Jon & Kate Plus 8

Just saw this show in its entirety for the first time last night. Sure I have seen the occastional clip here and there, but never watched the whole thing from begining to end. Thanks to all the hoopla we watched out of curiousity with some friends who came over. Oh man I wish I didn't. Holy cow, watching yesterdays episode was like watching a deer bleed to death on the side of the road after it was hit by a car.

That marriage is so dead that the only people who haven't accepted it is Jon and Kate. Even the kids know that daddy is going away. What was said by Jon and Kate yesterday should be transcribed and distributed to everyone who plans to go into counsiling. They completely ignored one another and the only time there was interaction was when Kate barked at Jon to let her tear open the pinata. Not that she already torn open the other three or anything. In the interviews the terms I and me prefaced almost every statement. And what is even worse is that they both had a easier time talking to the camera and the producer than each other. In the few shots where they were sitting together on the couch they couldn't even look at one another.

I dunno, it seems like everything in their marriage became more and more focused about the kids and less and less about their marriage. Now my wife and I are struggling with our first who is just a couple of weeks old and we are fighting to find time for each other. If it isn't feeding, changing, bathing, or soothing the baby, we are trying to catch up on sleep or finding something to eat. So I can't even imagine what dealing with 8 kids would even be like. But regardless of how many kids you have you have to have a way to reconnect with your spouce. It is so easy to grow apart in times of difficulty when the connection is lost. I struggle to find time to love my wife and then find some more time to allow myself to decompress to keep my sanity.

I doubt this show was healthy for the family. Actually I can't see how this could be healthy for any family, but as long as we keep tuning in (now I am included in this voyeristic crowd) they will keep making the show. In the end I am sure it will wind up with both Jon and Kate saying that the marriage failed because of the other. That they want to do what they can to make the kids "happy". And the last thing that they will want to hear is that thigns could have been better if they remembered to love each other more often.

Are you freaking kidding me!! Someone left a comment the Mady was a "little b****" ! She's a CHILD, and you're calling her a b****! Wow!! You know what who doesn't have bratty kids, or kids who act out, or who are spoiled?? Who doesn't get a little stressed out, I have 3 and I'm stressed at times. Are you telling me that when you're stressed you act as if nothings the matter, or you don't have the occasional outburst?? I'd like to see ya'll take care of a house, bills, 8 kids and all their needs, and not be stressed. Until you walk a mile in their shoes you shouldn't judge! And it's T.V people, you don't see everything that happens in one day in their household! It's called EDITING! Of course they show more of Kate in a bad mood, it's what everyone wants to see, so they can come on sites like this and blog about what a terrible person she is. They're not stupid they know what brings in the ratings. How many people would watch if they were this prim and proper family who never argues, and who have perfect kids! Can you say Stepford Wives... Kind of creepy! And who cares about how much they're making, good for them! It's expensive to raise a family with 3 kids, they have a way to afford all 8 of their kids, feed them, clothe them, send them to college. People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones! I guess because your lives are perfect that gives you the right to say VERY hurtful things about others!! And one last thing, her 8 kids are lot better behaved than some kids in families alot smaller, doesn't that say something. Calling a little girl a b**** is wrong no matter whose kid it is. GROW UP!

I am raising 7 fetal alcohol foster children. Many times I catch myself saying things to my wonderful, helpful husband that i regret. At times like these I stop and think "I sounded just like Kate" so I either change my words or my tone and it sounds so much better and works better. I do love the show and can relate to so many situations. I hope the show will continue for and long time. It is fun watching the children grow.

I think Jon and Kate are both Amazing Parents. I have watched all of the seasons and watched the kids grow. But as the show goes on Kate gets more mean, Mady is more grouchy. Some of the episodes are just so boring. Some people think its unfair that they get all the free trips and clothes. But TLC is paying for half of the stuff. And the other half is free. If TLC was tired of paying for them do you think they would still be letting them have their show? I don't. Some stuff is a little over the top like a free trip to Hawaii!! And how many times did they stop during that trip? What about the restaurants? Plus they had a wedding!! And they didn't pay for anything. That's probably the only thing that a pitch over the top. But I thought the episodes were pretty fun to watch. At least the kids are getting to get out somewhere. If my parents had 8 kids we would be staying in out house all day. I am glad the kids have opportunities like they do. I have never been on a plane or a train! And I am an only child!!! I have also heard some people say that Jon moved out. I highly doubt that but who knows. We will see on May 25. If Jon is there then we will have a pretty good idea he is still with Kate. Speaking of Kate. She is so grouchy. Its very annoying. But I know its stressful having 8 kids but can you at least be a little more nice? Sometimes I wonder how Jon puts up with her. And other time I wonder how Kate puts up with Jon! But that is very very rare. And I know how it feels to be tired and grouchy. I have 5 kids so I have to put up with just half the stuff Jon and Kate do. :)

