View source for 19 Kids and Counting

{{short description|American reality television show}}
{{For|the British series most recently known as ''22 Kids and Counting''|Radford family}}
{{pp-semi-indef|small=yes}}
<!--Do NOT insert information about the grandchildren here--minors who never signed up for a TV show, and who should NOT be put on display here.-->
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{Infobox television
| image              = 19 Kids and Counting logo.jpg
| alt_name           = {{Plainlist|
* ''17 Kids and Counting'' (2008–2009)
* ''18 Kids and Counting'' (2009)
}}
| genre              = Reality
| starring           = The Duggar family
| country            = United States
| language           = English
| num_seasons        = 10
| num_episodes       = 229 (plus specials)
| list_episodes      = List of 19 Kids and Counting episodes
| executive_producer = {{Plainlist|
* [[Bill Hayes (television producer)|Bill Hayes]]
* Deanie Wilcher
* Kirk Streb
}}
| producer           = Sean Overbeeke
| camera             = [[Multiple-camera setup|Multiple]]
| runtime            = 17–44 minutes
| company            = Figure 8 Films
| network            = [[TLC (TV network)|TLC]]
| first_aired        = {{Start date|2008|09|29}}
| last_aired         = {{End date|2015|05|19}}
}}
'''''19 Kids and Counting''''' (formerly '''''17 Kids and Counting''''' and '''''18 Kids and Counting''''') <!--do NOT change to ''was'' -->i<!--Even cancelled shows remain in the present tense.  See MOS:TENSE -->s an American [[reality television]] series that aired on the cable channel [[TLC (TV network)|TLC]] for seven years until its cancellation in 2015. The show features the Duggar family: parents Michelle and [[Jim Bob Duggar]] and their 19 children – nine daughters and ten sons – all of whose names begin with the letter "J". During the duration of the show, two children were born, three children were married, and four grandchildren were born.

The show focuses on the life of the Duggar family, who are devout [[independent Baptist]]s, and frequently discusses values of purity, modesty and faith in God. The Duggars avoid birth control, saying they have decided to allow God to determine the number of children they have. All of the children are homeschooled and access to entertainment such as movies and television is limited. They practice chaperoned courtship, in which a couple becomes acquainted only in a group setting.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=The Duggars' 7 rules of courtship: 'Love is in the air' (but no kissing)|url=http://www.today.com/parents/duggars-7-rules-courtship-love-air-no-kissing-2D79464674|access-date=September 21, 2020|website=TODAY.com|date=April 2014 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=October 8, 2015|title=Michelle Duggar on Courtship Chaperones|url=http://www.duggarfamily.com/2015/10/michelle-duggar-on-courtship-chaperones|access-date=September 21, 2020|website=The Duggar Family|language=en}}</ref> The values presented on the show have been associated with the [[Quiverfull]] movement, which has been described as promoting strict family conformity, male hierarchies and subservient roles for women.<ref name="Marcotte">{{Citation|last=Marcotte|first=Amanda|date=April 16, 2014|title=Sex Scandal Rocks the Duggars' Christian Patriarchy Movement|work=[[The Daily Beast]]|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/04/16/sex-scandal-rocks-the-duggars-christian-patriarchy-movement.html|access-date=September 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140901081619/http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/04/16/sex-scandal-rocks-the-duggars-christian-patriarchy-movement.html|archive-date=September 1, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="The Huffington Post">{{cite web|last1=Blumberg|first1=Antonia|title=What You Need To Know About The 'Quiverfull' Movement|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/26/quiverfull-movement-facts_n_7444604.html|work=The Huffington Post|date=May 26, 2015 |access-date=May 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527222021/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/26/quiverfull-movement-facts_n_7444604.html|archive-date=May 27, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Mesaros-Winkles"/> The Duggars have stated that they are not associated with the Quiverfull movement.<ref name="auto1">{{cite web|title=What You Need To Know About The 'Quiverfull' Movement|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/26/quiverfull-movement-facts_n_7444604.html|work=[[HuffPost]]|date=May 26, 2015 |access-date=January 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227174323/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/26/quiverfull-movement-facts_n_7444604.html|archive-date=December 27, 2017}}</ref> However, in an article formerly published on their website titled "Why Have Such a Large Family?", the Duggars reference Psalms 127:3–5,<ref>{{Cite web|date=February 26, 2006|title=The Duggar Family|url=http://duggarfamily.com/articles/large-family.php|access-date=September 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060226062613/http://duggarfamily.com/articles/large-family.php|archive-date=February 26, 2006}}</ref> from which the Quiverfull movement name comes.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Pride|first=Mary|title=The Way Home: Beyond Feminism, Back to Reality|publisher=Good News Publishers|year=1985|isbn=0-89107-345-0|location=Wheaton, IL}}</ref> Moreover, in 2001, Jim Bob and Michelle were interviewed for an article published on a Quiverfull affiliated website.<ref>{{Cite web|date=July 1, 2006|title=QuiverFull Articles|url=http://quiverfull.com/articles.php/id20/|access-date=September 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060701081709/http://quiverfull.com/articles.php/id20/|archive-date=July 1, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=June 3, 2006|title=The Duggar Family|url=http://www.duggarfamily.com/|access-date=September 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060603083034/http://www.duggarfamily.com/|archive-date=June 3, 2006}}</ref> The Duggar family has also been connected with the [[Institute in Basic Life Principles]] and the Advanced Training Institute,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Radnofsky |first=Caroline |date=February 22, 2022 |title=Ministry that once nourished Duggar family's faith falls from grace |language=en |work=NBC News |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ministry-nourished-duggar-familys-faith-falls-grace-rcna14024 |access-date=May 21, 2022}}</ref> both of which were founded by [[Bill Gothard]].

The series began on September 29, 2008, and concluded on May 19, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hollywoodlife.com/2015/05/19/19-kids-counting-finale-duggars-family-courtship-secrets-may-19-episode-recap/|title='19 Kids & Counting' Finale: Duggars Reveal Family Courtship Secrets|publisher=Hollywood Life|access-date=May 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526190719/http://hollywoodlife.com/2015/05/19/19-kids-counting-finale-duggars-family-courtship-secrets-may-19-episode-recap/|archive-date=May 26, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The show was TLC's most popular, averaging 2.3 million viewers per new episode in Season 10 and scoring in the [[Nielsen ratings|Nielsen]] "Cable Top 25".<ref>{{cite web|title=The Josh Duggar sexual abuse scandal, explained|date=May 27, 2015 |url=https://www.vox.com/2015/5/27/8662907/josh-duggar-abuse|publisher=VOX|access-date=December 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104091253/https://www.vox.com/2015/5/27/8662907/josh-duggar-abuse|archive-date=January 4, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Cable Top 25|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/05/12/cable-top-25game-of-thrones-tops-cable-viewership-for-the-week-ending-may-10-2015/402441/|publisher=Zap2it|access-date=May 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527193854/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/05/12/cable-top-25game-of-thrones-tops-cable-viewership-for-the-week-ending-may-10-2015/402441/|archive-date=May 27, 2015}}</ref>

