Mar 19 2009
Thoughts on Jon & Kate Plus 8
I don’t want this post to turn into a gossip column, but I wanted to see if any other “normal” parents with “normal” families were thinking the same things as I am about this family.
First of all, let me say that I enjoy watching this show. However, it is starting to lose it’s appeal. I became fascinated at how Kate was able to take care of the babies and stay organized and continue to be somewhat cheerful (at least to the cameras) throughout the day. This was early in the shows production. Recently, though, I’ve noticed a lot of changes in how some of the “cast” is portrayed and just in their general lifestyle. Here’s a list of a few things I’ve noticed and do not like:
1.) The kids seem to be doing little mini commercials throughout the show. One show they were playing with some flip cars and on another a bounce house. You could tell that the whole thing was staged and it left me wondering how much money they received for using these company’s products on the show.
2.) Kate’s attitude problem has definitely increased and appears to be a producers dream. I really hope that she is not as rude and downright hateful in real life.
3.) I think that Jon has completely lost all of his manhood. Kate has chipped away at it enough that whenever she speaks he seems to just want to curl up into a little ball. At first it was amusing, it seemed like he did things to annoy her on purpose and then he would roll his eyes and grin when she exploded. Now, though, does he ever pick his head up and show any kind of self-confidence?
4.) Why is Mady being portrayed as the evil sister so much? The cameras are always around whenever she has a meltdown. Sometimes I wonder if she isn’t told by producers and the film crew to step the tantrum up a notch.
5.) When the show first started, you often saw Kate with little-to-no makeup on and wearing sweats and t-shirts. This was a mother that I could relate to. Now, you never see her without her hair perfect, makeup on, designer clothes, high-heeled shoes, and her perfect tan. I thought she was so incredibly busy and had 8 children to take care of?
6.) Also, when the show first started, you always saw other people helping out and the family had friends around often. What happened to all of those people? Now, instead of friends being around they go on vacations all the time.
I really wish that Jon and Kate would go back to the simple little show they had before. The one’s where I actually learned a thing or two from them, like the one where they learned to recycle, save energy, and use “Green” products. I learned something from that show, the only thing I seem to be learning from them now is product placement and where to go on one of my many vacations!
I think it’s all about money. As you said, there’s a ton of product placement now, you have one child being set up as “the bad guy” just like on any reality show. Personally, I’m getting tired of the shows that focus on these large families. Let kids be kids!
I gotta agree with your observations. It’s amazing how fame, fortune, and a little attention just go to people’s heads. I quit watching a long time ago. I found it just made me too mad, and my TV is for detox, not to make me angry.
I’ve seen this on some of the other TLC and Discovery reality shows. Little People Big World is the same way. It used to be kinda fun watching them, but now I feel like I’m watching an infomercial. Deleted that one off the DVR, too.
Maybe TLC should do a reality show about a family who’s trying to make it after mom and/or dad lose their jobs. That would speak a lot more to people right now than seeing some of this other stuff, and I wouldn’t mind so much if they got some little perks from sponsors.
I have purposely stayed away from any of the other shows on TLC. Jon & Kate sucked me in early, before the fame and fortune set in I guess. “The Learning Channel” doesn’t seem to be much about learning anymore, it’s more about simple people wanting the big life and using ordinary circumstances to exploit that.
Thanks for your comments!
Everyone is always asking me about Jon and Kate. You know, since I have multiples I must watch the show. I finally caved and rented the first season. I was annoyed. Every time they went on an outing there was a “thank you” in the credits, which leads me to believe they got a lot of freebies. I’m pretty sure the recent trip to Hawaii was paid for. It’s my understanding that Jon and Kate now make their living as motivational speakers. That’s great that they can do that, but the show really gives a warped sense of raising higher order multiples. No one is sending my family to Hawaii for free or giving us private tours of the American Girl doll place. I don’t expect those things but I think the show plays into the myth that you get tons of free stuff just for having multiples. Also, Hubby said he would leave me if I ever treated him the way Kate treats Jon. Heck, I’d leave, too!!!
This is so true. I still watch on occasion, but it’s sort of a morbid fascination. It really has turned into an advertising free for all. I find myself flipping the channel when I get annoyed (which is frequently) or dare I say it… jealous. As to the the way Kate treats Jon, wow. I think I’d have to pop her one if I were him. My DH is a laid back guy too, but I would never steamroll him like that.
KeriJ
http://sissymomma.today.com
I agree! I loved watching the show when it started, you know, back when they were at home most of the time. Now every show is a commercial for a toy or resort. How can she preach about saving money and being on a budget when they have a 1.3 million dollar home that is paid for, without any “work”
Another thing, why do these kids still have to wear bibs?
I have to say that I cannot stay away from the sow - it’s like a freakin’ train wreck and I can’t take my eyes off of it! I am happy to hear that I am not the only person out there feeling this way. The show seems to be so popular so I figured that I was way off base with this one, but apparently I am not.
Tracylyn - I have not noticed that the kids still wear bibs, I will have to watch out for that on the next show. I do remember seeing them in bibs a while back and thinking, “Why are they still wearing bibs?” I, personally, do not even use a bib on our baby. I find that it is just something for him to play with and then food ends up on more places than if he wasn’t wearing a bib at all!
Heathen Mom - Wouldn’t you love to stay in that beach house they had? I wonder how much that cost them? Oh, wait!
Thanks again for your comments!