict and controlling, part due to her nature but part due to her circumstances - and because he's irresponsible but charming and nice, people naturally dislike her rather than realize they have a bad dynamic going on. Jon needs to man up and be a disciplinarian more and then maybe she would be able to relax a bit more and they'd achieve some balance.

I don't believe that contract story for a second. But, I do believe their marriage is in serious trouble due to both of them, and if they don't turn the cameras off and work on it, it's doomed. I guess at this point, all of their money comes from the show, but they should have enough put aside to make it work and just do a yearly special again.

[bareyb]

Well I finally got a chance to see the show and I actually kind of like Kate. Maybe I'm weird but I think she's okay. She kind of reminds me of my wife so maybe I'm just partial to that particular brand of "the crazy" but she seems perfectly normal to me under their circumstances. Yes, they take little shots at each other, and yes she does tend to finish his sentences, but really that's just standard married stuff that's common in a lot of marriages. You learn to let it go in one ear and out the other if you're lucky. ;)

I do think it's funny when HE cuts her off and then she flips her lid. I guess it's easier to see faults in others than in yourself. :p

The show is actually pretty good and I plan to start watching it. So I guess my man card is gone for good. I think the kids are really cute and smart and very well behaved considering they outnumber the parents four to one. I'm curious to see the season opener which I believe starts tonight.

[marksman]

Well the season premiere was tonight, and Jon so wants out of his marriage it is not even funny. Seems Kate wants to keep things together to continue to maximize their revenue stream but that is about it. I would not be surprised if this was the last season of the show.

[Bryanmc]

Would be helpful if you gave some idea about what your spoiler is so people can decide to read it or not. ;)

[slydog75]

Would be helpful if you gave some idea about what your spoiler is so people can decide to read it or not. ;)

The season premiere was on last night. Pretty good chance it's about that.

[Ekims]

I just wonder if some of this isn't just a publicity stunt gone a little too far...

[flyers088]

Are we allowed to talk about the season premier or does it need a new thread to talk without spoilers?

[Jesda]

Whomever he cheated with (so say the media), I hope she's infertile and hot. Kate is pure evil.

[Nina108]

I also thought it might have been a publicity stunt, but having watched this show from the beginning I highly doubt it. They both love their kids way too much to do this to them. Even if they don't know about this now, one day they will. It is just a sad situation all the way around.

[sushikitten]

No way this is a publicity stunt. I feel bad for them - families in turmoil is never a good thing.

[NatasNJ]

How did LAST Season end and how much time spanned between the two?
Wonder if you could see the demise happening then to now.

[sushikitten]

The last season ended with them moving into a new house. Things were "normal" for them as far as I could tell. I think the cheating allegations started right after that.

[aindik]

Last season ended with a cryptic interview where Jon said, without saying, that he really doesn't want to keep doing the show but Kate does. The allegations starting to surface back then were that he was photographed out partying with younger women, and the excuse at the time was that they were fans of the show who wanted pictures with him. He said he was getting annoyed being famous - he wanted to just "be Jon," not "Jon & Kate Plus 8."

[Ment]

I know... I did say I was "ashamed to admit it". It's just kind of morbid curiosity at this point. :p

Your love of MMA balances it out ;)

[TiVo'Brien]

Jon has a creepy look to him. He looks like the guy who was on TV a few months ago who had a sex change operation (male pregnancy).

http://www.malepregnancy.com/images/usnews_cover_lg.jpg

[Bryanmc]

My wife watches this show all the time, and I've caught quite a bit of them over the years.

We both watched the premiere last night and I found it to be very, very sad. Impossible to know what's going on behind the scenes but it sure looks like Jon needs to grow up a bit and get it in gear.

[flyers088]

My wife watches this show all the time, and I've caught quite a bit of them over the years.

We both watched the premiere last night and I found it to be very, very sad. Impossible to know what's going on behind the scenes but it sure looks like Jon needs to grow up a bit and get it in gear.

I think people may forget that there are allegations out there about Kate and her bodyguard. Just because there are no photos doesn't mean it didn't happen. She is so intent on becoming a star that she does not want this to ruin her chances. Easier to blame Jon then have to take the blame yourself.

As for Jon 'growing up', he is the one at home the majority of the time while she is out being a 'star'. Taking care of 8 kids seems pretty grown up to me.

[flyers088]

Wonder how long until these 2 make an appearance on Dr. Phil to 'work things out'?

[Havana Brown]

I allway liked at the end of the show they allways leaned away from each other.

She loves to cross her arms and bitch a lot

The body language on both is pretty easy to read!



today my gf came back from a place where kate was yesterday and told me



gf? Dude, I thought you were married.

[Bryanmc]

I think people may forget that there are allegations out there about Kate and her bodyguard. Just because there are no photos doesn't mean it didn't happen. She is so intent on becoming a star that she does not want this to ruin her chances. Easier to blame Jon then have to take the blame yourself.

As for Jon 'growing up', he is the one at home the majority of the time while she is out being a 'star'. Taking care of 8 kids seems pretty grown up to me.
Did you watch the premiere? Again, we don't know what's really going on but that show sure seemed clear it was Jon's actions causing the problems. He even basically admitted that.

I think the Kate/bodyguard thing is bogus.

[Jayjoans]

I don't know from nothin' here, just what I've seen on this thread and on the news.

If I were the bodyguard I think I'd be crapping my pants right about now though, I bet he thought he was getting a nice little piece on the side and that would be the end of it. Now he's probably running scared, thinking she'll want him to be her new baby daddy x 8.

[flyers088]

Did you watch the premiere? Again, we don't know what's really going on but that show sure seemed clear it was Jon's actions causing the problems. He even basically admitted that.

I think the Kate/bodyguard thing is bogus.

Why do you believe Jon over Kate? Jon just doesn't run around acting like an A$$hat about her. I am sure Kate would silence any rumors because she wants a talk show of her own. I am sure she threatened Jon to keep him quite about her and just focus on him.

Interesting to see local news reports where former workers and patients have no sympathy for Kate because she has expressed interest for years about wanting to be famous and now she is getting exactly what she wanted. I am not sure Kate cares if it costs her Jon. Looking at next weeks previews it looks as if Kate has no interest in working on the marriage.

[andyw715]

Truman Story, its all fake.

[Bryanmc]

Why do you believe Jon over Kate?

What do you mean? I don't believe one over the other, it just appeared from the show (again, who really knows the truth) that Jon was admitting to bad decisions and he was the one deciding to pull away.

Who knows why this has happened or what drove him to it, of course it's never one sided, but I didn't get the impression that SHE'D done something to cause the rift (like cheating).

Jon said something like, "One day my kids are going to Google me and I'll have to explain myself."

[dcheesi]

What do you mean? I don't believe one over the other, it just appeared from the show (again, who really knows the truth) that Jon was admitting to bad decisions and he was the one deciding to pull away.