On May 22, 2015, TLC suspended the series when the Duggars' eldest son [[Josh Duggar|Josh]] publicly apologized for having "acted inexcusably" following reports that he [[Josh_Duggar#Molestation_scandal|molested five girls]], including some of his sisters, by fondling them. These events occurred in 2002 and 2003, when Josh was 14 to 15 years old and prior to the beginning of the show. On July 16, 2015, TLC announced that the show was officially canceled and would not resume production.<ref name=NYDaily>{{cite news |url= http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/tlc-cancels-19-kids-counting-duggar-abuse-scandal-article-1.2294251 |title= TLC cancels '19 Kids and Counting' amid Duggar abuse scandal |first= Philip |last= Caulfield |location= New York |work= [[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]] |date= July 16, 2015 |access-date= July 16, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150716215648/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/tlc-cancels-19-kids-counting-duggar-abuse-scandal-article-1.2294251 |archive-date= July 16, 2015 |url-status= live |df= mdy-all }}</ref> A spin off show, ''[[Counting On]]'', aired in December 2015 and was cancelled in 2021, due to Josh Duggar's arrest for child pornography.<ref>{{cite news |last1=D’Zurilla |first1=Christie |title=TLC finally cancels Duggar series 'Counting On' after Josh Duggar's child-porn arrest |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2021-06-30/josh-dugger-tlc-cancels-counting-on-series |access-date=November 18, 2021 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=June 30, 2021}}</ref>

==Background==
The Duggars live in [[Tontitown, Arkansas]], near [[Springdale, Arkansas|Springdale]] and originally appeared in several [[TLC (TV network)|TLC]] and [[Discovery Health Channel|Discovery Health]] one hour specials, mostly focused on four of Michelle's last five deliveries.<ref name="fourteen">{{cite web|url=http://www.advancedMedical.tv/shows/dug.htm|title=14 Children and Pregnant Again!|work=TLC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226225842/http://www.advancedmedical.tv/shows/dug.htm|archive-date=February 26, 2009|url-status=live|access-date=July 23, 2009}}</ref><ref name="MSNBC Seventeenth">{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/20097968|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130213012508/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/20097968/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 13, 2013|title=Couple welcomes 17th child&nbsp;– and wants more|work=NBC News|access-date=August 2, 2007|quote=The Duggars have been featured on several programs on cable television's Discovery Health Network. The next special, the ''Duggar Family Album'', is scheduled to air next month, according to Jim Bob.}}</ref> [[Jim Bob Duggar]] has an older sister, Deanna, who occasionally appears on the show. Michelle Duggar (née Ruark) has six older siblings (Pamela Ethel, Kathie Ann, Evelyn Alice, Carolyn Jeannite, Freda Louise and Garrett Floyd Jr.). The couple met in the early 1980s when Duggar and a fellow church member were sent for a follow-up visit after Michelle experienced a [[religious conversion]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Duggars Religion|url=http://duggarbabyupdate.com/keyword/the-duggars-religion/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003182518/http://duggarbabyupdate.com/keyword/the-duggars-religion|archive-date=October 3, 2011|publisher=Wordpress|access-date=November 2, 2011}}</ref> The Duggars were married on July 21, 1984, just after Michelle's high school graduation. When they married, she was 17 and he was 19; neither attended college. Together they first launched a used-car business, then towing and real estate businesses; both are licensed [[real estate agents]].<ref name=Hamilton/><ref name="Duggar Family">{{cite web|title=Family Scrapbook |url=http://www.duggarFamily.com/content/family |publisher=Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar Family |accessdate=January 25, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120124094820/http://duggarfamily.com/content/family |archive-date=January 24, 2012  }}</ref>

The Duggars initially chose to wait before having children and used birth control pills in the early years of their marriage. Their eldest child, [[Joshua Duggar|Joshua]], was born in 1988. They resumed using oral contraceptives after his birth, but conceived again, despite this precaution; however, Michelle miscarried early in her pregnancy. She has mentioned that they named this child Caleb, despite not knowing the baby's sex.<ref>{{cite news|last=Gicas|first=Peter|title=Michelle Duggar on Her Miscarriage|url=http://www.eOnline.com/news/michelle_duggar_on_her_miscarriage_we/279642|access-date=December 12, 2011|publisher=E!|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111215210900/http://www.eonline.com/news/michelle_duggar_on_her_miscarriage_we/279642|archive-date=December 15, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> After consulting a doctor, the Duggars were told that birth control can (in some cases) allow conception, but cause miscarriage. As a result, they decided to stop using birth control and allow God to determine the number of children they would have.<ref>{{cite news|last=Cox|first=Lauren|title=Jim Bob Duggar Claims Birth Control Pill Caused Michelle's Miscarriage|url=http://hollywoodlife.com/2014/10/15/jim-bob-duggar-birth-control-miscarriage-19-kids-and-counting/|access-date=October 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018003202/http://hollywoodlife.com/2014/10/15/jim-bob-duggar-birth-control-miscarriage-19-kids-and-counting/|archive-date=October 18, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Michelle soon became pregnant again, this time with her first set of twins, Jana and John-David. Michelle gave birth 17 times, over a period of {{frac|21|1|2}} years, approximately one birth every 15 months.

The high number of children is partly related to their [[Independent Baptist|Fundamental Baptist]] beliefs that prohibit [[contraception]].<ref>In Touch Staff, [https://www.intouchweekly.com/posts/duggar-family-bates-family-139364/ Fans Think the Bates Family Is the “Cool” Version of the Duggars, and We Think They May Be on to Something], intouchweekly.com, USA, April 6, 2018</ref> They only watch programs they consider to be wholesome family television and various historical events. Their Internet service is filtered. They adhere to certain standards of modesty in clothing, in accordance with their religious beliefs. Shorts and tank tops are prohibited, and the women do not wear skirts that go above the knee. According to Michelle Duggar, such standards are mandated by [[scripture]]. They believe that baring one's thigh is "nakedness and shame" and runs the risk of "defrauding" others – or stirring up and arousing "desires in someone else that cannot be righteously fulfilled". They avoid beaches and public swimming areas "because it's just too hard for the guys to try to keep their eyes averted in those situations".<ref>Duggar, Michelle. [http://www.tlc.com/tv-shows/19-kids-and-counting/michelle-duggars-blog/michelle-duggar-modesty-and-bathing-suits.htm Michelle Duggar on Modesty and Bathing Suits] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113035121/http://www.tlc.com/tv-shows/19-kids-and-counting/michelle-duggars-blog/michelle-duggar-modesty-and-bathing-suits.htm |date=January 13, 2015 }}. [[TLC (TV network)|TLC]], June 22, 2012.</ref> Female family members keep their hair long, and males are clean-shaven and short-haired. They practice chaperoned courtship, where the couple get to know one another in a group setting. The Duggars describe this as "dating with a purpose". The Duggar children cannot begin a courtship without parental permission. Before a courtship officially begins, an interested man must speak to the woman's father.<ref name=":2" />

[[File:Duggar Family 2007-1.jpg|thumb|The Duggars in 2007]]

