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.
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