Who knows why this has happened or what drove him to it, of course it's never one sided, but I didn't get the impression that SHE'D done something to cause the rift (like cheating). Kate belittled and berated him regularly, right there on national television. It was obvious that he didn't enjoy it, nor was it merely humorous banter on her part; she bordered on contempt in many cases. That doesn't justify cheating, but it can certainly drive someone away. If he's trying to escape from something, I think it's that poisonous relationship dynamic more than anything.

[Bryanmc]

Kate belittled and berated him regularly, right there on national television. It was obvious that he didn't enjoy it, nor was it merely humorous banter on her part; she bordered on contempt in many cases. That doesn't justify cheating, but it can certainly drive someone away. If he's trying to escape from something, I think it's that poisonous relationship dynamic more than anything.

Sure, everyone knows about how she treated him but that seems to be a different thing than what's happened lately. Some action was taken, something happened which has caused this potential breakup.

She may have pushed him to being unhappy but that's different than someone cheating, if that actually happened.

[aindik]

Sure, everyone knows about how she treated him but that seems to be a different thing than what's happened lately. Some action was taken, something happened which has caused this potential breakup.

She may have pushed him to being unhappy but that's different than someone cheating, if that actually happened.

If we're discussing why Jon decided he wanted to leave Kate, her treatment of him is certainly a factor. What happened lately is, he decided he wanted out.

I'm sure he has people who watch the show telling him what a shrew his wife is and how he's less of a man because he lets her treat him like that.

[dcheesi]

Sure, everyone knows about how she treated him but that seems to be a different thing than what's happened lately. Some action was taken, something happened which has caused this potential breakup.

She may have pushed him to being unhappy but that's different than someone cheating, if that actually happened.I suppose; I don't watch the show regularly enough to comment on all the little twists and turns. But I could tell from just a couple of interview scenes that their basic dynamic was: 1) She criticizes/berates him, and 2) rather than defending himself, he slumps moodily in the corner and dreams of escape. I don't think it really took anything more than that to drive him into inappropriate behavior, given enough time & pressure. After all, what is a romantic "fling" if not escapism?

[flyers088]

What do you mean? I don't believe one over the other, it just appeared from the show (again, who really knows the truth) that Jon was admitting to bad decisions and he was the one deciding to pull away.

Who knows why this has happened or what drove him to it, of course it's never one sided, but I didn't get the impression that SHE'D done something to cause the rift (like cheating).

Jon said something like, "One day my kids are going to Google me and I'll have to explain myself."

Kate said something like "They are not going to take me down with that stuff" referring to the rumors about her and the bodyguard. At least Jon has owned up to 'wrong place, wrong time' in his judgment. Kate admits to nothing in order to keep her celebrity prospects up. I am sure the truth is somewhere in the middle with both of them but I am not ready to absolve Kate of all blame.

What gets me is that if all the reports from both are true that Jon/Kate did not cheat then what is the real issue here between them. Is it just that they have grown into 2 different people over their fame and have grown apart or ???

If he/she truly was cheating and this is just a marriage to keep the show going I truly feel sorry for both of them.

[whitson77]

The fact that she wanted him to sign a contract stating he would show up to the show, depicts what kind of character she has. Her past treatment of her husband shows what kind of character she has. Doing a book tour for 21 out of 29 days, shows that she puts $$$ above family. And all the other numerous things she has done to her parents, and relatives.

However, even if she is a pretty horrible person that doesn't excuse cheating. That said, greed and egos pretty much destroyed their family. But both sides of the marriage share plenty of blame.

I don't know if Kate cheated, and I don't care. They both are horrible parents in my opinion. I don't watch the show, but I've read enough to know that I don't need to watch these people. I'd rather spend my time doing something more productive than watching two complete idiots. What blows my mind, is everyone that watches the show thinks Kate is total B. Why watch a reality show about a total B treating her family like crap? That I don't get. But I am sure a lot of people threw up when the watched Legend Of the Seeker and I love that show. :)

[flyers088]

View of the show from Kate's brother.

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5042669n

[TeighVaux]

+1 to bareyb's analysis two posts above. Excellent analysis, one of the best I've read. (and I've read about 100:))

[Ruth]

I haven't seen any of the shows from the first season, I don't think, but in what I have seen, it's never seemed to me that Jon & Kate liked each other terribly much. Some couples bicker a lot but it is good-natured in tone. Or they argue but they make up and seem closer. J&K just seem like they have a lot of contempt for one another on a fundamental level that never goes away. She yells at him and belittles him; he rolls his eyes at whatever she says. I read somewhere that contempt was the best predictor of a marriage failing and I see a lot of it in their interactions.

I don't know what is really going on with them, of course, but it certainly wouldn't surprize me to hear that they've been faking it (for some combination of the kids and the cameras) for a long while now. It's a sad situation all around.

[dcheesi]

I haven't seen any of the shows from the first season, I don't think, but in what I have seen, it's never seemed to me that Jon & Kate liked each other terribly much. Some couples bicker a lot but it is good-natured in tone. Or they argue but they make up and seem closer. J&K just seem like they have a lot of contempt for one another on a fundamental level that never goes away. She yells at him and belittles him; he rolls his eyes at whatever she says. I read somewhere that contempt was the best predictor of a marriage failing and I see a lot of it in their interactions.

I don't know what is really going on with them, of course, but it certainly wouldn't surprize me to hear that they've been faking it (for some combination of the kids and the cameras) for a long while now. It's a sad situation all around.Well said. That's more or less what I've been trying to get at in my recent posts, but I wasn't able to express it that well.

[evaporated]

Yes, you may see them if you pay VERY close attention, but they never say anything about them or read them...

I think they are careful to not talk about their specific religion, but Kate does talk about praying a lot, and before her tummy tuck, she and Jon were hugging and praying on camera. Also, they sometimes wear t-shirts that look A&F-ish, but are really bible verses.

The last season ended with them moving into a new house. Things were "normal" for them as far as I could tell. I think the cheating allegations started right after that.

The one thing that I remember about the season finale was that Jon bought a shower head at Bed Bath & Beyond and didn't use a coupon, and they showed a 5-minute clip of her chewing him out because he couldn't find the receipt to take the shower head back and re-purchase it with the coupon.

Overall, she's too controlling for my laid-back nature, but I still think that they are both really great parents to their kids.

[NatasNJ]

I still think that they are both really great parents to their kids.

Yeah. Inviting the cameras and media circus into their lives really nail that point home. NOT! Those kids must deal with so much stuff at school. Exploiting your children does NOT make for good parents.

:D

[DevdogAZ]

Here's a question: What happens when these kids reach adulthood? Do they simply fade into the woodwork and become average citizens, or do they become paparazzi fodder like the Olson twins?

[aindik]

Here's a question: What happens when these kids reach adulthood? Do they simply fade into the woodwork and become average citizens, or do they become paparazzi fodder like the Olson twins?