Jim Bob Duggar served as a Republican member of the [[Arkansas House of Representatives]] from 1999 to 2002. He was defeated for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate by incumbent [[Tim Hutchinson]] in 2002 by a vote of 71,576 to 20,546.<ref>[http://www.sos.arkansas.gov/elections/historicalElectionResults/Documents/2002_Preferential_Primary_Non-Partisan_Judicial.pdf 2002 loss by Jim Bob Duggar for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate to incumbent Tim Hutchinson] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107101703/http://www.sos.arkansas.gov/elections/historicalElectionResults/Documents/2002_Preferential_Primary_Non-Partisan_Judicial.pdf |date=January 7, 2015 }}, sos.Arkansas.gov. Retrieved May 23, 2015.</ref> He later became a [[real estate agent]] and investor. The Duggars' income is derived from rental proceeds of commercial properties they own.<ref name="Hamilton">{{cite web|url=http://www.dallasNews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/121805dntexbigfamily.2bb5559.html|title=For Arkansas family, 18's not a crowd|author=Arnold Hamilton|work=[[The Dallas Morning News]]|date=December 19, 2005|quote=The Duggar family's large size makes them something of an anomaly, attracting worldwide media attention.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090729160820/http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/121805dntexbigfamily.2bb5559.html|archive-date=July 29, 2009|url-status=dead|access-date=July 13, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.quiverfull.com/articles.php/id20/|title=13 Children Add Up To Asset For Challenger|author=Carrie Rengers|work=[[Arkansas Democrat-Gazette]]|date=September 9, 2001|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090804105618/http://www.quiverfull.com/articles.php/id20|archive-date=August 4, 2009|url-status=live|access-date=July 13, 2009}}</ref> Prior to the scandal surrounding son Josh, they lived debt-free.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nabbw.com/display_associate.php?associate_id=9&column_id=210&PHPSESSID=1eb81652699682 |title=Eating an Elephant |author=Prill Boyle |work=National Association of Baby Boomer Women |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090811043453/http://www.nabbw.com/display_associate.php?associate_id=9&column_id=210&PHPSESSID=1eb81652699682 |archive-date=August 11, 2009 |access-date=July 13, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parents.com/parents/printableStory.jsp?catref=prt40&storyid=/templateData/parents/story/data/5432.xml |title=Raising 14 Kids |author=Michelle Duggar |publisher=parents.com |access-date=August 23, 2016 |archive-date=July 14, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070714170531/http://www.parents.com/parents/printableStory.jsp?catref=prt40&storyid=%2Ftemplatedata%2Fparents%2Fstory%2Fdata%2F5432.xml |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

Construction of their 7000-square-foot house began in 2000, when they bought the lot and ordered two steel frames. One of the frames was not drilled correctly, so the Duggars received a third frame, which was used to build the girls' room and the industrial kitchen.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3EHfSCE9lg|title=Around the House with Michelle Duggar|date=May 13, 2011|publisher=YouTube|access-date=August 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311071806/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3EHfSCE9lg|archive-date=March 11, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Discovery Networks]] completed the build, finding local Arkansas construction workers to donate their skills and time. The home was completed on  January 20, 2006. Some of the painting, decorating, furnishings, appliances, and other finishing touches (such as a stocked pantry) were provided by Discovery Networks and corporate sponsors, as part of the one-hour television special<ref name="Hamilton"/> entitled ''16 Children and Moving In''.

<blockquote>But there were longstanding questions about the way "''19 Kids and Counting''" (...) were able to skirt child labor laws because they were classified as documentaries. A 2010 investigation by The Times revealed that producers of "''19 Kids and Counting''" and other reality TV programs had not obtained work permits to employ minors under 16. Patriarch Jim Bob Duggar said at the time the family didn't consider the filming to be work. (...) And the questions go beyond labor law. As children, the Duggars' offspring were conscripted into a reality show that stripped them of their privacy and anonymity, all in service of their parents' extreme religious beliefs.<ref name="LAT19/12/2021">[https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2021-12-19/josh-duggar-trial-19-kids-and-counting-tlc News Analysis: The Duggars built a wholesome reality TV empire on TLC. Now it's in ruins] ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''</ref></blockquote>

==Series overview==
{{main|List of 19 Kids and Counting episodes}}
{{:List of 19 Kids and Counting episodes}}

==Events during the series==
[[File:Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar.jpg|right|thumb|Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar]]

Michelle Duggar gave birth via emergency C-section to the couple's 19th child, Josie Brooklyn Duggar, on  December 10, 2009, six months into her pregnancy. When she was rushed to the hospital for gallstones, doctors discovered that she was [[pre-eclampsia|pre-eclamptic]] and performed an emergency delivery. Josie was premature at only 1 lb, 6 oz at birth. Nearly four months later on April 6, 2010, the Duggars were able to take the baby to their temporary rental home in Little Rock while they awaited medical approval to take her home to Tontitown.<ref name="nineteen">{{cite web|url=https://www.today.com/parents/duggar-baby-no-19-arrives-early-wbna34379874|title=Duggar baby No. 19 arrives early|publisher=Today.com|access-date=December 10, 2009}}</ref><ref name="michelle19people">{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20331675,00.html |title=Duggar Baby 'Doing As Well As Can Be Expected', Says Mom |work=People |access-date=December 22, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091220010023/http://www.people.com/people/article/0%2C%2C20331675%2C00.html |archive-date=December 20, 2009 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

The Duggars took Josie home to Tontitown for good on June 23, 2010. By that December she weighed 15 lbs 12 oz.<ref>{{cite web |last=Dennis |first=Alicia |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20448847,00.html |title=Duggar Family, Michelle Duggar Celebrate Josie's Birthday |work=People |date=December 10, 2010 |access-date=November 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111113161536/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20448847,00.html |archive-date=November 13, 2011 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

On December 2, 2008, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar's book ''The Duggars: 20 and Counting!'' was released.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bob |first=Jim |url=http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/a-love-that-multiplies-an/9781439183816-item.html?ikwid=duggar&ikwsec=Books&gcs_requestid=0CLjdoKXR4LwCFYUY5wod6jsAAA |title=A Love That Multiplies: An Up-Close View of How They Make it Work Book by Michelle Duggar &#124; Hardcover |publisher=chapters.indigo.ca |date=June 7, 2011 |access-date=June 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225201632/http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/a-love-that-multiplies-an/9781439183816-item.html?ikwid=duggar&ikwsec=Books&gcs_requestid=0CLjdoKXR4LwCFYUY5wod6jsAAA |archive-date=February 25, 2014 |url-status=live  }}</ref> Their second book, ''A Love That Multiplies'', was released on June 7, 2011.<ref>{{Cite book|title=A Love That Multiplies: An Up-Close View of How They Make It Work|last1=Duggar|first1=Michelle|last2=Duggar|first2=Jim Bob|date=March 6, 2012|publisher=Howard Books|isbn=9781439190630|edition=Reprint|language=en}}</ref> The eldest four girls – Jana, Jill, Jessa and Jinger – authored ''Growing Up Duggar: It's All About Relationships'', which was released on March 4, 2014.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|title=Growing Up Duggar: It's All About Relationships|last1=Duggar|first1=Jill|last2=Duggar|first2=Jinger|last3=Duggar|first3=Jessa |last4=Duggar|first4=Jana|date=March 4, 2014|publisher=Howard Books|isbn=9781451679168|edition=First Ed 1st Printing|language=en}}</ref>