Like Jon and Kate always says, they are not the "perfect" parents in the world but they are doing a hell of a good job raising eight kids. And it's a reality show, I mean it must be stressing.

As long as Jon and Kate do not allow Mady to be filmed (the Globetrotters was so much fun wthout the princess throwing thirteen fits) and every once in a while Jon puts Kate in her place I may watch more episodes, but I am so tired of Kate not allowing anyone else (think friends, and family) to be part of the episodes. She may be loving what she is doing but I believe the show was about 6 children all with the same birthdate so that we could watch them grow.

I love the show and I hope it is not the end but at the same time I could never do it with cameras in my face 24-7. I think both Jon and Kate are amazing and I would love to be your caregiver even if just for a day. I run an In Home Day Care and I love it. I think about you guys often because all of my children go home at the end of a work day and yours do not. My husband watches as well and we have a daughter Maddy and Cara's age and we have a daughter the sextuplets age too and I always say to my husband picture it two of Madison and six of Mikayla and he gets stressed with our children so he could not imagine what Jon is going through. I hope what ever rock road you two are enduring that you get through it. It is never easy. Do the two of you ever go on dates just with yourselves. That really helped us when times were tough. Just a thought my prayers are with all 10 of you. Take Care

I read Jon now lives at his moms....I cant say I blame him .........I often wondered how long he was going to stay with Kate.she yells at him like he is a dog she is always hitting him ......its bad enough when she does it at home but out in public? the kids act like spoiled rotten so and sos and he gets barked at...........lets hope they stay together. and why couldnt you have been happy with the 2 you had? Cara has to be the best I just love her. Matty is the poutiest thing Ive ever seen.the little ones have seen the mom hit daddy so often they walk by one and smack one on the head. Having a child with head injuries I cant imagine why a nurse would allow it. ALL I CAN SAY IS GOOD LUCK. Jon be nice those kids will miss you alot.

Also, for a large family, a larger house is in need. If the average size family need a 3 bedroom house, then obviously the price is lower than the Gosselin's needs for a 5+ bedroom house. We aren't talking about a million-dollar home for a family of 4. The kids do need space to grow up around each other. If they were cramped in their old house still and grew up to be teenagers, the viewers would then complain of how Jon and Kate are cramping their children in a small space.

It's okay for a family of 4 to own a moderate size house and to ask for donations; but not okay for a family of 8 to own a large house and ask for donations? It's all relative..

Hey i wanted to know if it's True that Jon and Kate are getting a Divorce? i hope not because that i would be so sad and really i dont think it's true because Jon and kate are so in love and there care about each other and plus i love Jon and Kate Plus 8 it's a great Tv Show

I used to watch the show and loved the children and watching them grow. I never liked the way Kate talked or acted towards Jon, but figured all marriages have their "moments" and Jon and Kate's just happened to be caught on film. But the past 2 seasons have not been the "reality" TV that TLC is trying to show. All the free trips, tummy tuck, hair transplant, teeth whitening, and now the $1.3 million dollar estate, the personal chef, the personal assistants, neither parent working, charging for engagements, etc., etc., etc. In a time where people are losing their jobs and homes, where both parents are working one, even two jobs each to make ends meet, seeing the Gosselin's continue to benefit from marketing their children is not reality. I no longer watch the show and TLC should take a good look at what they are promoting as a reality show. They want reality? Let TLC follow average people trying to juggle bills to keep food on the table and creditors away. THAT is what most of us could relate to now.

I commend Jon and Kate for giving their 8 children a good life at the expense of having a microscope on them constantly. The price of aligning with TLC. It definitely has its good and bad points. I believe that Jon and Kate love each other and that they live by Christian values in their home. I would encourage Kate to honor her husband more by not berating him and talking to him as if he was a child. I find it very disturbing that she continues to do this. Watching past interviews should be speaking volumes to her in respect of putting Jon down to lift herself up. I pray that she will seek God's forgiveness in this area of her life and start honoring Jon for his steadfastness and faithfulness to her in the midst of this kind of behavior and attitude. This kind of behavior will be passed onto the children as well because they are witnesses to it.