The Olson twins aren't just paparazzi fodder. They're also billionaires. They've continued to be in show biz long after they had the option to get out.

They're on a reality show. They'll do whatever it is that most other people who are on a reality show do five or ten years after the show is over.

[DevdogAZ]

The Olson twins aren't just paparazzi fodder. They're also billionaires. They've continued to be in show biz long after they had the option to get out.

They're on a reality show. They'll do whatever it is that most other people who are on a reality show do five or ten years after the show is over.
I realize that the Olson twins aren't just trading on their Full House gig. But there's something about child stars that attracts the entertainment press when they come of age. It will be interesting to see what happens, especially if this show goes for a couple more years and the family becomes fairly wealthy and the kids' individual personalities start to emerge more.

[evaporated]

Yeah. Inviting the cameras and media circus into their lives really nail that point home. NOT! Those kids must deal with so much stuff at school. Exploiting your children does NOT make for good parents.

:D

I agree with you to an extent. But they've hit the lottery. There comes a breaking point when I would allow cameras in my home to follow my mundane life for 3 days per week if they gave me $50,000 per episode. Do you know how much it would cost to put 8 kids through college in 13 years? A FARK load.

They may be making some bad decisions with regard to their kids, but let's face it. Those kids are loved, safe, healthy, and presumably happy. I'd say to have 8 kids, that's a pretty impressive feat for 2 pretty ordinary people of originally little means.

[marksman]

View of the show from Kate's brother.

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5042669n

Interesting. I have probably seen half of the episodes in the past week or so, and I didn't pick up on her missing because I was watching episodes out of order., They seem to have very strong feelings about this, and I think they are right on the money with most of them.

I think there probably will need to be some legislation, ultimately, to protect children on reality shows, like they ended up doing with the Jackie Coogan law to protect young actors.

I suspect Jon and Kate will not be talking to her brother much at all any more, after they get wind of that, but to me it seems like they were coming from a place of real concern.

[NatasNJ]

I agree with you to an extent. But they've hit the lottery. There comes a breaking point when I would allow cameras in my home to follow my mundane life for 3 days per week if they gave me $50,000 per episode. Do you know how much it would cost to put 8 kids through college in 13 years? A FARK load.

They may be making some bad decisions with regard to their kids, but let's face it. Those kids are loved, safe, healthy, and presumably happy. I'd say to have 8 kids, that's a pretty impressive feat for 2 pretty ordinary people of originally little means.

Lets see how these kids cope in the world when they get older. Hopefully fine but my guess is this massive introduction to fame and starhood tends to end bad for most people. Or at least most have trying times.

[flyers088]

Interesting. I have probably seen half of the episodes in the past week or so, and I didn't pick up on her missing because I was watching episodes out of order., They seem to have very strong feelings about this, and I think they are right on the money with most of them.

I think there probably will need to be some legislation, ultimately, to protect children on reality shows, like they ended up doing with the Jackie Coogan law to protect young actors.

I suspect Jon and Kate will not be talking to her brother much at all any more, after they get wind of that, but to me it seems like they were coming from a place of real concern.

Depending on what you choose to believe the reason you don't see them anymore is that TLC wanted to pay them since they were on the show so much and Kate flat out refused to let them be paid. She said only her and the kids get paid for the show.

I am sure it is hard to separate who is there for the kids and who is there for the money but Jodi was always there from the beginning so it was hard to see them being there for the money. Jodi blogged about the incident in the past not sure if it has been taken down but that was the jist of what I remembered from the blog.

[DeeDee]

Do you know how much it would cost to put 8 kids through college in 13 years? A FARK load.


Something tells me they don't have to worry about how to pay for those kids to go to college. When I was in school, they loved when twins and triplets applied...those kids would get thrown money at them to attend. I guess there is some sort of positive stigma of having multiples attend a school. When the time comes, I bet schools will be falling all over themselves to get those sextuplets to attend there school.

[Ruth]

There's been a lot of talk about college costs. Are we just assuming that sending the kids to college is a priority here because that's what WE would want to do, or is that something that J&K have actually talked about? (I haven't seen all the eps so I may have missed it.) Seems like it's possible that is just not a priority in this family. Neither John nor Kate has a college degree. And every time I watch it strikes me that I don't see many books in the house or anybody reading to the kids.

[aindik]

There's been a lot of talk about college costs. Are we just assuming that sending the kids to college is a priority here because that's what WE would want to do, or is that something that J&K have actually talked about? (I haven't seen all the eps so I may have missed it.) Seems like it's possible that is just not a priority in this family. Neither John nor Kate has a college degree. And every time I watch it strikes me that I don't see many books in the house or anybody reading to the kids.

Kate was a nurse. She doesn't have a college degree?

Reading to the kids is boring TV.

[Ruth]

Kate was a nurse. She doesn't have a college degree?

Reading to the kids is boring TV.

I googled it and apparently she has some sort of nursing degree that does not require an undergraduate degree. (I was surprised as well, didn't think that was possible.) My source is weak though.

Good point on the reading as boring TV. Well, it would be if they all sat still and listened, but what are the chances of that? :D You'd think family movie night would be boring too but they made a show out of that.

You're totally right though that we have no idea what happens when the cameras aren't there. But still, we do see a lot of daily-life stuff and views of the rooms in the house and lots of bikes, toys, etc. and I just haven't seen a lot of books in the house. (I did see two of the little ones fighting over a book once, so there's at least one!) Of course, many people go to college who aren't readers, so it may not be super relevant at all.

I just think it's possible we might be projecting our priorities onto them with the college thing. It's also possible that they are just way too busy to think that far ahead!!!

[uncdrew]

Something tells me they don't have to worry about how to pay for those kids to go to college. When I was in school, they loved when twins and triplets applied...those kids would get thrown money at them to attend. I guess there is some sort of positive stigma of having multiples attend a school. When the time comes, I bet schools will be falling all over themselves to get those sextuplets to attend there school.

Really? That surprises me some.

If I ran the college I wouldn't let someone in for just that reason.

There is a DREW University, btw. I still need a sweatshirt from them.

[Alpinemaps]

I watched part of the premiere the other day, but had to delete it after about 20 minutes. I've watched the show for awhile, and now I'm just watching for the 'train wreck' aspect (I'll admit it).

What got me was were Kate said 'why are [the paparazzi] following me? Why don't they go follow that mom over there?'

Because, Kate - that mom over there isn't making a national television show. Just coming off as 'not getting it' really irritates me.

[jradford]

I watched part of the premiere the other day, but had to delete it after about 20 minutes. I've watched the show for awhile, and now I'm just watching for the 'train wreck' aspect (I'll admit it).

What got me was were Kate said 'why are [the paparazzi] following me? Why don't they go follow that mom over there?'

Because, Kate - that mom over there isn't making a national television show. Just coming off as 'not getting it' really irritates me.

I agree. It's lines like that make me gag, and it's lines like that that make me think she really isn't as angry ("look at me, I'm really really angry") as she says she is during the interviews.

[appleye1]

I googled it and apparently she has some sort of nursing degree that does not require an undergraduate degree. (I was surprised as well, didn't think that was possible.) My source is weak though.

Most likely an Licensed Praactical Nurse (LPN). Also known aa a Licesned Vocational Nurse (LVN) in some states. They only require one year of education and their scope of care and responsibility is less than that of an RN.Probably not a nursing degree, just a diploma and a nursing license. You can get an RN license through a training program just like you can a LPN or LVN license, it just takes a little longer. No bachelor's degree (BSN) needed. (In Virginia, that is. I'm not sure about other states.)

[pdhenry]

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor said that it is looking into whether the hit reality show "Jon & Kate Plus 8" is complying with child labor laws.

http://www.wgal.com/entertainment/19601967/detail.html

Not much more info than that at the link

[justapixel]

There is a thread for the premiere specifically - please confine your comments on it to that one. Thanks.

[evaporated]

Something tells me they don't have to worry about how to pay for those kids to go to college. When I was in school, they loved when twins and triplets applied...those kids would get thrown money at them to attend. I guess there is some sort of positive stigma of having multiples attend a school. When the time comes, I bet schools will be falling all over themselves to get those sextuplets to attend there school.

I think with the advances in medicine and fertility treatments, mulitples are a lot more common now than when you and I were in college, and that it's not that easy to get accepted with scholarships on a novelty basis anymore.

That being said, sextuplets is probaby still a novelty that universities may want!

[Havana Brown]

Looks like they'll be getting competition

http://growingyourbaby.com/2009/01/27/masche-sextuplets-to-star-in-raising-sextuplets/

[DeeDee]

Looks like they'll be getting competition

http://growingyourbaby.com/2009/01/27/masche-sextuplets-to-star-in-raising-sextuplets/

Can you say "divorce"? :)

[marksman]

I think with the advances in medicine and fertility treatments, mulitples are a lot more common now than when you and I were in college, and that it's not that easy to get accepted with scholarships on a novelty basis anymore.

That being said, sextuplets is probaby still a novelty that universities may want!

Just doing a little quick research.. This one site http://www3.telus.net/tyee/multiples/sextuplets.html says like 177 sets of sextuplets in the world.

Since 1989 there has been an average of 1.125 sets born each year. I guess that means like 10 or 11 sets have been born.

What is weird on that list is there are supposedly 6 sets of sextuplets in the US born in 2004, which is 5 other sets along with the Gosselins. What was going on in 2003-2004 to make so many sextuplets that year. :)

It does mean though that those other 5 sets, I guess if surviving, would be competing with them for college attention at the same time.

[Ruth]

This conversation has taken a weird turn. Are you guys all assuming they will be going to school as a unit? What if they don't want to attend college as the "Gosselin sextuplets"? Seems like it would be nice for them if they could each separately choose what school they wanted to attend based on, I don't know, their individual preferences and interests. Instead of having to do everything together to preserve their novelty value even once they are grown.

[WhiskeyTango]

I don't understand why people say they are 'whoreing out their kids'. They're doing what they think is best to support their family. The average cost of raising a child until they are 17 is between $125,000 and $250,000. That's a total of between $1,000,000 and $3,000,000 for this family. Those numbers are based on raising 2 children, with 8 I'm sure it is much much higher. I'm guessing that with both of the parents working, they were making less than $80,000/year. That would not even be enough to cover the cost of the kids in a year.

The kids don't do any work. They seem to have a hard enough time doing the intros "on this episode of jon and kate plus 8". Getting small children who aren't actors to do many takes of something seems impossible to me. The separation story may be fabricated from TLC, just like with what has happened to American Chopper since they left Discovery. Coincidentally there is a cross-over episode this week on AC.

[tiassa]

I googled it and apparently she has some sort of nursing degree that does not require an undergraduate degree. (I was surprised as well, didn't think that was possible.) My source is weak though.

It isn't uncommon my SIL has an RN that she got without a BS. She got it through a program connected to one of the local teaching hospitals. I'm pretty sure it took less that 4 years, but was "all nursing all the time", none of that pesky Liberal Arts stuff

[flyers088]

The kids don't do any work. They seem to have a hard enough time doing the intros "on this episode of jon and kate plus 8". Getting small children who aren't actors to do many takes of something seems impossible to me. The separation story may be fabricated from TLC, just like with what has happened to American Chopper since they left Discovery. Coincidentally there is a cross-over episode this week on AC.

I don't get it, are they building 8 bikes for the kids? Because if you are to believe J&K the only reason they are doing the show is FOR THE KIDS! So if Jr and Sr and making bikes for the kids then I am fine with the cross promotion but if J&K are getting more free handouts then this is a disgrace. Don't they have enough already? It was kinda cute to see them getting things when it first started, but now it is ridiculous with the amount of money they have to be getting handouts.

Why can't I get away from the train wreck?!?!

[wendiness1]

Anybody remember the Loud family?

[bareyb]

I don't get it, are they building 8 bikes for the kids? Because if you are to believe J&K the only reason they are doing the show is FOR THE KIDS! So if Jr and Sr and making bikes for the kids then I am fine with the cross promotion but if J&K are getting more free handouts then this is a disgrace. Don't they have enough already? It was kinda cute to see them getting things when it first started, but now it is ridiculous with the amount of money they have to be getting handouts.

Why can't I get away from the train wreck?!?!

From what I can tell the bike is for Jon. Not sure how they are going to tie all that together though. All I remember is Jon asking Senior if he could switch places and come work in the shop and they could go live with Kate and the kids. Senior said "No Thanks!". :D

I think it'll be fun. I doubt it's a "handout" in the conventional sense. I think TLC is probably picking up the tab for both shows and I'm guessing Jon will never actually ride it beyond the first day. It'll likely end up in the OCC showroom with a lot of the other customs. ;)

[flyers088]

From what I can tell the bike is for Jon. Not sure how they are going to tie all that together though. All I remember is Jon asking Senior if he could switch places and come work in the shop and they could go live with Kate and the kids. Senior said "No Thanks!". :D

I think it'll be fun. I doubt it's a "handout" in the conventional sense. I think TLC is probably picking up the tab for both shows and I'm guessing Jon will never actually ride it beyond the first day. It'll likely end up in the OCC showroom with a lot of the other customs. ;)

So how does this benefit the kids?

[bareyb]

So how does this benefit the kids?

I'm sure from TLC's point of view it helps "their ratings" and brings in another demographic who may stick with the show. You know... the demographic that likes to see "family squabbles" on TV. American Chopper practically invented it. :rolleyes: ;)

[flyers088]

Jon and Kate or I'm a Celebrity... tonight. So many choices!:rolleyes:

[Havana Brown]

Jon and Kate or I'm a Celebrity... tonight. So many choices!:rolleyes:

So what won out? :D

[NatasNJ]

So what won out? :D

After 15 minutes of either of these shows, probably a bullet to the head!

[DevdogAZ]

Since 1989 there has been an average of 1.125 sets born each year. I guess that means like 10 or 11 sets have been born.

Someone needs to work on their math skillz.

[bengalfreak]

I don't understand why people say they are 'whoreing out their kids'. They're doing what they think is best to support their family. The average cost of raising a child until they are 17 is between $125,000 and $250,000. That's a total of between $1,000,000 and $3,000,000 for this family. Those numbers are based on raising 2 children, with 8 I'm sure it is much much higher. I'm guessing that with both of the parents working, they were making less than $80,000/year. That would not even be enough to cover the cost of the kids in a year.


You can raise children a helluva lot cheaper than that. I have a co-worker that has nine kids. He is the only one that works. He pulls in about $60,000 / year and they do just fine. They don't eat out alot. And they don't have cable Tv and Netflix and DSL and all of the other LUXURIES that we have come to regard as necessities. But they are pretty happy.

[Alfer]

Watched Jon get his new chopper on the 1-1/2 hour American Chopper last night and you could sense the anger between Jon and Kate even on a show that's not their own.

They both tossed several verbal pot shots at each other during the show...sad to see.

[bareyb]

Watched Jon get his new chopper on the 1-1/2 hour American Chopper last night and you could sense the anger between Jon and Kate even on a show that's not their own.

They both tossed several verbal pot shots at each other during the show...sad to see.

Really? I didn't see it that way at all. They seemed just "normal" to me. You know, normal for them. I was actually encouraged by it. There seems to be a LOT less anger about it and Jon was even able to to joke about their situation a little bit. He said "it's nice to be around a bunch of guys for a change. Most of my friends are women. But I guess everybody already knows that already". I thought that was pretty funny and didn't indicate that things were TOO bad at home with Kate. I think those two are going to be just fine. :D

[flyers088]

Really? I didn't see it that way at all. They seemed just "normal" to me. You know, normal for them. I was actually encouraged by it. There seems to be a LOT less anger about it and Jon was even able to to joke about their situation a little bit. He said "it's nice to be around a bunch of guys for a change. Most of my friends are women. But I guess everybody already knows that already". I thought that was pretty funny and didn't indicate that things were TOO bad at home with Kate. I think those two are going to be just fine. :D

Does anybody know when the show was shot? They seem to be showing things out of order.

[bareyb]

Does anybody know when the show was shot? They seem to be showing things out of order.

Since Jon made a reference to the "scandal" I assume this episode took place AFTER the tabloid stories came out.

[flyers088]

Since Jon made a reference to the "scandal" I assume this episode took place AFTER the tabloid stories came out.

Yes but there seems to be a real difference between Kate's B-day and trip with Cara episodes (March/April) and the little ones B day party (May). Also they did not seem very civil in the 100th episode.

[TeighVaux]

Yes but there seems to be a real difference between Kate's B-day and trip with Cara episodes (March/April) and the little ones B day party (May). Also they did not seem very civil in the 100th episode.

She went to San Diego with Cara? Darn, I thought it was Maddy but I have said before I can't tell the kids apart except for Aaden.

In last week's episode (the one with Emeril), am I mistaken or are the sextuplets still (at age 5) eating at the table in high chairs with bibs and sippy cups? I am not a parent but isn't 5 too old for high chairs (they were high chairs not booster seats), bibs and sippy cups? Aren't kids in regular chairs and using regular cups and no bibs by age 5? Are the sextuplets still catching up at their age?

Or was I watching a rerun, seemed like the new season though.

[flyers088]

She went to San Diego with Cara? Darn, I thought it was Maddy but I have said before I can't tell the kids apart except for Aaden.

In last week's episode (the one with Emeril), am I mistaken or are the sextuplets still (at age 5) eating at the table in high chairs with bibs and sippy cups? I am not a parent but isn't 5 too old for high chairs (they were high chairs not booster seats), bibs and sippy cups? Aren't kids in regular chairs and using regular cups and no bibs by age 5? Are the sextuplets still catching up at their age?

Or was I watching a rerun, seemed like the new season though.

No I can't tell them apart. It was Mady.

I never noticed the high chair, but I did notice the bibs and sippy cups.

[DevdogAZ]

She went to San Diego with Cara? Darn, I thought it was Maddy but I have said before I can't tell the kids apart except for Aaden.

In last week's episode (the one with Emeril), am I mistaken or are the sextuplets still (at age 5) eating at the table in high chairs with bibs and sippy cups? I am not a parent but isn't 5 too old for high chairs (they were high chairs not booster seats), bibs and sippy cups? Aren't kids in regular chairs and using regular cups and no bibs by age 5? Are the sextuplets still catching up at their age?

Or was I watching a rerun, seemed like the new season though.
Our six year old hasn't used a high chair or bib for several years (probably since she was 3). But we do still use sippy cups on occasion. They're just much less messy.

As for the bibs and high chair, I'm sure it's more for Kate's sanity than anything. Kids are messy and have a very short attention span. With one, it's fairly easy to stay on top of them and keep them in their seat, leaning over their plate, etc. With six, you'd have to plan on at least one major spill at every meal, you'd have to expect that at any given time, a kid would be getting out of his/her chair (causing the others to get out as well). So having spill-proof cups, bibs to protect their clothes, and high-chairs to strap the kids in is probably the only way to have an effective meal.

[flyers088]

Kate denies Mady water, but gets a bottle for herself. What a great mom!

http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2009/06/jon-kate-plus-eight-happy-anniversary-you-fools.html

[DevdogAZ]

Apparently Jon & Kate are making some big announcement on the show this coming Monday:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090619/ap_en_tv/us_tv_jon___kate_announcement_6

TLC: Jon & Kate announcing a major decision Monday

By FRAZIER MOORE, AP Television Writer Frazier Moore, Ap Television Writer – Fri Jun 19, 7:07 am ET

NEW YORK – The TLC network says its biggest stars, Jon and Kate Gosselin, will announce a major decision on their reality show, "Jon & Kate Plus 8."

TLC isn't commenting on what the news will be from these parents of 8-year-old twins and 5-year-old sextuplets. But viewers who have witnessed the Gosselins' marriage coming unraveled are clearly welcome to draw their own conclusions leading up to Monday's episode. And to show up in droves to see it. The show is scheduled to air at 9 p.m. EDT.

In a promotional video posted by TLC hyping the special one-hour edition, Kate Gosselin says, "Recently, we've made some life-changing decisions ... ones that we hope will bring each of us some peace."
Hmmm, I wonder what it could be.