On November 8, 2011, Michelle Duggar and the family appeared on [[NBC]]'s ''[[Today (NBC program)|Today Show]]'' to announce she was expecting their 20th child.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dube|first=Rebecca|title=20 kids and counting!|url=http://moms.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/07/8684372-20-kids-and-counting-michelle-duggar-announces-shes-pregnant-again|publisher=MSNBC|access-date=November 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114031150/http://moms.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/07/8684372-20-kids-and-counting-michelle-duggar-announces-shes-pregnant-again|archive-date=November 14, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> On December 8, 2011, the Duggars announced that Michelle had miscarried 20 weeks into her pregnancy.<ref>{{cite news|last=Dennis|first=Alicia|title=Michelle Duggar Miscarries|url=https://people.com/parents/duggar-miscarriage-michelle-duggar-speaks-exclusively-to-people/|access-date=December 8, 2011|newspaper=People|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111210035056/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20552173,00.html|archive-date=December 10, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Six days later, they held a memorial service for the stillborn baby girl that they named Jubilee Shalom (meaning celebration and peace).<ref>{{cite news|last=Joyce|first=Chen|title=Duggar family plans memorial service for baby Jubilee Shalom after tragic miscarriage|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/duggar-family-plans-memorial-service-baby-jubilee-shalom-tragic-miscarriage-article-1.990450|access-date=December 12, 2011|newspaper=Daily News|location=New York|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827095514/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/duggar-family-plans-memorial-service-baby-jubilee-shalom-tragic-miscarriage-article-1.990450|archive-date=August 27, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salon.com/2011/12/16/why_did_the_duggars_photograph_a_stillborn_baby/|title=Salon: "Why did the Duggars photograph a stillborn baby?", December 16, 2011.|date=December 16, 2011|access-date=October 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019090108/http://www.salon.com/2011/12/16/why_did_the_duggars_photograph_a_stillborn_baby/|archive-date=October 19, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

A few months after the birth of their daughter Mackynzie, Josh and Anna Duggar learned that she was pregnant with their second child, but the pregnancy ended in a miscarriage.<ref name="Raising servants">{{cite web|url=http://raisingservantsofchrist.com/2013/06/07/647/|title=The Transformation of Josh and Anna Duggar...Just in Time for the Move to Washington D.C.|publisher=Raising Servants of Christ|access-date=June 11, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140925112941/http://raisingservantsofchrist.com/2013/06/07/647/|archive-date=September 25, 2014}}</ref> On their daughter's first birthday, Josh and Anna Duggar announced they were expecting again. The couple welcomed their second child, Michael James, on June 15, 2011.<ref name="duggarfamilyblog.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.duggarfamilyblog.com/p/birthdays.html?m=1|title=Duggar Family Blog: Updates and Pictures Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar 19 Kids and Counting TLC: Birthdays|website=www.duggarfamilyblog.com|access-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112101621/http://www.duggarfamilyblog.com/p/birthdays.html?m=1|archive-date=November 12, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> They learned that they were expecting again in September 2012.

Josh Duggar was offered a job at the [[Family Research Council]] during his wife's pregnancy with their third child. Marcus Anthony was delivered by a midwife on June 2, 2013.<ref name="duggarfamilyblog.com"/> Duggar announced that he was hired to be the [[executive director]] of the Family Research Council's [[political action committee]], FRC Action, on June 18, 2013, and that the family would move to [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Josh Duggar snags Family Research Council job in Washington, D.C.|url=http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/Blog/2013/06/18/Josh-Duggar-snags-Family-Research-Council-job-in-Washington-DC/8331371603038/|work=United Press International|access-date=June 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619015050/http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/Blog/2013/06/18/Josh-Duggar-snags-Family-Research-Council-job-in-Washington-DC/8331371603038/|archive-date=June 19, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

On December 2, 2014, Josh and Anna Duggar announced they were expecting their fourth child.<ref name="people-150302">{{cite news|last=Dennis|first=Alicia C.|date=March 2, 2015|title=Is Josh and Anna Duggar's Fourth Child a Boy or Girl?|url=http://www.people.com/article/josh-anna-duggar-reveal-sex-fourth-baby-19-kids-and-counting|newspaper=[[People (magazine)|People]]|access-date=March 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303084754/http://www.people.com/article/josh-anna-duggar-reveal-sex-fourth-baby-19-kids-and-counting|archive-date=March 3, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Duggars issued an announcement that Jessa Duggar was in a courtship with Ben Seewald on September 18, 2013. The couple met through their church.<ref name="Jessa">{{cite web|url=http://www.tvguide.com/News/Jessa-Duggar-Enters-Courtship-Ben-Seewald-19-Kids-Counting-1070474.aspx|title=19 Kids and Counting's Jessa Duggar "Enters Courtship"|work=TV Guide|access-date=September 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921021141/http://www.tvguide.com/News/Jessa-Duggar-Enters-Courtship-Ben-Seewald-19-Kids-Counting-1070474.aspx|archive-date=September 21, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="people-130916">{{cite news|last=Dennis|first=Alicia|date=September 16, 2013|title=Jessa Duggar Enters Courtship with Ben Seewald|url=https://people.com/tv/jessa-duggar-enters-courtship-with-ben-seewald/|newspaper=[[People (magazine)|People]]|access-date=November 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103135058/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20735445,00.html|archive-date=November 3, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 15, 2014, after eleven months of courtship, the couple announced their engagement<ref name="people-140815">{{cite news|last=Dennis|first=Alicia C.|date=August 15, 2014|title=Jessa Duggar Is Engaged to Ben Seewald|url=http://www.people.com/article/jessa-duggar-engaged-19-kids-and-counting|newspaper=[[People (magazine)|People]]|access-date=August 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140816165819/http://www.people.com/article/jessa-duggar-engaged-19-kids-and-counting|archive-date=August 16, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> and were married on  November 1, 2014.<ref name="people-141101">{{cite news|last=Dennis|first=Alicia C.|date=November 1, 2014|title=Jessa Duggar Marries Ben Seewald|url=http://www.people.com/article/jessa-duggar-ben-seewald-married-wedding-19-kids-and-counting|newspaper=[[People (magazine)|People]]|access-date=November 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102005538/http://www.people.com/article/jessa-duggar-ben-seewald-married-wedding-19-kids-and-counting|archive-date=November 2, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

Jill Duggar's courtship with Derick Dillard was announced on  March 31, 2014. They were introduced by Jim Bob Duggar and became further acquainted via supervised [[Skype]] and text conversations while Dillard was serving as a missionary in [[Nepal]]. Jill Duggar and her father traveled to Nepal to meet Dillard in person and began a formal courtship in November 2013.<ref name="jill">{{cite news|title=Jill Duggar Being Courted by Derick Dillard|url=https://people.com/tv/jill-duggar-being-courted-by-derick-dillard/|work=People|access-date=March 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331180800/http://www.people.com//people/article/0,,20801674,00.html|archive-date=March 31, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The couple announced their engagement on April 9, 2014,<ref name="engaged">{{cite web|url=https://people.com/tv/jill-duggar-engaged-to-derick-dillard/|title=Jill Duggar engaged to Derick Dillard|work=People|access-date=April 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140409230750/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20804527,00.html|archive-date=April 9, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> and were married on June 21, 2014.<ref name="yahoo-140625">{{cite news|last=Byrne|first=Suzy|date=June 21, 2014|title=Jill Duggar Marries Derick Dillard|url=https://celebrity.yahoo.com/blogs/celeb-news/jill-duggar-marries-derick-dillard-185010326.html|newspaper=[[Yahoo! Celebrity]]|access-date=August 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819090500/https://celebrity.yahoo.com/blogs/celeb-news/jill-duggar-marries-derick-dillard-185010326.html|archive-date=August 19, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="people-20140625">{{cite news|last=Dennis|first=Alicia C.|date=June 25, 2014|title=Jill Duggar Weds Derick Dillard: Inside Their Wedding|url=http://www.people.com/article/jill-duggar-derick-dillard-wedding-exclusive-details|newspaper=[[People (magazine)|People]]|access-date=August 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727032156/http://www.people.com/article/jill-duggar-derick-dillard-wedding-exclusive-details|archive-date=July 27, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Dillards announced their first pregnancy on August 20, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/jill-duggar-pregnant-19-kids-and-counting-star-expecting-first-child-2014208|title=Start Counting! Jill Duggar Pregnant With First Child|date=August 20, 2014|access-date=December 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009204712/http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/jill-duggar-pregnant-19-kids-and-counting-star-expecting-first-child-2014208|archive-date=October 9, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Their son, Israel David Dillard, was born on April 6, 2015.<ref name="people-20150406">{{cite web|last=Steiner|first=Amanda Michelle|url=http://www.people.com/article/jill-duggar-derick-dillard-baby-boy-born-israel-david-dillard|title=Jill (Duggar) Dillard and Husband Derick Welcome First Child|work=People|date=April 7, 2005|access-date=April 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409025855/http://www.people.com/article/jill-duggar-derick-dillard-baby-boy-born-israel-david-dillard|archive-date=April 9, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Seewalds announced their first pregnancy on April 21, 2015, having waited until the second trimester.<ref name="today.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.today.com/parents/jessa-duggar-ben-seewald-pregnant-first-child-t16566|title=Jessa Duggar, Ben Seewald pregnant with first child|author=Lauren Sullivan|date=April 21, 2015 |publisher=TODAY.com|access-date=August 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150803065416/http://www.today.com/parents/jessa-duggar-ben-seewald-pregnant-first-child-t16566|archive-date=August 3, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