I can't believe jon lets kate push him around the way she does

It's fun to watch this for awhile, but it also gets dull as it drags on. It gets too slapstick at times, which can be irritating. On the other hand, it's always fun to see a family like them once in a while.

This show is very entertaining, and shows us that these people are normal like us, and have their ups and downs. No one is being exploited; TLC makes money from the show, and the family gets things that there is no way they could afford normally.

This family gets more than other reality tv "stars" who producers use for ratings. The people who starve themselves on Survivor don't get paid anything, but no one complains about them. MTV has put volitile and emitonally shallow people together on the Real World for more than 15 years now for our entertainment, and all that they could hope for was a shot at acting, modeling, or music gig afterwards if they got noticed.

These kids wouldn't be able to experience things like Disney World and the beach if it wasn't for TLC. Jon and Kate also get their child's lives documented like no one else by being a part of this.

Say what you will, but they are inspiring. My head would explode if I found out I was going to be responsible for 8 kids! It makes me think "If these people can do it with 8 kids, I can pull off 1!"

I sped-read through a lot of the comments - both encouraging and some, not so much. A lot of you seem to think it's hypocritical for Jon and Kate to be asking for "financial help" since they are supposedly getting freebies from TLC et al. to be filmed. Now, I don't think any of us can claim to know who is receiving what and to what extent. Nor do we know precisely who's making what decisions and for what reason. It's unfair to assume Kate and Jon have primary decision making power - engagements, excursions, etc. make the show more entertaining thereby retaining and encouraging viewership. I'm going to go with the whole "getting freebies" and "asking for financial help" angles and see if I can't put things in perspective.

When Jon and Kate realized they would have to prepare for the possibility of six children to add to their family of four, it no doubt sent the stress level through the roof. We have a flailing economy; we have a corporate system where people are being paid less to do the same jobs (or more) than their predecessors; plus many families find both parents working just to afford one or more children. They were given the option of ‘selective reduction’ and said “NO”. It went against their belief system. While I imagine there never would’ve been a show done had they chosen that option (and we wouldn’t be hearing arguing about it), I imagine a legion of pro-lifers would’ve been on them the moment they heard such a decision was being considered. Now, given my points regarding the up-hill battle of trying to raise a couple of kids, never mind 8, in a world like we have today, many of us are going “WHY?” Why did they do it? Because it was right for them and they were determined to make it work. They believed all their babies deserved a fighting chance and were going to give it to them as best they could.

Much of the financial help came before and has continued since (this is the circumstantial information I’m going with). Programs have been put in place both in the US and in Canada (and I’m sure elsewhere) that parents of multiples receive some help in the form of “freebies”. But when you have six kids all at once, that “help” only goes so far. Miracle #1 was all the babies and Kate surviving what could’ve been a very dangerous and potentially fatal pregnancy. Enter Miracle #2 in the form of TLC. What they offered in exchange for filming the lives of the family must’ve been a God-send. Picture trying to do any of the things that you see Jon and Kate do with their brood with your families. Think of the expense. Jon and Kate knew that what little they did have and what they garnered through donations would be all they would have to work with. These kids would likely never have traveled; coordinating outings would’ve been a massive effort (especially with running and rambunctious toddlers). TLC offered this family a chance to do things that they never would’ve dreamed possible. We all want to give our children the world; to have the opportunities that we had or didn’t have. Jon and Kate are no exception and shouldn’t be criticized for pouncing on an opportunity to give their kids something they knew full well they wouldn’t be able to give them the day that Kate found out she was having sextuplets. In addition, with the help of handlers and nannies, Jon and Kate are able to give their kids one-on-one time which they wouldn’t necessarily have been able to do if it was just the two of them. Kids do need to feel special; it individualizes them. If they’re lost in a crowd, they will find other ways to get attention that are not always positive. It also allows for Jon and Kate to have special relationships with each of their kids. The early years are the most critical and until such time the kids are older and more independent, this is a perfect arrangement.

