~ Kate Plus Eight ~

[walden]

I can buy that notion, so let me try and frame it another way...

I have a problem with the show knowing that the track record of the development of such children, who have had their childhoods put under such a media microscope, and what happens to them as adults isn't good... particularly when the filming occurs during a traumatic period in their lives. I've mentioned it periodically, but I see a lot of parallels between the Gosselins and America's first ever "Reality TV" family: The Louds, of PBS's "An American Family". The kids were teens in that mini-series that was designed to be final nail in the coffin of the concept of American "Ward & June Cleaver" style families. "American Family" also highlighted a divorce of the couple that occurred during filming. Later, one of the Loud children admitted that he often acted out for the cameras during filming because he wanted the air time. He later was quoted as saying "TV ate my family". In neither case were the TV cameras the "cause" of the breakup, but they clearly were a catalyst.

I'm also troubled by the fact that as opposed to other such realities shows, like the oft contrasted Duggars, when the show becomes the family's "life" (and not the other way around), that's an unsustainable model and a recipe for problems both financially and emotionally.

I guess the only "good" news about the revived show is that the emphasis has reportedly changed and that the kids won't be filmed every waking hour as before during production periods.

Very well put. Thank you! I agree with every word you wrote and can only add more "good" news. Now the children finally have work permits, we can also hope there will be better oversight by the Department of Labor over what is filmed, when filming is allowed, and how many hours the children will permitted to work.

 

[southernbohemian]

You see the finished product (not the 8 takes per scene it took to get the finished product) which means they did a lot of taping.

Then the Gosselin kids must be the best actors in the history of acting. Really? You think they make the kids stand around and whine all day over and over again so they can get different takes? Are we even watching the same show? Most of the footage of the kids is them running around, screaming their heads off. They used to do different takes of the kids opening "On this episode of Jon and Kate Plus Eight..." but I didn't see anything like that on this episode. They might have to do different takes on the couch scenes, but most of their answers seem fairly spontaneous, not like they're repeating a script. I really doubt that most of it isn't more reality than you're claiming.

 

[WeLoveLilo05]

Bingo! I just can't believe that they won't let this series die. Next thing the twins won't be filmed and the name will be changed to Kate plus 6. I can't believe people have the mindset that if you have 8 kids, you have to be a celebrity to survive. Large families struggle and survive everyday. Is this family so different? They live in a beautiful mansion in PA. Its unfortunate that their mother has alienated the majority of family and friends but the kids have each other and thats will have to make up for their fame seeking mother!

This is how I feel. My grandfather was the baby of 9 I believe, fiance's mom is the oldest of 6, and my fiance's dad is the baby of 15 !!!!!!! I know his dad lived in a very small house (maybe 3-4 small bedrooms?) with only 1 bathroom, I am sure by then though (since he was the baby) that some of his siblings may have moved out, but still his mom and dad raised that many kids and they did not have a million dollar home. Kate is seen crying in the limo b/c she misses her family and is torn, its very simple Kate, you don't NEED that mansion, you WANT that mansion. Your kids don't NEED to go to Discovery Cove, Hawaii, Cali, NYC, Dude Ranches, the Carolina, etc etc, YOU want that! New kitchen cabinets, Kate gets spa days, hair, make up, expensive clothing, shoes, purses, the kids have little jeeps, expensive birthday parties, kids have designer clothing (try going to a consignment shop, target?), the list just goes on and on. Seriously, the answer here is Kate is living way beyond her means and this is what she has to do to keep up with that.

 

[griffinstorme]

I'm wathching it now, literally. I love tivo

 

[DMRick]

I know,.,what's up with that. No other parent ever says that..or even feels like they are doing it all alone. She prob doesn't have to make decisions, or discipline alone. Nope, only she says that.

I hope you are just saying it to say it, that you really wouldn't prefer to see them live in a box on the side of the road with loving parents, than be on a TV show. If you really do, feel free to see what that is like..every night our local mission serves about 100 people. A couple of those loving families live in their cars. Believe me, what the G kids do, is better.

well, it takes the 'I do it all alone and pay for it all alone' spiel down a notch. That is her hook, but it's not entirely true is it?

There will never be enough for Kate. And those kids will be on tv earning for her until something forces the end of the show. And yes, i would rather they lived in a box by the side of the road with loving parents than rich and their lives displayed on tv for fame-seeking parents.

 

[Wonderlandmom]

The next show will probably be Disneyworld because they were seen there in May. For the kids sake hopefully that will be it.

I am hoping that part of their trip remains private. Kids should enjoy Disney without the camera this time. Time will tell.

I was thinking that the Discovery Cove portion was done towards the end of their Orlando trip. Not sure on that though.