On July 16, 2015, TLC announced that the series was officially canceled.<ref name="NYDaily"/>

== Reception ==
Arnold Hamilton of ''[[The Dallas Morning News]]'' described ''19 Kids and Counting'' as "part ''[[Little House on the Prairie (TV series)|Little House on the Prairie]],'' part ''[[Yours, Mine and Ours (1968 film)|Yours, Mine & Ours]]''–except the only blending in this real-life family occurs with restaurant like precision at mealtimes". He described the Duggars as acting "against the trend", considering the 2002 [[US Census]] found that only 0.3 percent of women aged 15 to 44 have given birth to seven or more children and that this number has declined steadily since 1976.<ref name="Hamilton"/>

In an op-ed for ''[[The New York Observer]]'', [[Nina Burleigh]] described the Duggars as "good TV. Good, sugarcoated rat poison, politically speaking", referring to the Duggars' political activity such as their [[United States pro-life movement|opposition to abortion]] and their lobbying efforts against legislation that would allow transgender people to use public restrooms matching their gender identity.<ref name="TNYO.Duggars">{{cite web|last1=Burleigh|first1=Nina|title=The Duggars Seem So Nice Until You Meet Their Terrifying Political Agenda|url=http://observer.com/2014/12/the-duggars-politics/|work=The New York Observer|date=December 10, 2014|access-date=May 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527191407/http://observer.com/2014/12/the-duggars-politics/|archive-date=May 27, 2015}}</ref>

In an article published in the ''[[Journal of Religion and Popular Culture]]'', Christy Mesaros-Winckles described the Duggars as "unofficial spokespeople for the [[Quiverfull|Quiverfull movement]]". Referring to the first season of the show, Mesaros-Winckles said that the Duggars introduced themselves and their religious beliefs with the "subtle and disturbing" message of conformity and "rigid male hierarchy" associated with the Quiverfull movement. Mesaros-Winckles asserted that the show provides a platform for the legitimization of this movement, while downplaying "patriarchal gender roles and strict family conformity". Mesaros-Winckles also said that the Duggars "try to convince the audience that their way of life is best for raising healthy, godly children" and that a large family is a "biblical mandate". She concluded that, despite the small size of the Quiverfull movement, with perhaps only several thousand followers, the show ''19 Kids and Counting'' has brought the movement to the forefront of American culture.<ref name="Mesaros-Winkles">{{Cite book|last1=Mesaros-Winkles|first1=Christy Ellen|title=TLC and the Fundamentalist Family: A Televised Quiverful of Babies.|journal=[[Journal of Religion and Popular Culture]]|year=2010|volume=22|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bBv5NmSHjYUC&pg=PA63|access-date=May 27, 2015|isbn=9780739177099}}</ref>

Feminist [[Amanda Marcotte]] referred to the Duggars as part of the "[[Christian patriarchy movement]]", which she described as interchangeable with the Quiverfull movement, saying that the Duggars promote sexist values which run counter to mainstream American culture.<ref name="Marcotte"/>
The Duggars have said they are not part of the Quiverfull movement, stating, "We are simply Bible-believing Christians who desire to follow God's Word and apply it to our lives."<ref name="auto1"/>

===Criticism===
The Duggar family has received criticism due to their stance on [[LGBT]] issues. In August 2014, Michelle Duggar recorded a political [[robocall]] regarding legislation affecting [[transgender]] individuals, which ''[[The Huffington Post]]'' described as "transphobic" and ''[[The Washington Post]]'' described as "anti-[[anti-discrimination]]". The robocall includes Michelle saying, "The [[Fayetteville, Arkansas|Fayetteville]] [[City Council]] is voting on an ordinance this Tuesday night that would allow men – yes, I said men – to use women's and girls' restrooms, locker rooms, showers, sleeping areas and other areas that are designated for females only. I don't believe the citizens of Fayetteville would want males with past child predator convictions that claim they are female to have a legal right to enter private areas that are reserved for women and girls." In response to this robocall, a petition was started on [[Change.org]] calling for TLC to cancel the show ''19 Kids and Counting'', which received over 100,000 signatures. In response to the first petition, a second petition was started asking TLC to keep the show on the air, which also received over 100,000 signatures.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ohlheiser|first1=Abby|title=Listen to Michelle Duggar's anti-anti-discrimination robocall|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2014/08/19/listen-to-michelle-duggars-anti-anti-discrimination-robocall/|access-date=June 2, 2015|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=August 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605002000/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2014/08/19/listen-to-michelle-duggars-anti-anti-discrimination-robocall/|archive-date=June 5, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=McRady|first1=Racheal|title=Michelle Duggar Blasted For 'LGBTQ Fear Mongering': Petition to Cancel 19 Kids and Counting Gains 75,000 Signatures|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/michelle-duggars-lgbtq-fear-mongering-sparks-cancellation-petition-20142011|access-date=June 2, 2015|work=Us Weekly|date=November 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605021046/http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/michelle-duggars-lgbtq-fear-mongering-sparks-cancellation-petition-20142011|archive-date=June 5, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Couch|first1=Aaron|title=100,000-plus People Ask TLC to Cancel '19 Kids and Counting' for "LGBTQ Fear Mongering"|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/100000-people-ask-tlc-cancel-751039|access-date=June 2, 2015|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=November 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605001928/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/100000-people-ask-tlc-cancel-751039|archive-date=June 5, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Nichols|first1=JamesMichael|title='19 Kids And Counting' Fans Start Counter-Petition In Aftermath Of Anti-Gay Controversy|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/24/duggars-counter-petition_n_6212038.html|access-date=June 2, 2015|work=The Huffington Post|date=November 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530045737/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/24/duggars-counter-petition_n_6212038.html|archive-date=May 30, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