[Alfer]

I say if they're smart they'll say the show is over effective immediately.

[bobquin]

I say if they're smart they'll say the show is over effective immediately.

Not likely, as I've read that they've already committed to another 40 episodes next season.

[MikeMar]

Wasn't it announced or something that they just filed for divorce?

[cherry ghost]

Kate's pregnant

[bareyb]

Wasn't it announced or something that they...

I don't know if that's true, but you may want to put it in spoiler tags. ;)

[gchance]

Kate's pregnant

That wouldn't be a "major decision". Now, the decision could be related to her being pregnant, hehe.

Greg

[mrdazzo7]

I say if they're smart they'll say the show is over effective immediately.

This is what I'm hoping. I really don't care about these people but there is something just inherently awkward in the way that this real couple with real (albeit "hyper-real") problems is dissinegrating in front of their children and in front of the camera. I've seen a lot of families struggle with marital problems and it's very devastating and very personal. Hopefully they announce the early cancellation of their show and start moving on.

I don't see how it can go on either way. Would the show really continue if they decide to divorce? Awkwaaaaard.

[marksman]

Yeah if they were really trying to do what was in the best interest of their children they would call this off now.

The problem is they are stuck now. I don't get the impression they have a lot of money saved, so how would they continue to make money.

It could be that, but I think that is one of the less likely options.

It could be that Jon and Kate are getting a divorce, but something tells me that won't happen either... because that makes everything weird and would pretty much be the end of the show anyways.

I think it will be something like they have recommitted to each other and their marriage and taking care of their family. yawn yawn yawn.

It could happen, but I would be shocked if Kate actually agreed to end the show.

Most likely is that Kate is going to announce she is going to get a normal adult haircut.

[jones07]

This Jon and Kate + Eight remind me so much of the Loud family.

The split up of a family on TV, I never missed that train rack either.

Voted the 100 Best TV Shows of All-TIME.......will Jon and Kate + Eight be the same?

http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1651341_1659188_1652049,00.html

[justapixel]

That comment about the decision that will give them some peace is weird. It could mean canceling the show, and it could mean divorce.

If they can't cancel out of their contract, then that goes both ways, the production company can't cancel on them. Like I said in another thread, then we'll have Jon + 4 and Kate + 4. We get to watch them do the weekly visitation and snipe at who pays what? Show will die all on its own.

I thought they recommitted in the Hawaii show - hopefully we won't have to go through another wedding vow renewal.

[dthmj]

I'm hoping they decide on some counseling - if ever a couple needed it, it's them. And I would hope any couple considering divorce would seek counseling first.

[WhiskeyTango]

Does J & K + 8 have the same writers as American Chopper? Last season ended fine with both families. The new season starts with the family suddenly in turmoil with members splitting. Then they have a cross over episode. Something just seems off to me.

[justapixel]

Consensus seems to be that they are announcing a divorce tonight.

Kate loves doing the show, and Jon hates it.

We'll see.

I have to say I'm interested in this couple - I've never cared one whit about any celebrity marriage or divorce or anything before - this one sucked me in. Maybe it's because I watched the show for so long....

It seems so easy to fix their problems - turn the cameras off and get back to where they were. People WILL lose interest eventually. But, if it's true that Kate is unwilling to do that, then she is the b*tch others say she is. Becaue, that family and marriage should be more important that fame.

But, none of us can know until we are put into that position - hoow seductive it must be.

[marksman]

I'm hoping they decide on some counseling - if ever a couple needed it, it's them. And I would hope any couple considering divorce would seek counseling first.

Ah so the announcement is a spin-off?

Jon and Kate + TheRapist?

[tivoboyjr]

Consensus seems to be that they are announcing a divorce tonight.

Kate loves doing the show, and Jon hates it.

We'll see.

I have to say I'm interested in this couple - I've never cared one whit about any celebrity marriage or divorce or anything before - this one sucked me in. Maybe it's because I watched the show for so long....

It seems so easy to fix their problems - turn the cameras off and get back to where they were. People WILL lose interest eventually. But, if it's true that Kate is unwilling to do that, then she is the b*tch others say she is. Becaue, that family and marriage should be more important that fame.

But, none of us can know until we are put into that position - hoow seductive it must be.

I say they'll announce a separation tonight. They can milk that longer for their show than a divorce. They'll save the divorce for a "big announcement" later on.

Yeah, the common sense thing is to stop doing the show and get some marriage counseling. But with these two, that ain't happening.

Maybe Jon will get a spin-off show to follow his escapades in New York.

[marksman]

But, none of us can know until we are put into that position - hoow seductive it must be.

Yeah but we can know to what extremes we might go to protect a marriage and one's children.

They always struck me as an odd couple anywheres. I am sure they loved each other i guess, but they are one of those couples that just seem ill-fitted and it is hard to say that they really love each other.

[DeeDee]

Maybe Jon will get a spin-off show to follow his escapades in New York.

Don't count on it...he doesn't like being in the limelight at all. I don't think he would want his newly single life broadcasted for us to see.

[bareyb]

But, none of us can know until we are put into that position - hoow seductive it must be.

I agree. It really seems as if "Fame" can be so destructive and yet it is so sought after by so many. I think it's one of those things that people wish they had and then when they finally get what they want they realize it's only making them miserable. In many cases it seems to ruin their lives.

They don't call it "the reality show curse" for nothing. Bad things seem to happen to couples/families/people who go on these shows. They make lots of money, but their personal lives get ruined. It's like signing a deal with the devil. I hope Jon and Kate aren't getting divorced. It just seems so wrong with all those kids involved, but I tend to think that's where it's going... Jon seems like he's just "done" with it all. I still have hope, but I think you guys are right... Very sad. I care about them for some reason too. :(

[tivoboyjr]

Don't count on it...he doesn't like being in the limelight at all. I don't think he would want his newly single life broadcasted for us to see.

But he's got to pay to support his eight kids, (ex) wife, girlfriend(s) and maintain a certain lifestyle (wasn't he reported to be looking for a place to live in a Trump property in NYC?). That takes money. If someone offers him a show, I'll bet you he takes it. If he really is opposed to being in the limelight, he wouldn't have done the Jon & Kate show.

[Wilhite]

people.com says that divorce papers were filed today.

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20286254,00.html?cnn=yes

[DevdogAZ]

But, if it's true that Kate is unwilling to do that, then she is the b*tch others say she is. Becaue, that family and marriage should be more important that fame.

But, none of us can know until we are put into that position - hoow seductive it must be.
I don't think it's about the fame. I think it's about the lifestyle they've become accustomed to due to the money they're making from the show. I'll bet she'd be happy to forego the fame, but she's not willing to go back to struggling financially when TLC is willing to pay them well over $1 million a year to keep doing the show.