 

[ZiPaD3doDAH]

For those saying that discovery cove is expensive...

Kate mentioned that Discovery Cove INVITED them aka. all expenses paid.

From what I can see, she didn't shell out $300+ per kid there, it was on them.

I don't like how TLC is paying Jon, he is such a dirt bag. He was fighting for custody yet he makes his kids sleep in sleeping bags when they are with him? thats hilarious to me.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

I know,.,what's up with that. No other parent ever says that..or even feels like they are doing it all alone. She prob doesn't have to make decisions, or discipline alone. Nope, only she says that.

I hope you are just saying it to say it, that you really wouldn't prefer to see them live in a box on the side of the road with loving parents, than be on a TV show. If you really do, feel free to see what that is like..every night our local mission serves about 100 people. A couple of those loving families live in their cars. Believe me, what the G kids do, is better.

I agree with you Doris, I'd much rather see those little kids on Kate+8 specials than living in a box on the side of the road. At least they would have shelter and a safe home. And I have worked in soup kitchens, it's a very sad sight to see a poor family with little ones waiting in line to get inside so they can have a bowl of chicken noodle soup and a bread roll. After my first time there, I went home and cried. I wouldn't wish that on any child regardless of if they're on tv or not. And I certainly wouldn't wish for them to live in a box rather than a safe, albeit large home.

While I don't agree with having kids on tv for a regular job, if I'm honest with myself, I'd much rather see them doing this than living poor and struggling to find shelter or food. All of these large families in the past that lived in 1 bedroom homes, do you think they were happy to lead that life? I'm sure some of those kids were hungry, digruntled and sad. My grandmother came from a family of 10 and they lived in a house with a dirt floor and a sick mother (bedridden). They scraped to put food on the table and my grandmother (to this day and she's 89) has said that she'd never, ever want to live that life again. She worked her behind off for all that she had, 2-3 jobs and had 5 kids.

I think Kate is screwed no matter what she does. When she did DWTS, people criticized her for being away from the kids. Yet if she's home, people are saying she has tons of help anyway. If Kate+8 is truly just a short series of specials, I'm ok with that. Because then Kate is with her kids. But if it turns into another 20-40 episodes per season, that would bother me since I'd feel that the kids are working and having to do a lot more rather than play and be home with their mom. Doris, are you shocked?

 

[madge]

I am hoping that part of their trip remains private. Kids should enjoy Disney without the camera this time. Time will tell.

I was thinking that the Discovery Cove portion was done towards the end of their Orlando trip. Not sure on that though.

They got to enjoy Disneyland several weeks ago without it being on TV (that we know of, anyway ... the rest of the episode descriptions haven't been announced) and I'm not sure I read any reports of seeing a camera crew when they were at WDW. Maybe neither activity will be shown.

 

[OhMari]

For those saying that discovery cove is expensive...

Kate mentioned that Discovery Cove INVITED them aka. all expenses paid.

From what I can see, she didn't shell out $300+ per kid there, it was on them.

I don't like how TLC is paying Jon, he is such a dirt bag. He was fighting for custody yet he makes his kids sleep in sleeping bags when they are with him? thats hilarious to me.

Kate said she received an e-mail from Discovery Cove after the 5th birthday party was aired. She never said if everything was paid for-just that they were invited to celebrate their 6th birthday at Discovery Cove, and she said it sounded like a great idea.

I just saw a few posts that said they liked what they saw at Discovery Cove and I knew the price tag per person is almost $300. 2 years ago it was $265, so I'm sure the price is up there. Me and my dd's swam with the dolphins in Cozumel and we paid $45 per person for the push/pull experience. The area was really nice in Cozumel, but we were in the gulf of Mexico, not a man made area like Discovery Cove.

 

[DMRick]

if Kate says that she has to work to literally put food on the table, then (IMO) she needs to take a serious look at her finances and make changes. That's a pretty drastic statement.

But the reality is, she's working to afford her lifestyle. there's a huge difference, IMO.

I don't understand? Isn't that what many people say when they talk about working? You have never heard a remark such as, if I didn't work, we wouldn't eat? Only the very poor would say that? Or someone just talking about working.

Do you know that if Kate stopped working, there is money in savings right now? Oh, that's right, she could be a nurse and make enough, to uh, pay a sitter? Sure, she could change her lifestyle by taking what would prob be a loss on the house and downsize, she could pull the kids out of school. But as she said (you didn't copy that part) she is taking any job to literally put food on the table and the kids in school. Good for her..she's working. People hated it that she took handouts..they hate it that she works (many here have said they hope her Twist show is a failure and they hated that she was on DWTS) and supports herself and the kids. I can see not liking the kids are being taped, but I don't get why people are not happy that she takes a job (and she was at that time talking about DWTS) to put food on the table.

