Common Sense Media Review
Mild behind-the-scenes look at an unusually large family.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
19 Kids and Counting
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 13 parent reviews
Parents say the show is divisive, with some reviews highlighting it as a wholesome family program that promotes positive values, while others criticize it for its outdated messages regarding gender roles and education. Many express concerns about its suitability for younger viewers due to themes surrounding marriage and child-rearing, and some reviewers find it both repetitive and boring.
- wholesome family values
- outdated messages
- viewer concerns
- repetitive content
- suitable for older kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 21 kid reviews
Kids say they appreciate the positive messages and family values depicted in the show, enjoying its wholesome content and the portrayal of a large, well-mannered family. However, some viewers express concern over the ultra-conservative values and strict upbringing of the children, feeling that it may limit their ability to engage with the outside world and questioning the fairness of gender roles enforced within the family.
- positive messages
- conservative values
- family dynamics
- gender roles
- viewer concerns
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
19 KIDS AND COUNTING offers TV viewers a look at the daily life of the Duggar family of Arkansas, which has already achieved some fame, including appearances on The Today Show. Managing their clan of 19 kids -- whose names all begin with J -- presents Jim Bob Duggar and his wife Michelle with their own unique challenges, all of which they approach with faith and traditional values.
Is It Any Good?
Despite the fact that they severely limit their children's access to TV, the Internet, and other mainstream media, the Duggar clan has become quite famous thanks to their voyeuristic reality show. 19 Kids and Counting contains lots of positive messages about family, faith, and love, thanks to Michelle and Jim Bob's gentle, but firm, approach to parenting, and the children's willingness to help their parents and each other without being bratty or disrespectful. The series also showcases the unique steps the family takes to keep the household running smoothly, as well as some of the family and faith-based activities they participate in.
While they don't discuss all the specifics of their conservative Christian beliefs or their participation in the controversial Quiverfull Movement (which views having large families as a way of promoting their faith) on camera, later seasons of the show stirred up some controversy thanks to Michelle's high-risk -- and highly-publicized -- 19th and 20th pregnancies, one of which resulted in a miscarriage. As a result, one can't help but wonder why they are putting themselves, and some of their more personal moments, in the secular limelight. But if you can get past this, the show is certainly a peek into a different world.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why the Duggars were asked to appear on a mainstream TV reality show. Why do you think the Duggars agreed to be on a TV show, despite the fact that they do not allow cable access in their home?
Do the Duggars ever fully explain why they have chosen to have so many kids? Why do you think they are willing to share some of the highs and lows relating to some of the latest pregnancies with the public? Why do some people find this controversial?
How do the Duggars compare to other large families featured in the media?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 29, 2008
- Cast : Jennifer Duggar , John Duggar
- Network : TLC
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : March 28, 2026
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