In November 2014, the Duggars asked married couples to take a picture while kissing and share it on their [[Facebook]] page. Several users noted that pictures of same-sex couples were deleted from the Duggars' Facebook page.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar Issue Kissing Challenge on Facebook, Reportedly Delete Pictures of Gay Couples|url=http://m.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/duggars-issue-kissing-challenge-delete-pics-of-same-sex-couples-20141211|periodical=[[Us Weekly]]|date=November 12, 2014|access-date=December 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725182852/http://m.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/duggars-issue-kissing-challenge-delete-pics-of-same-sex-couples-20141211|archive-date=July 25, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> While working for the [[Family Research Council]], the Duggars' eldest son [[Josh Duggar]] said, "I truly believe every child deserves a mother and a father"; the Family Research Council has been [[Family Research Council#2010 listing as a hate group by SPLC|labeled as an anti-gay hate group]] by the [[Southern Poverty Law Center]], with SPLC saying they were designated as such due to their publication of "anti-gay propaganda".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Video|title=New Details About Bombshell Josh Duggar Sexual Abuse Allegations|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/video/details-bombshell-josh-duggar-31516927|access-date=June 4, 2015|work=ABC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Dutton|first=Nick|title=Shooting sparks controversy over 'hate' designation for conservative group|url=http://wtvr.com/2012/08/18/shooting-sparks-controversy-over-hate-designation-for-conservative-group|access-date=August 18, 2012|publisher=wtvr.com|date=August 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120114627/http://wtvr.com/2012/08/18/shooting-sparks-controversy-over-hate-designation-for-conservative-group/|archive-date=January 20, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=splcreport>{{cite web|title=18 Anti-Gay Groups and Their Propaganda |url=http://splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-report/browse-all-issues/2010/winter/the-hard-liners |publisher=[[Southern Poverty Law Center|SPLC]] |access-date=November 28, 2010 |author=Evelyn Schlatter |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129185413/http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-report/browse-all-issues/2010/winter/the-hard-liners |archive-date=November 29, 2010  }}</ref> Josh Duggar has been described as an "anti-gay activist" by [[GLAAD]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.glaad.org/blog/josh-duggar-takes-job-anti-gay-family-research-council|title=Josh Duggar takes a job with anti-gay Family Research Council|author=Katy Butler|date=June 17, 2013|publisher=GLAAD|access-date=December 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813110647/https://www.glaad.org/blog/josh-duggar-takes-job-anti-gay-family-research-council|archive-date=August 13, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

<blockquote>“19 Kids and Counting” also regularly documented the Duggars at events organized by the group in ways that omitted key information: For instance, episodes featuring commencement ceremonies from Alert Academy, an IBLP-led quasi-boot camp, never mention that the program denounces homosexuality and endorses the use of “loving corporal correction” on children. (...) The Duggars are associated with the Biblical patriarchy movement, which holds that men are ordained by God to be the leaders of their households and strongly discourages birth control. (...) “19 Kids” and “Counting On” made it seem like “it’s quirky and zany to run a household with that many children,” says Kathryn Joyce, author of “Quiverfull: Inside the Christian Patriarchy Movement,” when in reality older girls are often forced to serve as co-parents to the detriment of things like their education.  Once the Duggar girls reached adulthood, there were few options available to them other than marriage, kids and [[reality TV]].<ref name="LAT19/12/2021"/></blockquote>

In January 2023, [[Jinger Duggar Vuolo]], the sixth child of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar who appeared on both "19 Kids and Counting" and its spinoff "Counting On", would criticize her family's "cult-like" religious beliefs, telling [[People Magazine]] things like "Fear was a huge part of my childhood," "I thought I had to wear only skirts and dresses to please God. Music with drums, places I went or the wrong friendships could all bring harm" and that "the teaching I grew up under was harmful, it was damaging, and there are lasting effects.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://people.com/tv/jinger-duggar-vuolo-on-growing-up-following-cult-like-religious-beliefs/|title=Jinger Duggar Vuolo on Growing Up Under 'Cult-Like' Religious Beliefs: 'I Was Terrified of the Outside World'|first=Emily|last=Strahm|publisher=People|date=January 18, 2023|access-date=February 9, 2023}}</ref> Vuolo also provided more criticism of the Duggar family in her book ''Becoming Free Indeed: My Story of Disentangling Faith From Fear''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/books/story/2023-01-19/jinger-duggar-memoir-bill-gothard-iblp-19-kids-and-counting-on|title=Jinger Duggar says family's 'cult-like' beliefs had her 'terrified of the outside world'|first=Nardine|last=Saad|work=Los Angeles Times|date=January 19, 2023|access-date=February 9, 2023}}</ref>

