14 DAY TRIAL // The public might have believed that Jon and Kate Gosselin announcing they were getting a divorce was the end of their highly popular reality show but, as far as TLC, the network carrying it, is concerned, it’s nothing but a small bump on the road. The reality show returns on small screens across the US this Monday, featuring some minor modifications to include the Gosselin separation, THRFeed confirms.
In a statement recently released, TLC President Eileen O’Neill says that fans of the show should not lose hope of seeing the chaotic family return on the small screen. Divorce is a reality in many American families, therefore, just because it happened to the Gosselins too, it does not necessarily have to signify the end of what has been, so far, a very successful run with “Jon & Kate Plus 8.” Consequently, fans should expect some changes, O’Neill adds, but what will stay the same will be the love the two have for their eight adorable children.
“Over the last four years and through 100 episodes, we’ve captured this remarkable family’s entertaining chaos. Viewers fell in love and the show developed a passionate, loyal following. But this past spring – life intervened and the family’s status changed. It was certainly something we never expected nor planned to have happen. But this has resulted in unprecedented television. Our approach to the circumstance was simple: to cover the family with great care and thoughtfulness as they dealt with a subject that is all to familiar to many American families today.” TLC says.
Since Jon and Kate are no longer husband and wife, viewers are also to expect other people to appear in the show as the two will eventually start dating again. However, the network keeps relatively mum on the topic, saying that it will think of ways to include such “plots” on a case-by-case basis, since this is real life and not a scripted movie, therefore the production crew will deal with each situation as it comes along.
“The show comes back on Monday and most new episodes remain a work in progress. But I will tell you: the iconic couch is gone. Jon & Kate will now have separate chairs for their interviews. You’re still going to see two parents that love their kids, but you’ll be seeing them parenting separately. […] As far as new people and places that may be cycling into Jon & Kate’s lives, we are taking it on a case-by-case basis. This is real life. It’s important to remember that our cameras are only there for moments in time, and those moments have limits.” O’Neill explains.