I for one do not subscribe to the notion that Jon and Kate alienated family and friends over money disputes. I don’t know what happened with Aunt Jody or any of the other folks who were helping the family out in the early seasons. I’m sure many people are wondering. But let’s think on this shall we? Jon and Kate’s old house was outfitted with special lighting for the film crew so the kids wouldn’t be tripping over cables. This is a house – not a sound stage. It’s small. You turn a corner and you’re face to face with a camera. It’s claustrophobic enough to have 8 kids in the house but on top it, you have an entire film crew to deal with! Not everybody is comfortable with so much going on. During a recent episode, Jon and Kate were talking about the move to the new house and Jon observed what an upheaval it would be for the family since their established routine allows things to “run like a well-oiled machine”. The minute there isn’t a routine, it becomes chaos – 8 kids or no. Anyone with kids knows this as well as I do and trying to achieve normalcy for yourself and your family while being filmed is difficult enough. Whenever the kids go to Aunt Jody’s or elsewhere, all the things that work so well at Jon and Kate’s doesn’t necessarily work well outside the home. These people are put out while they’re trying to help out. But they realize the importance of doing this for the kids (it IS for the kids) and muddle through it. However, at some point someone has to stand up and say, “I honestly can’t do this anymore; we’re going to have to make alternate arrangements.” So suddenly, we don’t see these familiar faces anymore and are left to wonder “WHY?”

Ok, so they’re getting flack about what they’re charging for autographs and engagements. The reason it’s called “15 Minutes of Fame” is because it’s short-lived. At some point, the kids exit the cute phase (as many of you pointed out) and start aging. Viewership drops and the show is cancelled. It happens all the time and I’m sure Jon and Kate are savvy enough to know it. I’m also pretty sure that Jon and Kate have done a great deal of financial planning before and since TLC knocked on their door. I checked around the internet and www.babycenter.com actually has a “cost of raising a child” calculator. From birth to 18 the range could be as low as $200,000 or as high as $500,000 per child. It doesn’t seem like much but take $200,000 and multiply by eight you get $1,600,000 while $500,000 multiplied by eight is $4,000,000. It doesn’t take into account everything; a lot can change in an eighteen year period. I’m guessing Jon and Kate have been tucking away their nest egg because once TLC is gone, it’s back to ‘reality’. At some point people will stop caring and the engagements and interviews will be gone. Keep in mind to that anytime Jon and Kate go for an interview, it is a plug for TLC. Not just for “Jon and Kate Plus Eight” but for all the other shows on TLC. TLC isn’t stupid – this is a great marketing strategy. I’d be interested to know precisely what TLC pays for. I’m not entirely sure they would pay for a whole house for them. Which means it would come out the family’s pockets. It may be a million dollar house, but it comes with utility bills, property taxes – the works. Not so sure TLC would continue paying that once the show is over, hmmmm?

Lastly, I want to talk about the “exploitation”. Jon and Kate limit the number of days the film crew spends filming them. These parents understand the need for normalcy for these kids. But they also realize that the show is going to help raise them financially. America gets to see the lives of a family of eight while the family itself saves for the future. If you want to understand real exploitation, type “Dionne Quints” into a search engine. It’s an element of Canadian history I’m not particularly proud of, but it serves as a lesson in the very definition of exploitation.

I hope some of you will keep these things in mind as you watch or bash the show. Thanks for reading.

Hi , just one question do you think the show will still be on when the kids are teenagers?

I love this show! Jon and Kate are normal people living thier lives and doing what they need to. They always acknowledge the resorts and companys that give them freebies and they are aware that they would not have the oppertunities/holidays without the show. Kate is very aware of how difficult her life could be and she realizes how blessed she is to have Jon, the show and support from her fans. They have never hid how hard things were in the beginning when they had to stay away from home and when they needed to rely on The Ronald McDonald house. They also made a donation to the charity when they were able.They also knew the risk of multiples when they were seeking help with the fertility drugs and made the brave decision not to reduce and have just one baby. If you don't like the show, don't watch, it is as simple as that. There is no need to be critical, the show is what works for them and has made thier lives eaiser and as a mom I think almost anyone would agree that any help is good help, no matter where it comes from! I hope they continue to do the show for as long as they are able as it is nice to watch a happy, loving family who has been truly blessed!