 

[madge]

I don't understand? Isn't that what many people say when they talk about working? You have never heard a remark such as, if I didn't work, we wouldn't eat? Only the very poor would say that? Or someone just talking about working.

Good grief. Most people don't keep reminding people over and over that they must work to put food on the table. My opinion has and will always be that Kate says that she must work to provide for her children in a manner that suggests that they would be destitute if she didn't. Of course she works to provide the basic needs for her family, but does it have to be so dramatic all the time?! Really? I do it all alone (which she doesn't), to literally put food on the table, and whatever else she says in the interviews. I just read something from one of the entertainment rags on my Twitter feed where a "source" says Kate is tired of working her fingers to the bone and would like Jon to get a job. I have no doubt that she would LOVE for him to get a job, because WE have all said the SAME thing! But Kate's working her fingers to the bone? Please. She's busy do a job she enjoys, but hardly doing manual labor (which is what that phrase suggests to me).

Do you know that if Kate stopped working, there is money in savings right now? Oh, that's right, she could be a nurse and make enough, to uh, pay a sitter?

you know, a lot of people point out that Kate could/should fall back on her nursing skills, but that's not something you hear me say very often (if ever). I don't care if she works. That's her choice. What I cannot stand is the suggestion that they're one step from starvation if she doesn't work. THAT is what bothers me almost as much as the children being back in front of the camera.

Do I know if there's money in savings? No idea. We'll never know, unless there's an event that forces the bank accounts to be entered into public record.

Sure, she could change her lifestyle by taking what would prob be a loss on the house and downsize, she could pull the kids out of school. But as she said (you didn't copy that part) she is taking any job to literally put food on the table and the kids in school.

All I am saying is that there are changes that could be made, if Kate was TRULY in financial trouble. Since we don't know if she is, there's no reason to speculate on what would happen if she tried to sell the house. It's just like the whole idea that Kate longs to be home in the kitchen making cookies all day .. if that is a priority for Kate, then she should work towards that goal. And if she is working towards that goal, then say it! Tell people that you're working hard to be able to stay home with the kids for a while ... the only problem with that theory is then she'd actually have to stay home for a while and couldn't work, which she loves to do. It's a never ending cycle that we could go round and round about all day long.

 

[DMRick]

I'm not shocked. I know what you mean. My mom came from a family more than twice the size of your grandmother. It's not fun to be poor. It's easy for us to sit in our warm homes, our full belly's and judge what other's should do. I've done it.
I totally agree with your last paragraph, although I have to be honest and say that I had trouble watching the kids show last night. Kept wanting to fall asleep LOL.

I agree with you Doris, I'd much rather see those little kids on Kate+8 specials than living in a box on the side of the road. At least they would have shelter and a safe home. And I have worked in soup kitchens, it's a very sad sight to see a poor family with little ones waiting in line to get inside so they can have a bowl of chicken noodle soup and a bread roll. After my first time there, I went home and cried. I wouldn't wish that on any child regardless of if they're on tv or not. And I certainly wouldn't wish for them to live in a box rather than a safe, albeit large home.

While I don't agree with having kids on tv for a regular job, if I'm honest with myself, I'd much rather see them doing this than living poor and struggling to find shelter or food. All of these large families in the past that lived in 1 bedroom homes, do you think they were happy to lead that life? I'm sure some of those kids were hungry, digruntled and sad. My grandmother came from a family of 10 and they lived in a house with a dirt floor and a sick mother (bedridden). They scraped to put food on the table and my grandmother (to this day and she's 89) has said that she'd never, ever want to live that life again. She worked her behind off for all that she had, 2-3 jobs and had 5 kids.

I think Kate is screwed no matter what she does. When she did DWTS, people criticized her for being away from the kids. Yet if she's home, people are saying she has tons of help anyway. If Kate+8 is truly just a short series of specials, I'm ok with that. Because then Kate is with her kids. But if it turns into another 20-40 episodes per season, that would bother me since I'd feel that the kids are working and having to do a lot more rather than play and be home with their mom. Doris, are you shocked?

 

[DMRick]

I think she says it over and over as a defense mechanism. But I just don't get from it, that she is destitute. I get that she wants to stay ahead and make sure there will always be food on the table. That someone in the family has to make sure of that. I don't get that she is in financial trouble, but it wouldn't take much for many people to be there, once a job is gone. Who knows, maybe she is trying to get the house paid off, ahead on the bills and build up a kitty. The way most people here say it, she isn't apt to have a great paying job for long since she's so bad at everything she does, or they wish her failure. I don't see her going out and spending tons of money on stuff, since so far the shows she has been on seems to pay for just about everything. So I hope her savings is healthy.
Of course it has to be dramatic..no one would interview her if she just said, yes, I work. If Jon is paying her support, I'm not sure why she would care if he works or not.

