TLC Cancels “19 Kids and Counting”

TLC/Discovery(NEW YORK) — TLC has cancelled their hit show 19 Kids and Counting.  ABC News confirmed the cancellation Thursday morning.

“After thoughtful consideration, TLC and the Duggar family have decided to not move forward with 19 Kids and Counting,” the TLC statement declares. “The show will no longer appear on the air.”

News of the cancellation comes in the wake of fallout from revelations last May that eldest son Josh Duggar, 27, was investigated in 2006 for alleged sexual misconduct with four of his sisters and a baby sitter starting when he was 14 years old.

TLC pulled the show from its schedule days after the news came to light.  Numerous advertisers also quickly canceled their sponsorship of the show, which had just completed its tenth season.  Josh Duggar also resigned his position as a lobbyist with the conservative Christian group Family Research Council.

The Duggar family acknowledged the cancellation in a statement posted on their official website.  “With God’s grace and help Josh, our daughters and our entire family overcame a terrible situation, found healing and a way forward. We are so pleased with the wonderful adults they have all become,” the statement says in part.  “It is our prayer that the painful situation our family went through many years ago can point people toward faith in God and help others who also have lived through similar dark situations to find help, hope and healing, as well.”

Saying “The recent attention around the Duggars has sparked a critical and important conversation about child protection,” TLC also announced it’s entering into a partnership with Darkness to Light and RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), both organizations whose mission it is to educate about and prevent children and others from sexual violence and abuse.

“TLC will work closely with both groups and with the Duggar family on a one-hour documentary that will include Jill and Jessa and other survivors and families that have been affected by abuse,” the network said, adding, “The documentary will be commercial free, and we anticipate it will air later this summer.” 

19 Kids and Counting featured the Arkansas-based Duggar family, including Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and their 19 children.

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