Strollerderby

Courting Controversy: Is Jon and Kate Plus 8 Done?

Posted by JeanneSager

More proof that even bad press is good press?

News that Jon Gosselin might be cheating on the mother of his eight kids, along with an expose that calls Jon and Kate out for a multitude of pandering sins that relate directly to their parenting, helped boost Jon and Kate Plus 8's TV ratings to the highest ever in their season finale on Monday night. 

The episode got the most ever viewers of any one episode in its four seasons, and knocked out NBC, the CW, CBS, and Fox among women aged eighteen to thirty-four. In fact, of any ad-supported cable show in its time slot, Jon and Kate's finale had the most viewers in almost every demographic. 

So why? Is it the controversy? Oh yeah. 

There's rumor swirling that the Gosselins might be calling it quits on their show. Because of all the other rumors out there, from Jon's alleged cheating to Kate's harping prompting a divorce, the Gosselins have made it clear that they're starting to tire of the public eye.

But then again, maybe not. There are several episodes already banked, including a Gosselins go green episode set to air in April.

In a Q&A on their Website, the Gosselins have said they don't pay attention to negative press. "First of all, we don’t have time to worry about what people are saying and second of all, we know that our show is benefiting so many people that we need to continue. Any flack we receive is just typical stuff that anyone on TV on a regular basis receives. Furthermore, although this is the absolute hardest job (aside from raising 8 kids, that is) that Jon and I have ever had, it is also the most amazing blessing that we can be home with our children while working and when asked, all 8 of our children agree…for now, we need to continue on…and so we will!"

They're certainly not hurting for money now - not with a $1.3 million home, book deals and dozens of speaking engagements (part of the controversy in the expose). It's very possible they could stay home now - without the cameras - and be just fine. 

Do you think they will call it quits? Or do you see another year of Jon, Kate and their six kids? 

Image: Discovery Store

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Comments

 

Mae said:

I actually enjoyed the show before all of the negative press. I had noticed that Jon and Kate were not connecting in the same way they used to during the interviews. I hope that they do take a break and figure out their own relationship. Even if the kids are enjoying being on Television, it doesn't help to have parents who are no longer together if that is where the relationship is headed.

March 27, 2009 6:37 PM
 

Maureen said:

I've only seen the show once or twice a while back... but if it were me and I had a nice house and a book deal, I'd kick the cameras out.

March 27, 2009 8:23 PM
 

Courtney_Lou said:

You mean Jon and Kate and their eight kids?

March 27, 2009 8:56 PM
 

elohveeee12 said:

I love the show, I have been watiching it from the beginning. And if you watched the last one, Jon said that he can't deal with the publicity anymore. That he "can't be Jon, he has to be Jon and Kate plus 8 and thats hard to deal with" or something along those lines. Kate has no problem with it, and she wants to continue shooting. that was where the "controversy" was. they disagreed about whether or not to continue shooting the show. And since Kate wants to, I am betting they will go one more season.

March 28, 2009 10:19 AM
 

Mike Adamick (Cry It Out!) said:

I just want to know who would cheat with Jon. Seriously, Jon? And now back to deep thoughts...

March 28, 2009 10:27 AM
 

ssg said:

Maybe the next series that TLC will air will be Jon and Kate Separate.  lol

March 28, 2009 2:47 PM
 

MomofBeans said:

Mike: my sentiments exactly. LOL! Could you imagine being out at a bar and some guy starts hitting on you and you look up and it's FRIGGIN JON. I would die.

March 28, 2009 5:50 PM
 

Twyla said:

I know a couple of money-hungry chicks who would hook up with Jon and then take some hush money. Let's not rule out the girls who give us all a bad name from time to time. Hello, Monica Lewinsky? Bill Clinton is no hottie!

March 28, 2009 11:36 PM
 

MomofBeans said:

I'm just saying, a guy with eight kids and a ball-busting wife would not be my choice for an easy mark if I was looking for a married guy to hustle. I feel like Kate would call a bluff and sell John out before she parted with any of that money.

March 29, 2009 12:06 PM
 

Ellie said:

I dont think that they're going to stop. They needed a cliffhanger. Something to draw people in. They also needed to take a break cause it got to the point where their shows caught up to their real life. They took 2 months off roughly between the move and the last episode and they were finally current. They did the same thing last year and went off for a few weeks before coming back and doing almost a full year of new shows.

They needed to get back to the point where they were ahead of what was being put out so that they can properly edit and do the interviews. They dont always do the interviews the same day as the events, which you can tell because they refer to the events as "that day."

I think Jon is having trouble, not with the show, but with the ridiculous rumors. As are the people featured in the photos. Those werent put out to the world by the people in the pictures, in fact, the person who sold the story wasn't even at the event. And the people who were there/owned the place are now considering suing for misrepresentation (not of Jon, I doubt they cared that much about him because as they said, they hardly new he was there. He came in, played some beer pong, took some pictures, hung out on the couch a bit, and left; but of themselves. Their reputations are just as much at stake as his are).

I think Jon wants to continue the show, I just think he's having a hard time trying to figure out how to have a life, too. At this point, it doesnt matter if the never air another episode or not, Jon is no longer just Jon, and he can never be again. That's what he's having problems with. It's very much like being a multiple; he's seen as the group, not the person. Which is what he was trying to convey in the last interview.

And as Kate said, everyone in the family came to that realization at some point or another, and it was very hard for them, but they all got past it. And now it's just Jon's turn. Unfortunately, though, Jon's is more pronounced to the rest of the world because it has to do with this rumor.