==Josh Duggar molestation controversy==
{{see also|Josh Duggar#Molestation scandal}}
On May 21, 2015, a police report from 2006 was revealed to the public by ''[[In Touch Weekly]]'' magazine, stating sexual molestation allegations against the Duggars' eldest son, [[Josh Duggar]]. The report states that, in 2002–2003, Josh – then 14 to 15 years old – [[Sexual assault|fondled]] five girls, including four of his sisters, by touching their breasts and genital regions on multiple occasions while they were asleep and on a few occasions while they were awake.<ref name="intouch">{{cite web|title=Duggar Police Report: Jim Bob did not report son Josh's sex offenses for more than a year|url=http://www.intouchweekly.com/posts/bombshell-duggar-police-report-jim-bob-duggar-didn-t-report-son-josh-s-alleged-sex-offenses-for-more-than-a-year-58906|periodical=[[In Touch Weekly]]|date=May 23, 2015|access-date=December 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113025542/https://www.intouchweekly.com/posts/bombshell-duggar-police-report-jim-bob-duggar-didn-t-report-son-josh-s-alleged-sex-offenses-for-more-than-a-year-58906/|archive-date=November 13, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=fox>{{cite news|title=Josh Duggar resigns from Family Research Council after sexual abuse allegations|url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/josh-duggar-resigns-from-family-research-council-after-sexual-abuse-allegations/|publisher=Fox News Channel|date=May 23, 2015|access-date=May 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150523024612/http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2015/05/21/josh-duggar-resigns-from-family-research-council/|archive-date=May 23, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="KTLA">{{cite web|title=Amid Josh Duggar Molestation Scandal, People Call for TLC to Cancel '19 Kids and Counting'|url=http://ktla.com/2015/05/25/amid-josh-duggar-molestation-scandal-petitions-call-for-tlc-to-cancel-19-kids-and-counting/|publisher=[[KTLA]]|date=May 25, 2015|access-date=December 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112223632/https://ktla.com/2015/05/25/amid-josh-duggar-molestation-scandal-petitions-call-for-tlc-to-cancel-19-kids-and-counting/|archive-date=November 12, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> These events occurred prior to the beginning of the TLC series. The case was never fully investigated, and the [[statute of limitations]] had by then expired.<ref name="intouch"/> On May 22, 2015, TLC removed all reruns of the show that were previously set to air from its current airing schedule, with the statement, "We are deeply saddened and troubled by this heartbreaking situation and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and victims at this difficult time."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ohlheiser|first1=Abby|title=TLC pulls '19 Kids and Counting' citing 'heartbreaking situation'|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/05/22/what-happens-to-tlcs-19-kids-and-counting-after-the-josh-duggar-allegations/|access-date=June 2, 2015|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=May 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150531162500/http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/05/22/what-happens-to-tlcs-19-kids-and-counting-after-the-josh-duggar-allegations/|archive-date=May 31, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Josh Duggar profile|url=https://time.com/3894697/tlc-19-kids-josh-duggar/|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|date=May 22, 2015|access-date=December 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024201017/http://time.com/3894697/tlc-19-kids-josh-duggar/|archive-date=October 24, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=TLC airs '19 Kids and Counting' marathon on same day Josh Duggar admits to molesting girls|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/tlc-airs-19-kids-counting-marathon-sex-admission-article-1.2231863|author=Jason Molinet|newspaper=[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]|location=New York|date=May 22, 2015|access-date=May 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525022939/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/tlc-airs-19-kids-counting-marathon-sex-admission-article-1.2231863|archive-date=May 25, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the wake of the controversy, more than twenty advertisers, including [[General Mills]], [[Walgreens]], [[Payless ShoeSource]], [[Choice Hotels]], [[Pizza Hut]], [[Sweet Leaf Tea Company|Sweet Leaf Tea]] and [[Crayola]], announced that they were pulling their ads from the show;<ref>{{cite web|title=More advertisers bail out of Duggar show|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2015/05/26/more-advertisers-bail-out-of-duggar-show/27970635/|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|date=May 26, 2015|access-date=December 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915023803/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2015/05/26/more-advertisers-bail-out-of-duggar-show/27970635/|archive-date=September 15, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Payless ShoeSource, Choice Hotels, General Mills and Walgreens are severing ties with the TLC reality show.|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/19-kids-counting-loses-advertisers-797995|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=May 26, 2015|access-date=May 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526215614/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/19-kids-counting-loses-advertisers-797995|archive-date=May 26, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Many Companies Cut Ads From TLC's '19 Kids and Counting'|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/29/business/media/many-companies-cut-ads-from-tlcs-19-kids-and-counting.html|author=Sydney Ember|newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 29, 2015|access-date=December 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127230809/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/29/business/media/many-companies-cut-ads-from-tlcs-19-kids-and-counting.html|archive-date=November 27, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[Hulu]] also removed the show's entire back catalog of episodes from its streaming service.<ref name="TMZ.Hulu">{{cite web|title='19 Kids and Counting' Pulled From Hulu|url=http://www.tmz.com/2015/05/28/19-kids-and-counting-hulu-pulled-tlc-cancellation-duggars-josh/|website=[[TMZ]]|date=May 28, 2015|access-date=May 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529002606/http://www.tmz.com/2015/05/28/19-kids-and-counting-hulu-pulled-tlc-cancellation-duggars-josh/|archive-date=May 29, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Public reaction to the revelation led to several petitions calling for TLC to cancel the series on [[Change.org]], citing conflict between the reported events and the show's promotion of [[family values]].<ref name="KTLA"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Why hasn't '19 Kids and Counting' been canceled? Well, it's complicated|url=http://q13fox.com/2015/05/28/why-hasnt-19-kids-and-counting-been-canceled-well-its-complicated/|publisher=CNN|date=May 28, 2015|access-date=May 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601072501/http://q13fox.com/2015/05/28/why-hasnt-19-kids-and-counting-been-canceled-well-its-complicated/|archive-date=June 1, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Duggars' '19 Kids and Counting' hangs in balance amid calls to cancel|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/25/entertainment/josh-duggar-tlc-show-cancel-feat/|author=Lisa Respers France|publisher=CNN|date=May 26, 2015|access-date=May 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528140434/http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/25/entertainment/josh-duggar-tlc-show-cancel-feat|archive-date=May 28, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

Josh, along with his wife and his parents, responded to the revelations. Josh apologized, stating he had "acted inexcusably" and resigned from his position at the [[Family Research Council]]. Anna stated that she knew about Josh's actions two years before she married him and believed that the counseling he received after the incidents "changed his life". The Duggars described this time as a dark period in their lives and said it caused their family "to seek God like never before". They were featured in an interview with [[Megyn Kelly]] on [[Fox News Channel]]'s ''[[The Kelly File]]'' on June 3, 2015, where they answered questions regarding the scandal.<ref>{{cite web|title=Josh Duggar molestation accusations; Duggars respond|url=http://www.people.com/article/josh-duggar-molestation-accusations-duggars-respond|periodical=[[People (magazine)|People]]|date=May 22, 2015|access-date=December 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708215318/https://people.com/article/josh-duggar-molestation-accusations-duggars-respond|archive-date=July 8, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Duggar Family to 'Share Our Hearts' in First Post-Scandal TV Interview with Fox News|url=https://celebrity.yahoo.com/news/duggar-family-share-hearts-first-165100533.html;_ylt=A0LEV7ibZmtVnk4ADCsnnIlQ;_ylu=X3oDMTByMjB0aG5zBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzYw--|author=Emily Krauser|website=[[Yahoo! Celebrity]]|publisher=[[Yahoo!]]|date=May 30, 2015|access-date=May 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601175752/https://celebrity.yahoo.com/news/duggar-family-share-hearts-first-165100533.html|archive-date=June 1, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Duggar parents preparing to answer questions in Fox interview|url=https://money.cnn.com/2015/05/30/media/duggar-parents-plan-interview/index.html|publisher=CNN|date=May 30, 2015|access-date=May 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150531054217/http://money.cnn.com/2015/05/30/media/duggar-parents-plan-interview/index.html|archive-date=May 31, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=TUNE IN: Exclusive Interview With Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar on 'The Kelly File' Wednesday at 9p ET|url=http://insider.foxnews.com/2015/05/30/tune-megyn-kelly-interviews-jim-bob-michelle-duggar-kelly-file-wednesday-june-3rd-9p-et|publisher=Fox News Channel|date=May 30, 2015|access-date=May 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601051830/http://insider.foxnews.com/2015/05/30/tune-megyn-kelly-interviews-jim-bob-michelle-duggar-kelly-file-wednesday-june-3rd-9p-et|archive-date=June 1, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

On April 29, 2021, six years after the show's cancellation, Josh was [[Josh Duggar#2021 arrest, trial, and conviction for CSAM (child sexual abuse material)|arrested]] for [[possession of child pornography]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=Trepany|first=Charles|date=April 29, 2021|title=Josh Duggar arrested by U.S. Marshals days after wife Anna reveals pregnancy with baby no. 7|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2021/04/29/josh-duggar-arrested-feds-days-after-wife-pregnancy-announcement/7403586002/|url-status=live|access-date=May 1, 2021|website=[[USA Today]]|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430000549/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2021/04/29/josh-duggar-arrested-feds-days-after-wife-pregnancy-announcement/7403586002/ |archive-date=April 30, 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Lynch |first1=Sarah |title=Josh Duggar, former reality TV star, charged for possessing child sex abuse materials |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/josh-duggar-former-reality-tv-star-charged-with-child-porn-possession-2021-04-30/ |website=Reuters |access-date=May 1, 2021 |date=May 1, 2021}}</ref> and later convicted.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/when-josh-duggars-sentencing-could-happen-and-what-his-prison-time-will-look-like-including-conjugal-visits|title = When Josh Duggar's Sentencing Could Happen and What His Prison Time Will Look Like, Including Conjugal Visits|date = December 24, 2021}}</ref>

==Cancellation==
On July 16, 2015, [[Discovery Communications]], parent company of TLC, confirmed to [[CNN]] that the show was officially canceled and that all further production would be ceased. In the wake of the allegations, the network announced that it would produce a one-hour, commercial-free documentary special on child abuse, which would include Jill and Jessa Duggar.<ref name=NYDaily/>

