The long wait is over. Months following the molestation scandal involving Josh Duggar made headlines, TLC, the network that airs the family's reality show, "19 Kids and Counting," finally released an official statement that now puts all the speculations to rest with regard the future of the TV series.
"After thoughtful consideration, TLC and the Duggar family have decided to not move forward with 19 Kids and Counting. The show will no longer appear on the air," TLC shared in a statement released to various media outlets, according to New York Daily News.
Although the show has not been officially cancelled, the public will still see glimpses of the Duggar family as the network and the "19 Kids and Counting" stars agreed on working together to shed light on the intricacies involving the delicate issue at hand - child molestation, according to CNN Money. The network stated, "TLC will work closely with [two abuse advocacy 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."
Following the announcement of TLC to cancel the airing of "19 Kids and Counting," the Duggar clan heads, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, posted the family's response to the network's decision in their blog post. The entry, titled "Duggar Family Statement Regarding TLC's Announcement," shared that the family is grateful for the opportunity granted them to open up about their lives to the public. They wrote, "Years ago, when we were asked to film our first one hour documentary about the logistics of raising 14 children, we felt that it was an opportunity to share with the world that children are a blessing and a gift from God."
"Over the last several years people have said to us, "We love your show!" We have always responded, "It's not a show, it's our lives!" Our desire in opening our home to the world is to share Bible principles that are the answers for life's problems," Jim Bob and Michelle further shared.
Acknowledging the situation that led to the decision of TLC to cancel "19 Kids and Counting," both Jim Bob and Michelle described the ordeal as "terrible." Nonetheless, they shared that the family "found healing and a way forward" through "God's grace and help." They then wrote, "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."
