Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and their 19 kids may have already accepted the fact that their reality TV days are over following the decision of the TLC network on July 16 to cancel their show “19 Kids and Counting” after seven seasons on the airwaves.
While the couple is saying that they were disappointed for the cancellation of the show because they lost the perfect platform to spread the word of God and propagate their faith to Americans, the truth of the matter is that they have lost millions as result of the cancellation of “19 Kids and Counting.”
As a reality show that focuses on the life of the Duggar family and touches on the values of purity, modesty, and faith in God, the controversy on Josh Duggar was too damning for the show that it actually cost TLC and the Duggars loss of advertisement, speaking engagements and book deals, estimated to be worth $25 million a year and counting.
OK! Magazine reports that the Duggars also lost their $45,000-per-episode paychecks in the process and are reportedly pleading for money from fans because the show’s cancellation has struck a devastating blow on the family income.
Asking fans for financial support
There were even reports that Jim Bob and Michelle have taken to their fans for financial support, although the information has yet to be confirmed.
In the seven years that they were on TV, it is most likely that Jim Bob and Michelle and their growing family may have made a substantial amount of money. And if their family is indeed true to what they show on “19 Kids and Counting” living their modest lives, it is unlikely that they will be spending so much money to sustain their daily needs.
However, it could be that the family is a spendthrift outside of the show as recently seen in one of the videos on their official website posted two months before their show was cancelled. The video actually showed Jim Bob giving Michelle a custom-made ring for their wedding anniversary filled with gemstones representing all their 19 children.
On the official YouTube page of the family, named Duggar Studios, the family is reportedly asking viewers to donate money so that they can create and upload fresh quality content. The site also said that every contribution, big or small, will go a long way for a worthy cause.
Saving grace
Meanwhile, if there is any form of saving grace for the Duggar family and the cancellation of “19 Kids and Counting,” it is no other than the emerging popularity of Jessa and Jill Duggar.
Both daughters are already married and Jessa is now pregnant. There were reports even before the cancellation of “19 Kids and Counting” that there might be a spin-off series to feature Jessa and Jill and feature their now married lives.
Jill Duggar is now married to Derick Dillard while Jessa Duggar is already hitched to Ben Seewald. The two Duggar girls became a popular duo on the show.
But the Jim Bob is not thrilled with the spin-off idea because it would only shift the focus of the show.
However, the Duggars will make an appearance on TLC shortly. They will be part of a one-hour documentary focusing on child abuse. The documentary will air commercial-free sometime in August.
Meanwhile, Jessa Seewald will be making stops in several US cities as a special guest at Southern Women’s Shows events in the coming months. Her husband, Ben Seewald, will reportedly accompany her to each show, details the International Business Times.
Jessa and Ben will be making stops in four cities in the South Coast this coming fall with their first appearance happening in Charlotte, North Carolina at the Charlotte Convention Center on August 29. It has been reported that the couple’s final appearance will be in Jacksonville, Florida at the Prime Osborn Convention Center on October 17.
The couple will be answering fan questions during their appearances and they wall also provide time to sign autographs and have photo opportunities with fans.
Meanwhile, Jim Bob and Michelle issued a statement on Facebook how they felt about their TV show’s untimely demise.