Watch Jon & Kate Plus 8
- 2007
- 5 Seasons
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4.5 (3,562)
From 2007 to 2009, TLC brought us Jon & Kate Plus 8, a reality TV show about a family of ten, including a set of sextuplets and twins. The parents, Jon and Kate Gosselin, allowed cameras into their everyday lives to give viewers a glimpse of what it's like to raise eight children simultaneously. The show was an instant hit due to the novelty of the family's size and the relatability of the Gosselin's struggles. With eight children under the age of 8, the family had their hands full. The episodes focused on the chaos of raising eight kids and trying to maintain a sense of order in the household. The show featured the everyday trials and tribulations of the family, which included bedtime routines, nap schedules, potty training, and trips to the grocery store. The Gosselins also faced the unique challenge of having to buy everything in bulk, from food to clothing to diapers. One of the main reasons the show garnered attention was the dynamic of the family's relationship. Jon and Kate had to work together to manage their large brood, but their personalities were quite different. Kate was portrayed as the strict and super-organized parent, while Jon was more laid back and carefree. Their different parenting styles sometimes lead to conflicts, which the cameras captured for viewers to watch. The six sextuplets: Aaden, Collin, Joel, Leah, Alexis, and Hannah, were the main focus of the show due to their age and unique experiences. They were often shown playing together, helping their mom with household chores, or going on outings as a family. The twins, Cara and Mady, were also included in the show, but they were shown less frequently since they were older and more self-sufficient. The show was not all fun and games, and there were plenty of ups and downs in the family's life. Viewers watched as the Gosselins navigated through the challenges of raising eight kids while dealing with financial stresses, health issues, and marital problems. As the show gained popularity, the Gosselins became household names, and fans eagerly followed their updates. Kate even went on to write a series of books about her experiences and appeared on various talk shows, furthering her celebrity status. The show eventually drew criticism from some, who thought the cameras in the family's face were invasive and unfair to the children, who may not have understood the implications of being on a reality show. Others argued that the show was exploitative and only served to feed the public's obsession with celebrity culture. Regardless of the controversies, Jon & Kate Plus 8 was undeniably a cultural phenomenon. It offered a glimpse into a unique family's life, and viewers couldn't get enough. The show ended in 2009 after five seasons, but its legacy lives on in pop culture history.