Watch 18 Kids and Counting
- TV-PG
- 2011
- 11 Seasons
-
2.8 (2,649)
18 Kids and Counting from TLC is a reality television show that follows the lives of the Duggar family, a devoutly Christian family from Arkansas, as they navigate daily life with their large family. The show originally aired in 2008 and ran until 2015, over the course of which the Duggars' number of children increased from 18 to 19.
The show focuses on Jim Bob Duggar and his wife Michelle, who have been married since 1984 and chose to have as many children as God would give them. Each episode showcases various adventures and challenges that the Duggars face, as well as the values and beliefs that guide their daily lives. The show is a mixture of family bonding, humor and fun as well as serious conversations about raising their children with strict religious principles.
Due to the large number of children in the family, the show is able to highlight each child's unique personality and showcase their different talents and interests. The older children often take on responsibilities such as cooking meals and taking care of their younger siblings, which allows viewers to see the importance of teamwork and responsibility within a large family.
Throughout the various seasons, viewers watch as the Duggars experience everything from home births, to adopting a child from Liberia, to helping with disaster relief efforts in Joplin, Missouri. The show also highlights the family's strict religious beliefs, which include dressing modestly, avoiding birth control, homeschooling, and not dating until courting with the intention of marriage.
In addition to showing their daily lives, the Duggars also use the show to share their beliefs and Christian faith with viewers. Each episode ends with a section called "Duggar Discipline," where Jim Bob and Michelle discuss how their faith influences their parenting choices and rules for the kids. Topics range from obedience, forgiveness, and honesty, to raising children with a heart for missions work and spreading the gospel.
One of the aspects of the show that draws viewers in is the Duggars' commitment to serving their community and helping those in need. From volunteering at local charities to traveling to other countries to assist with disaster relief efforts, the family's dedication to service is a central theme throughout the show.
Another notable aspect of the show is the courtship process that the older Duggar children go through when they become interested in pursuing a romantic relationship. The family does not allow casual dating and instead practices "courting," which is a process where the couple gets to know each other while being supervised by family members to ensure they are following the family's strict moral guidelines.
Overall, 18 Kids and Counting showcases the daily lives of a unique family with strong religious beliefs and a dedication to serving their community. Through their adventures and challenges, the Duggars teach viewers the importance of teamwork, responsibility, and maintaining a strong faith-based foundation in all aspects of life.