TLC had paid the Duggar family an estimated $25,000–$45,000 per episode.<ref>{{cite news|title=What's at Stake for the Duggars if TLC Cancels 19 Kids and Counting?|url=http://www.people.com/article/19-kids-and-counting-what-is-stake-if-tlc-cancels-show|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723104601/http://www.people.com/article/19-kids-and-counting-what-is-stake-if-tlc-cancels-show|archive-date=July 23, 2015|access-date=July 23, 2015|work=People}}</ref> One branding expert estimated that the loss of endorsements, speaking engagements and book deals based on the show could cost the Duggars an estimated $25 million a year.<ref>{{Cite web|date=July 26, 2015|title=The Duggars Could Lose $25 Million (and Counting!) Following TLC Cancellation|url=https://www.lifeandstylemag.com/posts/the-duggars-lose-25-million-and-counting-64228/|access-date=December 16, 2021|website=Life & Style|language=en-US}}</ref>

A three-part spin-off series, ''Jill and Jessa: Counting On'', focusing on newlyweds [[Jill Duggar|Jill]] and Derick Dillard, [[Jessa Duggar|Jessa]] and Ben Seewald, Anna Duggar and several of the other adult Duggar children (sans Josh) aired in December 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ew.com/article/2015/11/20/jill-jessa-duggar-tlc-three-part-special-video |title=TLC's 'Jill and Jessa: Counting On' special gets December premiere date |website=Entertainment Weekly's EW.com |access-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118033923/http://ew.com/article/2015/11/20/jill-jessa-duggar-tlc-three-part-special-video/ |archive-date=January 18, 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref> Its first episode attracted more than 2.2 million viewers, according to a report by The Nielsen Company.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.duggarfamilyblog.com/2015/12/counting-on-receives-high-ratings.html|title=Duggar Family Blog: Updates and Pictures Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar 19 Kids and Counting TLC: 'Counting On' Ranks High|website=www.duggarfamilyblog.com|access-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118094853/http://www.duggarfamilyblog.com/2015/12/counting-on-receives-high-ratings.html|archive-date=November 18, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The third episode garnered the highest ratings and viewership, at 2.5 million viewers, and ranked in the Top 5 cable shows for the night.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://theashleysrealityroundup.com/2016/01/01/more-duggars-in-2016-high-ratings-for-jill-jessa-counting-on-could-mean-more-episodes/|title=More Duggars in 2016? High Ratings for 'Jill & Jessa: Counting On' Could Mean More Episodes|website=The Ashley's Reality Roundup|date=January 2016|access-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918182850/http://www.theashleysrealityroundup.com/2016/01/01/more-duggars-in-2016-high-ratings-for-jill-jessa-counting-on-could-mean-more-episodes/|archive-date=September 18, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2016, it was announced that ''[[Counting On]]'' had been picked up for a full season, which premiered on March 15, 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/duggars-jill-and-jessa-counting-on-gets-full-season-w165076|title=Duggars' 'Jill and Jessa: Counting On' Gets Full Season - Us Weekly|website=Us Weekly|date=February 23, 2016|access-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629083842/http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/duggars-jill-and-jessa-counting-on-gets-full-season-w165076|archive-date=June 29, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Cast==
The Duggar family includes parents [[Jim Bob Duggar|James Robert "Jim Bob" Duggar]] and Michelle Duggar (née Ruark), and children [[Josh Duggar|Josh]], [[Jana Duggar|Jana]], John, [[Jill Dillard|Jill]], [[Jessa Seewald|Jessa]], [[Jinger Vuolo|Jinger]], Joe, Josiah, [[Joy-Anna Forsyth|Joy]], Jedidiah, Jeremiah, Jason, James, Justin, Jackson, Johannah, Jennifer, Jordyn, and Josie.

==Availability==

===DVDs===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Title
!Region 1
!Discs
|-
| Season 1
| style="text-align:center;"|2009<ref>{{ASIN|B001VZ9YP0|title=17 Kids and Counting (2 DVD Set)}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|2
|-
| Season 2
| style="text-align:center;"|February 23, 2010<ref name="two">{{cite web|url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/18-Kids-Counting-Season-2/12999|title=Package Art and New Details Delivered for the DVD Set|publisher=TVShowsOnDVD.com|access-date=November 19, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091205050321/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/18-Kids-Counting-Season-2/12999| archive-date= December 5, 2009 }}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|3
|-
| Season 3
| style="text-align:center;"|April 27, 2010<ref>{{cite web|url=http://empoweringmommy.com/2010/04/18-kids-and-counting.html|title=18 Kids and Counting Season 3 DVD|access-date=November 21, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111013044056/http://empoweringmommy.com/2010/04/18-kids-and-counting.html|archive-date=October 13, 2011}}</ref> & March 13, 2012<ref name="three">{{cite web|url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/18-Kids-Counting-Season-3/16543|title=Retail Release of ''Season 3'' DVDs in March|publisher=TVShowsOnDVD.com|access-date=February 18, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219065207/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/18-Kids-Counting-Season-3/16543|archive-date=February 19, 2012}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|3
|-
| Season 4
| style="text-align:center;"|April 5, 2011<ref>{{cite web|url=http://store.discovery.com/detail.php?p=289248&v=tlc_dvds-books_new-arrivals|title=19 Kids and Counting Season 4 DVD|access-date=November 21, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008003531/http://store.discovery.com/detail.php?p=289248&v=tlc_dvds-books_new-arrivals|archive-date=October 8, 2011}}</ref> and April 17, 2012<ref name="four">{{cite web |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/18-Kids-Counting-Season-4/16580 |title=''Season 4'' DVD Set is Going 'Wide' in April |publisher=TVShowOnDVD.com |access-date=February 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227030935/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/18-Kids-Counting-Season-4/16580 |archive-date=February 27, 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|4
|-
| Season 5
| style="text-align:center;"|May 1, 2012 <ref>{{cite web |url=http://store.discovery.com/19-kids-and-counting-season-5-dvd/detail.php?p=368383&v=tlc_shows_18-kids-and-counting#tabs1 |title=19 Kids and Counting Season 5 DVD |access-date=September 6, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130317184905/http://store.discovery.com/19-kids-and-counting-season-5-dvd/detail.php?p=368383&v=tlc_shows_18-kids-and-counting#tabs1 |archive-date=March 17, 2013  }}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|4
|}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.tlc.com/tv-shows/19-kids-and-counting}} for the TV show
<!--* [http://www.duggarfamily.com/ Family's official website]-->
* {{IMDb title|1307083}}

{{19 Kids and Counting}}
{{Former TLC Programming}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2023}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:19 Kids And Counting}}
[[Category:Duggar family| ]]
[[Category:2000s American reality television series]]
[[Category:2008 American television series debuts]]
[[Category:2010s American reality television series]]
[[Category:2015 American television series endings]]
[[Category:Baptist drama television series]]
[[Category:American English-language television shows]]
[[Category:People from Washington County, Arkansas]]
[[Category:Television controversies in the United States]]
[[Category:Television series about children]]
[[Category:Television series about families]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in Arkansas]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in Kentucky]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in Ohio]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in California]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in Texas]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in Florida]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in El Salvador]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in Oklahoma]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in North Carolina]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in Georgia (U.S. state)]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in Honduras]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in Tennessee]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in Missouri]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in Alabama]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in the Republic of Ireland]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in England]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in Israel]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in Colorado]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in Illinois]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in Japan]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in Beijing]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in Nepal]]
[[Category:TLC (TV network) original programming]]