Good grief. Most people don't keep reminding people over and over that they must work to put food on the table. My opinion has and will always be that Kate says that she must work to provide for her children in a manner that suggests that they would be destitute if she didn't. Of course she works to provide the basic needs for her family, but does it have to be so dramatic all the time?! Really? I do it all alone (which she doesn't), to literally put food on the table, and whatever else she says in the interviews. I just read something from one of the entertainment rags on my Twitter feed where a "source" says Kate is tired of working her fingers to the bone and would like Jon to get a job. I have no doubt that she would LOVE for him to get a job, because WE have all said the SAME thing! But Kate's working her fingers to the bone? Please. She's busy do a job she enjoys, but hardly doing manual labor (which is what that phrase suggests to me).



All I am saying is that there are changes that could be made, if Kate was TRULY in financial trouble. Since we don't know if she is, there's no reason to speculate on what would happen if she tried to sell the house. It's just like the whole idea that Kate longs to be home in the kitchen making cookies all day .. if that is a priority for Kate, then she should work towards that goal. And if she is working towards that goal, then say it! Tell people that you're working hard to be able to stay home with the kids for a while ... the only problem with that theory is then she'd actually have to stay home for a while and couldn't work, which she loves to do. It's a never ending cycle that we could go round and round about all day long.

 

[mousey]

Then the Gosselin kids must be the best actors in the history of acting. Really? You think they make the kids stand around and whine all day over and over again so they can get different takes? Are we even watching the same show? Most of the footage of the kids is them running around, screaming their heads off. They used to do different takes of the kids opening "On this episode of Jon and Kate Plus Eight..." but I didn't see anything like that on this episode. They might have to do different takes on the couch scenes, but most of their answers seem fairly spontaneous, not like they're repeating a script. I really doubt that most of it isn't more reality than you're claiming.

Yes the kids do stand around when they do a retake. Do you really think they get the perfect shot everytime? Yes I agree most of the footage is of them running around, screeming, all talking at once, etc......doesn't mean that wasn't shot 15 times. The whole show is scripted. Do you think the camera crew shows up in the morning and says, so what are we going to tape today??? Have you never heard these kids whine???? Please!

 

[mousey]

well, it takes the 'I do it all alone and pay for it all alone' spiel down a notch. That is her hook, but it's not entirely true is it?

There will never be enough for Kate. And those kids will be on tv earning for her until something forces the end of the show. And yes, i would rather they lived in a box by the side of the road with loving parents than rich and their lives displayed on tv for fame-seeking parents.

I know what you mean kidshop, as long as these kids have loving parents and a loving home it doesn't have to cost millions of dollars. There mother chooses their lifestyle with her seek for fame. Besides, why live in a box on the side of the road when they have all those crooked houses (Joke)

 

[lucas]

Watched the show last night. Another free trip.

 

[DMRick]

How do you know this? They would have to shoot 7/24 if they have all those retakes (15 X 9 people). How do you retake the kids running around? And if they do retakes, why do we see Mady's bad sides? Why not just retake it?

Yes the kids do stand around when they do a retake. Do you really think they get the perfect shot everytime? Yes I agree most of the footage is of them running around, screeming, all talking at once, etc......doesn't mean that wasn't shot 15 times. The whole show is scripted. Do you think the camera crew shows up in the morning and says, so what are we going to tape today??? Have you never heard these kids whine???? Please!

 

[DMRick]

Watched the show last night. Another free trip.

Wish I could get free trips. Well, I have gotten several free Southwest trips, but once I get there, I have to pay. I need a job with those kind of perks. Wait!!! I work for myself, I need to arrange that.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I think lots of people (including me) are really sick of the "woe is me" "poor me, all alone" Kate.

To me Kate really comes off with a sense of entitlement.

What was she planning on doing when she knew she was carrying six babies? Did she think - oh great I'll do a reality show and make money off my kids? She must have had some plan for them to support the kids.

Whether anyone wants to admit it or not Kate just loves the life of luxury. IMHO it seems like she is not willing to give it up for anything. If she can't make it on her own she'll just keeping doing shows making money off the kids.

I've said it before that DH and I supported all our children without any help from anyone. We chose to have a large family, and chose to support them and live a normal life. Kate doesn't seem to want a normal life - she's really bought into the whole "I'm a celebrity" persona. Do you ever think the "paps" would stop following them around if Kate would just stay out of the spotlight for awhile?