[bareyb]

I don't think it's about the fame. I think it's about the lifestyle they've become accustomed to due to the money they're making from the show. I'll bet she'd be happy to forego the fame, but she's not willing to go back to struggling financially when TLC is willing to pay them well over $1 million a year to keep doing the show.

If that were true than higher income couples would have a higher divorce rate than lower income couples. That's not the case. It's the opposite. Multiple birth couples DO have a higher divorce rate though. That's true. Getting married too young also contributes to divorce and that's true here too. At least for Jon. Being famous puts an incredible strain on relationships. Especially when your relationship is the thing that is famous. That almost never ends well...

[aindik]

If that were true than higher income couples would have a higher divorce rate than lower income couples. That's not the case. It's the opposite. Multiple birth couples DO have a higher divorce rate though. That's true. Getting married too young also contributes to divorce and that's true here too. At least for Jon. Being famous puts an incredible strain on relationships. Especially when your relationship is the thing that is famous. That almost never ends well...

The question wasn't why they are they getting divorced. It was why they won't quit the show.

Some people have said "for the fame." DevdogAZ says it's not the fame, so much as the money. I agree with him. They don't want to be famous. They just want to be rich.

[TeighVaux]

The show comes on at 8 here. Will this be one of those shows like American Idol or Dancing with the Stars where the west coast viewers can read the result on line even before it airs?

[jsmeeker]

The show comes on at 8 here. Will this be one of those shows like American Idol or Dancing with the Stars where the west coast viewers can read the result on line even before it airs?

we can vote on this??

[IJustLikeTivo]

people.com says that divorce papers were filed today.

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20286254,00.html?cnn=yes

No doubt the grounds were that kate is an insufferable bitch and Jon is a wimp.

[bareyb]

The question wasn't why they are they getting divorced. It was why they won't quit the show.

Some people have said "for the fame." DevdogAZ says it's not the fame, so much as the money. I agree with him. They don't want to be famous. They just want to be rich.

Ah. Okay. Under that scenario, I agree. ;)

[bareyb]

The show comes on at 8 here. Will this be one of those shows like American Idol or Dancing with the Stars where the west coast viewers can read the result on line even before it airs?

That's odd. It comes on at 6:00 p.m. here which is not that far from you...

[bareyb]

Yep. It's on right now... They haven't said anything definitive yet. If they do I'll post it in spoiler tags. ;)

[jlb]

Yes. Since I don't get the channel. But in case others don't, spoilerize.

[bareyb]

Yes. Since I don't get the channel. But in case others don't, spoilerize.

Well I just found out we are going out to dinner so I guess I'll have to wait until I get back to find out what happens... Fingers crossed, but I'm not optimistic...

[flyers088]

When did Kate get a 'boob' job?

[justapixel]

Kate wants fame. They both want to be rich.

Even if Jon only appears from time to time, I'm sure he's going to get a chunk of the money - enough to live a nice lifestyle. After all, its his family in the show. They'll make 4 million dollars this year on the show - even if Jon only takes a million he'll do just fine, considering they'll have to share the proceeds of the previous seasons.

Maybe I'm fascinated because to me it seems simple. They already have big bucks. Turn the cameras off,cancel the show, put your family life back together. They didn't start out wanting or thinking they'd be famouss or get this kind of money. They should be able to get back to their original values. But, they can't, and it's the classic story of fame corrupting people. Normally we don't get to see that - that's why, I think for me, this show is so interesting.

If you saw it from the beginning, as I did, you could see how and why they started out and the values they had and they help they needed. You could see that they were a loving couple - yes, Kate was the dominate one even then but Jon is a weak man and will always be attracted to dominate women. But, they were loving.

And now, they've come to this. Affairs, treating your partner like crap and all for fame.

So sad.

[jones07]

When did Kate get a 'boob' job?

They're real and they're spectacular! :)

[mrdazzo7]

I think people are too quick to judge them for doing the show to start with... They had 8 babies and someone came knocking with an idea to do a family - oriented show. Why not? Everyone faults them for that but you know what, when someone presents a way to PROVIDE FOR YOUR FAMILY like that, you take it.

HOWEVER, I think they should stop now. I don't watch the show but read about them enough, and I think it's gonna be extremely tacky to continue the show with the parents divorcing. Maybe the kids having cameras around for that won't be abnormal since they've always been around, I don't know... But it just seems wrong to continue at this point. maybe they don't have enough money bankrolled to quit and still be able to provide for them, or maybe they're just THAT ridiculous.

Do you think that NOT continuing the show would actually be more of a "disruption" to the kids? They cameras have been in their house since they were born I think to quit that the same day daddy moves out might do more harm then good, lol. I still think they should have canceled the show and removed themselves from the limelight. That said, they seemed to indicated that this has been coming for years so maybe they've always liked each other but knew privately that it wasn't gonna work.

[wooh]

I'm less disturbed by the divorce announcement than by the fact that they were parked in a handicap spot at the restaurant for mother's day. How on earth did they get a handicap tag?

[ncsercs]

He left her for Octomom - better working conditions.....

[bareyb]

So that's that I guess. Bummer. :(
I'll probably continue to watch in hopes they can put it back together. I think Jon needs to grow up and "get over it". If he doesn't want to be Mr. Mom they can certainly afford to hire a Nanny. Maybe once he's out of the house he'll realize what he's done. I hope so.

Maybe I'm an incurable optimist but I think there's still hope. Unless Jon gets a "girlfriend" for real. Then all bets are off. Did they ever find out for sure if either of them has actually cheated on the other? I have been assuming that was all tabloid fiction... If they really have, then I'm a whole lot less optimistic. :o

[Jesda]

Dominance is not the same as abuse and disrespect. Kate can suck it.

[Neenahboy]

Man, visitation's gonna be a bitch.

[sushikitten]

I'm less disturbed by the divorce announcement than by the fact that they were parked in a handicap spot at the restaurant for mother's day. How on earth did they get a handicap tag?I was hoping they just parked there to unload/reload because it was raining.

[Alfer]

I was hoping they just parked there to unload/reload because it was raining.

Still not a good reason...

[aindik]

Man, visitation's gonna be a bitch.

The way they worked it was, the house "belongs" to the kids. Whoever has the kids on a given day lives in the house that day, and the other one lives elsewhere.

[DeeDee]

But he's got to pay to support his eight kids, (ex) wife, girlfriend(s) and maintain a certain lifestyle (wasn't he reported to be looking for a place to live in a Trump property in NYC?). That takes money. If someone offers him a show, I'll bet you he takes it. If he really is opposed to being in the limelight, he wouldn't have done the Jon & Kate show.

Yes, but he said that doing the show was what Kate wanted and that he just went along for the ride. He didn't have enough of a backbone to stand up to her.

[JFriday]

Two incredibly selfish people. Especially Jon.

