By Lori Acken
Looks like Papa Gosselin is about to get his much-vocalized wish for more time [to party it up] away from the watchful eyes and lenses of TLC film crews … but possibly with much less cash in the bargain.
TLC announced today that — no doubt in light of the show’s plunging ratings and Jon’s escalating affection for the lifestyle of an indulged frat boy — it will relaunch Jon & Kate Plus 8 in November minus its prodigal patriarch.
According to the network, the newly named Kate Plus 8 will “adapt to the changing Gosselin family” and “continue to capture the incredible lives of the eight Gosselin children and their family, but will now include a deeper focus on Kate’s role in the family and her journey as a single mother building the next chapter in her life.”
Hence, where the series once earned enormous ratings and a vast, adoring audience by focusing on the adventures of the eight smallest Gosselins, their “Plus Eight” status in both shows’ titles may prove prescient after all.
“Given the recent changes in the family dynamics, it only makes sense for us to refresh and recalibrate the program to keep pace with the family,” stated Eileen O’Neill, President and GM, TLC. “The family has evolved and we are attempting to evolve with it; we feel that Kate’s journey really resonates with our viewers. Additionally, the network is in development on a Kate project for 2010.”
A “Kate project,” which is likely that much-discussed talk show with a far more palatable partner — lovable Food Network veteran Paula Deen.
While Jon, too, has hinted at upcoming projects of his own — including a reality show costarring his fellow fallen father, dad o’ Lindsay, Michael Lohan — he may have a contract that says otherwise. TLC’s statement says that the network will continue its exclusive relationship with Gosselin and that he will appear on Kate Plus 8, but on “a less regular basis.”
So what say you? Will you find Kate and the Eight more watchable minus Jon, or has the time come for TLC to be minus Gosselins altogether? Tell us in the comments section below.
Photo credit: © Karen Alquist/TLC
I will absolutely definitely NOT watch anything to do with this travesty!!!! I enjoyed the family show, except for Kate’s bitchy attitude toward Jon. Now you condone the break up of a marriage and even pick sides??? How much more of her whining do you expect the public to take? Starting out with this pre-show advertising that the kids are becoming a handful. Oh gee – I DON’T feel sorry for Kate in the least!!
I will support Kate plus 8 and watch every show. She has class and should celebrate her life without Jon.
Kate is unlikeable and the show will fail. She will play the victim role and the kids will act bratty. Her personality is see through and controlling. It is a shame a family had to be publicly broken apart. Jon should do his best to get a court order to protect his kids from the same limelight that stole his wife.
I find this entire situation sad and disappointing. It may kill the show because I’m less inclined to watch. Instead of it being funny and cute, it’s going to be a sad and difficult life for Kate.