March 30, 2009 7:45 AM
 

Observer said:

Here is a DRUNK Jon with different girls from different nights. He has 8 kinds at home! But! He also has KATE at home so can you really blame him? Check out all of the pics at

thegirlfromtheghetto.wordpress.com/.../when-will-jon-gosselin-divorce-kate-gosselin

April 1, 2009 5:43 AM
 

joan gallagher said:

ohh!!!, you have gone to far---- kate, get out of this show NOW!!, i'm a mom of four in 5 yrs.  they are funny, but private! enjoy life, but private! in complete control, of there're kids, grandparents, etc.  get away from this show,  please, it was funny in the beginning,  not anymore!!you lost your control,

April 5, 2009 6:27 PM
 

Kathy said:

I noticed this last season that there was more of a disconnection between Jon and Kate.  I hope I am wrong especially for those childrens' sake.  It might of been highly rated but I didn't enjoy watching them as much. I know there are alot of people out there that like to watch train wrecks but I really want this couple to make it and that means putting their marriage first.  

April 8, 2009 11:29 AM
 

Alexis said:

I really enjoy the show but I must say Kate, often times is very unfair to Jon.  She takes her frustration out on him and at times appears to be very selfish and what's with her hair do?

April 8, 2009 12:11 PM
 

jaybee said:

I really love this show, and yes Kate is mean to jon, and its probably hard on them if they want to fight  to clear the air. I myself couldn't do what either one of these 2 do on a daily basis. I too have noticed that jon and kate are not close and they never hug or kiss each other . I don't think they should maul each other, but children can  tell little things lilke this. I hope they do continue their show, those children are so sweet and adorable, but they need two loving parents.

April 8, 2009 3:59 PM
 

Ilena said:

I really love this show. Everybody now sees Jon as a bad guy, I believe all men need time for theirselves,(no for cheating just to take a breake from home) If Kate treats him as a child is because that is what she does the whole day working with kids. If they dont kiss in the program is because they are working and their privacy is behind doors. Im a mother and a wife and sometime is not easy without cameras just imagine how can you handle it with cameras and people around you. Its good for them to take a break from the show, but please we want to see more of you guys, we want to see the kids growing up and their opinions.

April 8, 2009 5:47 PM
 

tsays said:

Paid appearances? Product Placement? Isn't this just the reality of reality shows?

If I needed a regular check to pay for 8 kids, I am pretty sure I would do some "out of the box" thinking to do what I needed to do for my kids, and give them a good life. This isn't exactly "Housewives of Orange County" here - this is real life for a couple who balances a relationship, children, schools, religion and its a dynamic situation.

Personally, when I watch the show, I take another birth control pill, and thank god that I don't NEED to have cameras in my house, my relationships and my life.

April 9, 2009 5:08 PM
 

Dotty L said:

I hope the family does stay together and I hope Kate is more respectul of Jon. Bring back Aunt Jody

April 10, 2009 10:52 AM
 

Dotty L said:

I hope the family does stay together and I hope Kate is more respectul of Jon. Bring back Aunt Jody

April 10, 2009 10:52 AM
 

Debbie Hixson said:

First of all my family and I have watched the show from the very beginning and wouldn't miss an episode.  It has to be very hard on the family having the camera crew around every waking moment of their lives but on the other hand they new what they were getting into when they were first approached about doing the show.  As for as Aunt Jody returning I doubt that will ever happen.  I heard that the producers wanted to pay her as well since she was in the taping so much and Kate put her foot down and said that Jon and her would be the only ones to be paid.  Kate and Jody went off on each other and they are not speaking now.  Now, Kate are you not collecting enough money for your family.  Remember Jody is family too.  Good luck to you and if you guys are ever in the St. Louis area please look us up, we would love to show you around our city.

April 10, 2009 7:08 PM
 

tammy fauth said:

i think your show is awesome i hope you come back . i think you aRE AWESOME PARENTS . KEEP IT UP YOU ARE GREAT ROLE MODELS

April 16, 2009 1:12 PM
 

Jessica said:

FIRST...  Kate... do 2 things.  1... shut the fk up, and stop bching a Jon.

SECOND... Kate... GROW YOUR HAIR OUT!!  Business in the front, chaos in the back doesn't work.  It's a half mullet/half porcupine ripoff.  

NASTY

April 17, 2009 4:21 PM
 

lea said:

Kate and Jon,

You have blessed our family by just watching your show. You have made me a better mother and my husband a better Dad. Both of your ups and downs is almost refreshing to see we are not the only couples making life work.  Please continue to do the show, as we love you.  Thanks, lea

April 19, 2009 9:50 PM
 

Jesssyyy said:

LOVE JON AND KATE PLUS 8.<3 its the bomb. its my favoritwe show!!!!!!!! EVERRR. i REALLY want them to continue. i have seen every episode! #1 fan people!!

im blessed to be watching this show!

THANKS SOO MCUH FOR MAKING IT(:

April 20, 2009 4:34 PM

About JeanneSager

Jeanne Sager is a writer who lives in upstate New York with her husband, daughter, a dog and too many cats. She refuses to believe motherhood comes with pumpkin appliqued sweaters, and she';s not ready to apologize for having only one child. She writes about raising her kid in her own hometown and the mom stuff she's not embarrassed to own at her blog, Inside Out (http://jeannesager.blogspot.com), she's contributing editor of Grand Magazine, and she's a regular essayist here on Babble

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