[jlb]

They're real and they're spectacular! :)

What is Kate's middle name......Doris?......Mulva? :D

[NJChris]

Two incredibly selfish people. Especially Jon. I do think Jon is very selfish. Listening to him so far it's all about him and how he needs this.. or he needs that. The motorcycle episode made me want to punch him in the face 4 or 5 times.

Kate was always Kate.. he knew that from before the show.

[cheesesteak]

Maybe she'll start dating Flava Flav.

[DevdogAZ]

The way they worked it was, the house "belongs" to the kids. Whoever has the kids on a given day lives in the house that day, and the other one lives elsewhere.
Wow, I guess with that many kids, that's probably the only way it would really work, but that basically means that both Jon and Kate have to get their own place where they can go when they aren't with the kids. That means three separate residences rather than just two, although two small ones might be less trouble than one larger one that would have to be big enough to house all the kids when they visit.

[IJustLikeTivo]

Wow, I guess with that many kids, that's probably the only way it would really work, but that basically means that both Jon and Kate have to get their own place where they can go when they aren't with the kids. That means three separate residences rather than just two, although two small ones might be less trouble than one larger one that would have to be big enough to house all the kids when they visit.

Sensibly, they should have a single extra residence for whomever was not with the kids. But what does common sense have to do with either of these self centered whack jobs?

[Jesda]

http://imgur.com/juUNN.jpg

[bobquin]

But what does common sense have to do with either of these self centered whack jobs?

I'm just curious....how does the decision to NOT uproot the kids and take them out of their new home qualify as "self-centered?"

:confused:

[DevdogAZ]

Last night on Conan O'Brien, he did a joke about what their big announcement was going to be, and it was in the form of a fake commercial for the show. It was called "Jon & Kate + 5" and showed a minivan driving away while three kids sat on the curb, having been abandoned.

[IJustLikeTivo]

I'm just curious....how does the decision to NOT uproot the kids and take them out of their new home qualify as "self-centered?"

:confused:

I wasn't referring to this specific event, just the whole thing. Every thing I see about them discusses just how it impacts the adults and very little about the kids. In this case, I tend to agree that this is the right thing for the kids.

[zordude]

Sensibly, they should have a single extra residence for whomever was not with the kids. But what does common sense have to do with either of these self centered whack jobs?

I wouldn't want to share a residence with my ex-wife.

Z

[justapixel]

After watching the show last night, it's clear to me that the divorce is Jon's idea. He was the one saying he was "excited" to be starting a new life, hoping for job offers, saying he's only He's only 32 after all, and saddled with too much responsibility....

What a jerk.

She was the one using survivor language - we'll get through this and come out the other side, she'd hold it together and put up with Jon (and supposedly girlfriends) for the kids on holidays; she's the one devastated at the thought of having to leave the kids during Jon's turn, and that she didn't want to be alone. She said she wasn't sure that Jon fully understood the consequences his decision would have on the kids.

And, she's right, he doesn't.

I can just see him living the life - snowboarding, buying fast cars, having a series of 23 year old girlfriends and leaving those kids behind. I hope I'm wrong.

So sad for the kids.

[justapixel]

I was hoping they just parked there to unload/reload because it was raining.


The restaurant was closed - they were the only ones there. Maybe they were told to park there.

[JFriday]

After watching the show last night, it's clear to me that the divorce is Jon's idea. He was the one saying he was "excited" to be starting a new life, hoping for job offers, saying he's only He's only 32 after all, and saddled with too much responsibility....

What a jerk.

She was the one using survivor language - we'll get through this and come out the other side, she'd hold it together and put up with Jon (and supposedly girlfriends) for the kids on holidays; she's the one devastated at the thought of having to leave the kids during Jon's turn, and that she didn't want to be alone. She said she wasn't sure that Jon fully understood the consequences his decision would have on the kids.

And, she's right, he doesn't.

I can just see him living the life - snowboarding, buying fast cars, having a series of 23 year old girlfriends and leaving those kids behind. I hope I'm wrong.

So sad for the kids.

And she mourned the end of the marraige for a whole 4 hours. Wow what a trooper. :p

[justapixel]

Yes, but he said that doing the show was what Kate wanted and that he just went along for the ride. He didn't have enough of a backbone to stand up to her.


He said he was too passive and let Kate make all the decisions, and that this (presumably meaning the divorce) was his decision and he was proud of himself.

He wasn't only talking about his passivity in doing the show - he was talking about the whole of the marriage - including the fact that he didn't want more children after the twins but went ahead with IVF anyway.

[rjay717]

John: "At this point I have to do what's best for me.......................................................... and the kids." That was very telling.

[justapixel]

And she mourned the end of the marraige for a whole 4 hours. Wow what a trooper. :p

She said she lost it and screamed and cried for four hours. She's pretty clearly still mourning.

What is the acceptable length to cry and lie in bed to show you are mourning, anyway?

I'm sure if it was Jon the wimp it'd be a month. :p

[JFriday]

I just thought it was funny that she said she woke up and she was fine.

I felt sorry for Jon until last night. Everything he said could have ended with "and new P*$$*".

[aindik]

He wasn't only talking about his passivity in doing the show - he was talking about the whole of the marriage - including the fact that he didn't want more children after the twins but went ahead with IVF anyway.

They didn't do IVF.

[justapixel]

They didn't do IVF.

Okay, whatever it's called when they use fertility drugs and a turkey baster. I'm not up on my trying to get pregnant terminology. :D

[Ruth]

Throughout the show I have taken a rather strong dislike to Kate (at least with respect to the marriage). I think she treats Jon horribly, constantly putting him down and rolling her eyes at him and treating him like a child. I don't like the disrespect she displays.

But last night she definitely came across as the more sympathetic of the two, by far.

But honestly I can't tell if that's reality or not. Maybe she's just savvy/manipulative enough to say the "right" things to the camera and make it sound like she's the wronged party, whereas Jon doesn't have those skills. Or maybe Jon simply was more honest/forthcoming about his mixed feelings and it came across as selfish. After all, my guess is that there probably is some part of Kate that is relieved to be out of the marriage since it had gotten so unpleasant, and to make her own path without Jon. Just because we didn't hear her articulate that on camera doesn't mean she doesn't feel that way too.

Or maybe the producers gave her a sympathy edit so that we saw her saying the "right" things -- it certainly wouldn't surprize me if she will be the main adult appearing on the show and Jon's days with the kids simply won't get much airtime, and if so I'm sure TLC wants to present her in as sympathetic a way as possible.

Or maybe she just really is more sympathetic in this situation.

This being a TV show, of course we'll never know.

[justapixel]

I felt sorry for Jon until last night. Everything he said could have ended with "and new P*$$*".

I'm getting old, it took me a sec to figure that out. :D But, yeah, that's exactly right.

[aindik]

Okay, whatever it's called when they use fertility drugs and a turkey baster. I'm not up on my trying to get pregnant terminology. :D

Lucky for you, you didn't have a need to familiarize yourself with that terminology during your life.