Why Have Viewers Stopped Watching Jon & Kate Plus 8?

Maggie Blake
Although the family reality series Jon & Kate Plus 8, which airs on TLC, has been a hugely popular program for much of the time it has been on, many viewers are now saying that they will not watch it anymore. Judging from comments left by readers on several Jon & Kate Plus 8 web articles, there are a lot of people out in TV land who no longer have any interest in watching the show. In fact, some readers leave comments implying that not only do they have no more interest in Jon & Kate Plus 8, but that they intentionally refuse to watch the show due to a growing dislike for the adults in the Gosselin household. So what are the reasons that viewers give for boycotting the Jon & Kate Plus 8 show? Read on to find out!

Viewers are offended by how Kate treats Jon - Several readers of Jon & Kate Plus 8 web articles have left comments stating that they are offended and disturbed by how Kate Gosselin treats her husband, Jon. Readers have stated that Kate demeans and humiliates her husband on air, and some give this as a reason for no longer watching the show.

People are really angry about the Aunt Jodi controversy - A lot of readers have commented on Jon & Kate Plus 8 web articles that they have stopped watching the show due to the controversy over how Aunt Jodi was reportedly treated by the Gosselin parents. According to the comments they have left, people who were once fans of the show appear to be boycotting it now due to this alleged falling out between Kate Gosselin and her sister-in-law, known on the show as Aunt Jodi.

Some viewers are really bothered by Kate's apparent frugality - There have been some readers of Jon & Kate Plus 8 web articles who have commented that they are totally turned off by the fact that the Gosselin parents seem to suck anything free out of society that they can. Some appear to have stopped watching the show for this very reason.

Many viewers feel the Gosselins are exploiting their children for financial gain - It's no secret that critics of the show feel that the Gosselin children are being exploited because they have television crews and cameras after them for extended periods of time. Some readers of Jon & Kate Plus 8 web articles have actually left comments stating opinions such as, "They never worked for that money. They sold their kids for it". Many might feel these accusations are harsh and unfair, but nevertheless, they seem to be the reason that some viewers are no longer watching the Jon & Kate Plus 8 show.

Regardless of whether or not any of these negative opinions are based in fact, the fact remains that a lot of people have stopped watching the show because of them.

Published by Maggie Blake

I m a homeschooling Mom of four. As a result, most of my articles focus on parenting, homeschooling issues, and educational travel with children.  View profile

14 Comments

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  • Jan B8/26/2009

    I like to watch shows that I know are something that just happen in a movie but I don't need this much raal life. I have done the single Mom bit and cheating husband for real and I don't need this kind of entertainment for an hour. Give me Star Trek or Wiped Out anytime!!!

  • Anolther boycotter8/16/2009

    "Frugality" and free loading are not the same thing at all. I am frugal in that I do my best to stretch my dollars and make responsible financial choices, but I don't go around trying to get things for free and would decline any such offers.

    Other than that confusion, your article is a good one that addresses many of the reasons people are boycotting the show. My reason for boycotting it is that I am concerned about the way this show is affecting the children and I'm worried about the long-term repercussions for these children, some of whom are already exhibiting concerning behavior, of having their parents' failing relationship and troubles aired publicly. Most celebrities have the good sense to keep their children out of the spotlight as much as possible, but the Gosselin parents and TLC are way more concerned about earnings and profits than they are about the well being of the innocent children. The children are the ones who will suffer long-term problems as a result of this show

  • Boycotting TLC7/1/2009

    The biggest thing..The show is no longer Child friendly.

    After reading TLC/Discovery channel Presidents own comments of this fiasco as they only care about ratings I am deleting ALL TLC channels & affiliates from my channel line up.
    http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/23/tlc-president-talks-about-jon-kate/?apage=1#comments

  • Gidget6/22/2009

    No more Jon & Kate for me. It's all about celebrity visits, fancy trips and getting stuff. This isn't "real life" anymore. It's all a set up and a sham. I won't contribute to their bottom line.

  • eddietude5/27/2009

    this show has become disturbing. I enjoyed watching a couple with 8 adorable kids. I could tolerate Kate's constant emasculation of Jon, and Jon's wimpy way of just accepting it. But the season premiere was just disturbing. I have no desire to watch two adults who clearly need therapy self destruct.

    The sad thing is, those adorable children are going to be in therapy for a LONG time if Kate and Jon don't change their priorities and get their acts together. I will pass from now on.

  • Tash5/25/2009

    I really enjoyed the show but now I have a bad taste for the adults. When I see the show on the Channel Guide I purposely avoid it now. I feel bad for the kids but I will not assist this couple by watching the show or purchasing any of their books. Anyways the show will no longer be on in this house.

  • Dana Lewis5/24/2009

    I knew from day one that J&K would break up. These types of shows seem to break up couples. I no longer watch the show because its too sad to watch. Editing makes Kate look mean, and jon to be a wimp. With eight kids, who has time to be nice all the time. i blame tlc. Too bad.

  • g5/23/2009

    I enjoyed the show in the beginning but not anymore. I will not be watching this show again. I pray for the sake of those poor children that they cancel the show and get their marriage and lives back in order.

  • Katie5/15/2009

    I have loved the show, but they no longer resemble the sweet young couple that were eager to love and raise their children together. Shame on them both for allowing fame and fortune to rob those precious children from having mom and dad home together and any sense of a normal childhood. I hope its not to late to right what was wronged. Kick the cameras out, get counseled, go to church and pray.

  • Nancy5/13/2009

    I watched the show as I watch all TLC shows. I thought it was interesting to see how people make it through life's ups and downs. Folks lets get real here. the new season starts off with Emeral cooking in there mansion. OK can someone tell TLC this isn't a reality show anymore. I'll go back to watching my Mystery Diagnosis and bringing home baby. Thank you

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