Jennifer
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

You know for a fact that they make 100,000 an episode? Everyone else is saying 65,000...I guess as people read about them they just add more numbers to make it look worse..cameras on 24/7, I don't think so, 3 to 4 days per week...nannies, looks like one girl, Jennie.....chefs, food is brought in when they film, for cast and crew..I guess you think she should cook for the crew....I am sure Jon can handle being married to Kate, they love each other..Why is that so hard for people to believe...People who have so much to say must be PERFECT..

My 11 year old daughter enjoys this show. I sometimes watch with her, but find the tummy tuck, hair transplant, teeth whitening, hokie renewed wedding wows in Hawaii all a bit of a side story that should be on dr. 90210...don't want to be there for the boob lift later. 11 year olds don't buy wedding gowns or book vacations...stay on topic.

Keep to the dailyness...forgive your family, forgive yourself Kate...Stop being a hypocrite...talking about family as if you haven't destroyed yours....teach Maddie some self control..she is so angry..like you...you seem to be talking about how you will "always" love each other and stay together as if you are fearful it can't happen because any kind person in your life you have crushed and abandoned. Selfish. Life is short.

All right. I'm tired of hearing about how "tough" they have it in raising 8 kids. Isn't there a couple of other shows out there (can't recall the names) in which one has 12 kids and the other has 17!!??
Sort of makes the Gosselins seem insignificant, doesn't it? Anyways, as far as how "tough" they have it, I bet there's lots of people who could only wish they had a chef, gardner, countless material "freebies", not to mention the "paid for" trips to Hawwaii, Disney, etc.....

Also, the money. They have more than most might think. It's "millions". Yes, MILLIONS! Do your homework and you can find out how much they get paid in terms of PER EPISODE, PER SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT (plus family pictures SOLD at these engagements) and many more. As far as any bills go that ANY family must endure, TLC covers a heck of a portion which includes lights, heat, and so on. These people are milking their situation as much as possible, because without this show they would have been on welfare and they KNOW it. Go ahead people, print this page now for future reference and mark my words.......in the future, when they no longer appeal to the public and their popularity disappears and there's no more show, they will have no use for anybody and they'll be sitting pretty with a sickly amount of cash and merchandise and will be pleading with the media and public to leave them and their kids alone. This isn't a prediction.....it's a guarantee!

I love the show and I love the way Jon and Kate interact. They are real people, not movie stars acting from a script. I give them both credit because to raise that many children in a loving and caring environment, without losing their minds, is a miracle in itself. I know so many people who lose it with just raising one or two kids.

Those of you giving Kate a hard time, get a grip! She's doing the best she can. She never complains about her family and some of your comments seem to indicate that she got what she asked for. Come on! She has to be organized and task oriented to get the things done that need to be done on a day to day basis with raising 8 children. Jon wasn't helping her much in the beginning, but he's coming around too. He's a great father and I love watching both of them deal with the kids.

Kate's love taps are cute too. Have you noticed that Jon gives a sly smile when she gives a love tap. I'm sure if he didn't like it, he would have not problem asking her to stop.

I love the show and love watching the kids. With 8 kids, Kate can't have her eyes on all of the kids every single moment of the day so when they squabble and end up bonking another sibbling on the head, well, gues what? That's what kids do. Have you noticed that when they're caught doing it, Kate makes sure to stop them. So does Jon. Cut them some slack people.

Jon and Kate, I love your family and I, for one, give you both credit for the awesome job you're doing in raising your children. They are all beautiful and very precious.

Jon, you're an awesome man who stepped up to the role of husband and father nicely. I'm glad to see you offering to help Kate more by asking "what can I do for you?". That moment on camera almost brought a tear to my eye. Keep up the great work.

Kate, you are supermom! I love watching you and give you so much credit for not losing your mind. LOL. Keep up the great work and don't ever apologize for being real. If people can't handle it, well, I guess they're perfect people and shouldn't be watching the show! I look forward to each episode every week.

God's blessings on your beautiful family.

Franca R.
in British Columbia, Canada

This show is honest and heartwarming. It is obvious that both Jon and Kate love their kids. It is also obvious that we get to see moments that do not shed them in a positive light - even so, they do a wonderful job. I would be interested to see some footage of many of the others who have commented here, since you must be perfect parents! I know that I argue with my husband, yet we still have a healthy relationship. The reality of a large family is that there is a lot of emotion. I have nothing but respect for Jon & Kate. Take a step back before you attack them.