'Jill and Jessa: Counting On' Premiere Date: The Spinoff Sparks Outrage, Viewers Calls for Boycott of TLC and Discovery Channels

By Annie Dee
Josh and Anna Duggar
Josh and Anna Duggar were married on September 26, 2008 and are currently expecting their fourth child. Duggar Family Blog

Some viewers cannot believe TLC will allow the Duggars to be back on television again, following Josh Duggar's scandal. Many are said to be boycotting the network for its move.

Almost five months after "19 Kids and Counting" is canceled, the Duggars, except Josh, will be returning to television with the spinoff series called "Jessa and Jill: Counting On." Most viewers, however, are allegedly disgusted by the network's move and had created a Facebook page asking for a boycott of TLC and all Discovery channels. The page is called "Take the Pledge, Boycott All Discovery Channels."

"Like this page to take the pledge on Dec 13, 20 and 27 2015 join us in boycotting all Discovery network channels for the one hour they are airing the TLC show Jill & Jessa Counting on 8/7 c This family minimized childhood sexual abuse showing victims they do not matter," the page reads. 

The new show, set to start airing on Dec 13, will be all about Jessa Seewald and Jill Dillard. The show will touch on Josh's current life as he undergoes rehab, but would mostly focus on Jill and Jessa's lives. Regardless of the focus, viewers could not believe that after the scandal involving childhood sexual abuse as perpetrated by Josh, TLC would even let the prominent family be back on TV. These ill-feelings are aggravated by the fact that a teaser showed Anna, Josh's wife, who is also a cast member.

So far, however, the Facebook page seems not to be working, especially in catching the attention of TLC. The Facebook page garnered more than a thousand likes, but TLC is said to be ignoring the page. As of now, the special is said to be pushing through. 

According to the ones who supported the Facebook page, the show should not push through because it will send a wrong message to society. If the show pushes through, it will imply that what Josh did was forgiven, and it is that easy just to move on from a childhood abuse case. Josh had molested five girls, including his very own sisters. With TLC's move to allow them back into television, many feel that it is akin to the network supporting child sexual abuse. 

"Jessa and Jill: Counting On" has not yet started but is already getting a lot of publicity. While TLC has not yet confirmed a full season for the new show, high ratings during its first episodes are likely to make TLC managers decide to have a full season. The three-part special will air on December 13 at 8/7c. 

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo