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Local filmmakers producing series on ‘multiples’

Posted on April 5, 2007 by Staff

By Taylor Sisk
Staff Writer

So many younguns! And each with his or her own personality!

That Jon and Kate Gosselin are able to individually identify—not only by physicality but personality traits—each of their 2-year-old sextuplets is perhaps the most amazing discovery in the first episode of a new series, “Jon & Kate plus 8,” produced by Carrboro-based Advanced Medical Productions for the Discovery Health Channel (Channel 35 in Carrboro and Chapel Hill). The series premieres next Tuesday, April 10, at 10 p.m. A sneak preview of that first episode made for compelling viewing.

In addition to the sextups—Alexis, Aaden, Collin, Leah, Hannah and Joel (Hannah’s the leader, Aaden’s intrepid; I forget the rest)—Jon and Kate Gosselin have 6-year-old twins, Cara and Mady. If you doubted before, you’ll never again after this viewing: fertility treatments are serious business.

The good news is that Kate and Jon not only clearly love their children very much, they seem to still like each other, which has got to help. Unlike that lady who lived in the shoe and who fed her lot “some broth without any bread and “whipped them all soundly, and put them to bed,” this brood has some real fun.

Episode one finds the family carving pumpkins for Halloween and apple picking. Mom and Dad playfully banter with one another, somehow find moments to sit on the couch, but otherwise spend their days schlepping eight kids in and out of a minivan the size of a train car, pretty much nonstop.

Advanced Medical Productions’ Shveta Berry, coordinating producer for the show, says the Discovery Health Channel’s target audience is mostly women, 18 and up. “Shows about multiples do really well for them, she says.”  This new series is a follow-up to two one-hour programs about the Gosselin family, also produced by Advanced Medical Productions.

I asked Berry if she thought there was any chance that Aaden might have once been Joel and vice versa—if mix-ups along the way might not be at least remotely possible. Having not been around when the six were infants, she couldn’t really comment, but did confirm they do today each “behave really differently…. Collin is quintessential boy. He loves to tumble; he takes advantage of his size.” As for Hannah, “She’s the boss, but she’s very timid about it all. She imitates Mom,” as witnessed in the scene when she calls out one of her siblings for an inadvertently soiled diaper.

“We’ve completed six [episodes],” says Berry, “and we are editing seven and eight; then we have 12 more to shoot, produce and edit.”

As we leave the Gosselins at the conclusion of this first half hour, Dad says, “I can’t imagine a different life. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.” May he still have it so good in Episode 20.

58 thoughts on “Local filmmakers producing series on ‘multiples’”

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  1. Mom of Just 3 says:
    April 18, 2007 at 10:12 am

    Raising children is stressful, challenging, and expensive. Society will benefit most if this family is supported in meeting the stresses, challenges, and costs they will face.

    I’d like to see Dr. Phil brought in to advise Jon & Kate on their communications skills, particularly between just the two of them as that sets of the dynamics of all other interactions.

  2. Mel says:
    May 5, 2007 at 8:20 am

    You know maybe they just died for chidlren… there is a feeling there when you learn you cant have them except by fertility drugs. and some poeple don’t believe in reduction. that is murder. not like they got pregnant that many times. And about having it on tv. Maybe they just wanted the world to have courage that it is possible if they have that many to survive.

  3. Editor says:
    May 5, 2007 at 9:22 am

    Editor’s Note:
    I’ve deleted two comments on this thread that I think crossed the civility line in that they included personal attacks. I think Mel’s comment is mainly in response to those previous comments.
    Thanks

  4. Diane says:
    May 8, 2007 at 11:54 am

    I enjoy watching the eight little ones, but am becoming increasingly uncomfortble with Kate’s treatment of Jon. The episode in Toys R Us was like watching a train wreck – it was awful to see how she was treating him, but I couldn’t stop watching how the scene played out. Perhaps when Kate views a couple of these episodes she will realize that what she deems taking charge borders on emotional abuse of her spouse.

  5. Ann Geiger says:
    May 12, 2007 at 11:26 am

    I too am somewhat disturbed by Kate’s demeaning behavior toward her husband and by her obviously untreated obsessive compulsive disorder. I was an RN for 32 years, worked part time when my two children came, and went through seven years of failed fertility treatments between their arrival. We eventually adopted our second child from Central America. So I have somewhat of the same background as Kate (even though my treatments never produced six children!) I had always had somewhat of an obsessive compulsive personality which gradually turned into severe anxiety with trying to cope with hospital work, fertility treatments and raising children. I have been taking the SSRI drug Zoloft for about 6 years, and I am a different person! I no longer hold myself to perfectionist standards and am so much more relaxed. Whenever I see Kate’s facial expression — tight and lifeless — I just wish that she could be medicated for her condition which is most likely genetic and is made worse by her present life circumstances!

  6. joanne walker says:
    June 15, 2007 at 7:26 pm

    I love the way Jon & Kate relate. It is just so real! They are wonderful parents raising great kids. They should be commended for their honesty, hard work & great values. I just love the show. Whoever judges them should take more Zoloft or check in to a psyc hospital.

  7. sarah says:
    June 19, 2007 at 7:23 am

    I LOVE this show! I commend them for being real on TV.I can’t imagine raising 8 children (6 the same age). I have one child and loose it sometimes. I think Jon and Kate are GREAT parents. I think they just feel overwhelmed at times and who wouldnt. People should stop judging them and commend them for there parenting. The only people who can really give there 2 cents are peolple with 1 set of twins and one set of sextuplits. BEST OF LUCK TO THIS WONDERFUL FAMLILY!

  8. jenny says:
    June 24, 2007 at 5:37 pm

    I am watching the episode of Christmas shopping at Toys R Us. If I had been shopping there that day, I would have personally apologized to Jon for the way his wife treated him like a dog! It was totally uncalled for. She does this constantly at home as well, not only with Jon, but with the children. Her daughters will probably grow up to be overbearing tyrants and her boys will probably grow up to abuse their wives and children. I felt so bad I had tears in my eyes. Kate needs to get professional help before it is too late.

  9. megan clark says:
    June 25, 2007 at 3:28 pm

    Hi,
    I think Kate treats her husband terrible. If I were Jon, I would divorce her tomorrow. She also is very picky with the children. The episode where she hired a housecleaner and then let her go, was ridiculous. I don’t clean that great. She obviously has money, or she couldn’t spen $100 on each child for christmas. I thought that was ridiculous. She doesn’t need to spend that much on 2 year olds and 6 year olds. She is living in a different world. Thank god she has friends to watch her kids. I have a set of twins and my life is nothing like hers. I am lucky to have my husband help at all. I don’t yell at my husband either. I don’t like the show because of her, but the kids are cute.

  10. 2 of my own says:
    June 26, 2007 at 11:44 am

    Like the others, I too LOVE this show. It is VERY REAL. The children are awesome and that’s due to the parents. Kate and Jon seem to have a WONDERFUL relationship considering all the stresses that they have. Their relationship must be strong first to have the order that they have with their children. As for Kate’s treatment toward Jon, sure it’s a little out of line at times. However, I’m sure many of us have done the same at one time or another – I know I have. At least Jon told Kate how he felt instead of bottling it up or erupting and Kate was apologetic. She’s type “A” and he seems to be a type “B” personality. It works, don’t fault them. Expressing emotions is healthy. Holding them back is what gets you to needing pychiatric help. And NO DRUGS!!! THIS FAMILY IS WONDERFUL!!

  11. Samantha says:
    July 2, 2007 at 6:41 pm

    I love this show!! I can’t wait until season 2.

    I think that people need to take a step back and look at it through someone else’s eyes. How would you react dealing with the pressure’s that they do? Give Kate a break. And honestly maybe you “Kate haters” are giving Jon too much credit. He may be intelligent and successful at his job and able to put his clothes on in the morning but it takes more than that to run a house with 8 children. I can completely relate to Kate. Kate is real and she knows her husband. She knows how he is and he knows how she is. I think they compliment each other…one is laid back and the other is more attention to detail- Perfect match.

    Can’t wait to see more.

  12. Mary says:
    July 12, 2007 at 11:12 am

    I just wonder… is Discovery Health paying the Gosselins a lot to do this show? If not, they should. And I hope that the 8 kids are at least getting a college fund set up… after all THEY are the stars! I love them!

  13. Piney says:
    July 12, 2007 at 3:49 pm

    The story is realistically presented! What strong parents to love, nurture and support eight lovely children. Television viewers appear to want everything to be appple pie and dandy, even in real life shows, and that is not realistic. The delicate health that the “babies” have is an issue that the audience does not seem to be aware of. That would make any parent tense. Good show and well presented. Will watch for as long as it is on.

  14. sue strader says:
    July 14, 2007 at 5:43 am

    I love this show. I love shows on multiples because I have a set of twins who are 30. I think she is a great mom. However, she needs to be a little less demanding of Jon. He seems to be a really nice guy who has let take over everything. She should be happy he helps at all. Back in my day husbands did nothing but sit in the chair and wait for supper. Ha. I cannot imagine having that many babies at once. Twins were hard enough. I give her, and him, alot of credit. They are doing a great job. She is so organized and really good with the discipline. I hope they make more episodes.

  15. aaron fike says:
    July 14, 2007 at 11:01 am

    I think Kate is a b—h!!! I don’t know why her husband puts up with her. The epidsode when he was working in the garage drove me crazy. She brought all the kids out to watch. I would have told my wife, “Get those —- kids out of here! I think he is whipped.

  16. michelle eathen says:
    July 16, 2007 at 3:12 pm

    I love the show. The kids are so cute. The parents are great. All couples bicker. I think it is fantastic that they cope so well for having 8 children. I can’t wait to see more episodes.

  17. RhonaBlackwell-Ready says:
    July 30, 2007 at 4:14 pm

    I love this show. I have watched each espisode everytime they come on. They are so real with each other. They show the stress and they snap at each other. I don’t worry because they love each other and every last one of those children. If they didn’t you would not have such a wonderful show. I love it, I LOVE it, I LOVE IT!

  18. Ana says:
    August 1, 2007 at 6:48 pm

    I thought it was just me. Watching the way she orders her husband around in front of the cildren struck a chord with me. Everyone who is married with children faces stressors and disagreements with their spouse, but not in front of the kids. Speaking to anyone that way is not okay. I don’t think she needs to be medicated. She’s not OCD, she has to be organized. All parents just need to remember that we are setting an example of what healthy relationships should be like for our children.

  19. jane benning says:
    August 17, 2007 at 11:15 am

    i like jon and kate plus 8. I think it was wrong the way she treated jon who am i to pass jugment on someone. After my husband passed away it was just my son and i for a while and it was a big ajustment for him and I. We went threw all the steps of greeving and learning together. Than when my boyfriend came along i argued with him in public once. I think everyone has there moments than afterwards they feel real bad cause they hurt the feelings of the ones they love dearly. God bless jon and kate and there adorable children. I thank god every day for my son.

  20. cynthiafrompa says:
    September 6, 2007 at 5:23 pm

    I love this family! I have 5 kids and understand the stresses that go with large families. I couldn’t imagine have some many the same age. Kate you are to be commended for still having hair after all you do for your family. And please everyone butt out, everyone gets stressed, and they take it out on the ones closest to them because they are the ones that can take it and forgive it. If they didn’t have a solid relationship they wouldn’t be together. I have seen this family out to dinner and believe me they are great together, it takes a strong bond to work the way they do. The cameras only show parts of their life. You have to see the whole to see why they are perfect together. Great teamwork!

  21. KRISTINA FARRAH says:
    October 20, 2007 at 8:28 pm

    I really enjoy watching the program and the children are just so cute. It is nice to see a real family on television and not a staged act to be perfect. I do see some of the sarcasm from Kate to Jon, but I also look at me and my husband and see I can be sarcastic and demanding at times and not think about it. We have 4 children from age 4 to 13. I just wish I knew how Kate can keep so neat, clean and orderly. I have a hard time keeping up with my house cleaning, laundry and cooking meals for my family. I could not imagine having that many at the same age. I look highly up to Kate and admire how she keeps up with her house, children, herself and still be sane and have time with her husband as well. You can see that they both are a happy couple and love each other as well as all the children are happy. I wish I knew how she made cuts to buy the clothes, diapers, food, and shoes for everyone! It is amazing how the parents seem so happy and real in their lives. I agree that everyone needs to mind their own business and look at the stresses the parents goe through and the fact that Jon is a man and loves her, if he is not happy with the way Kate is it is for him to talk to her about not everyone else. He may like and love Kate exactly the way she is. And for whoever was say you do not need to spend $100 on each child for Christmas, it is not any concern of yours to say how much is right or wrong to spend on a child. If the parents have the money to spare and want to spend that much so be it, at least the parents think about their children unlike some parents who are self concediat and don’t pay any mind to their children. As I am a parent of the 4, I spend the same on all the children and it is anywhere from $150 to $200 on each one of my children. If it is the $200 then I spend the same on all 4 of my children. Some parents go way out at Easter or Birthdays, where some spend little on them and big on Christmas. I spend $50 on Birthdays and about $30 on Easter, So I spend more at Christmas. I hope people see that this is the reality of a true American home. I like the show and admire both Kate and Jon!!!

  22. Danielle says:
    October 23, 2007 at 7:33 am

    I really like this show and realize that having that many children all at once is more than challenging, it’s impossible! I think as parents Jon and Kate are doing a great job; however I wish Kate wouldn’t be so short with Jon, he truly is a gem. Obviously she has had no experience with good for nothing men who don’t offer to help out and run around on their wives. She is truly lucky to have him, there are men who would have left the first week afther the birth of sextuplets. I also think Mady needs some hugs, the last episode she had a complete meltdown and I thought all she needed was a good hug from mom – just because the twins are older doesn’t mean they don’t need attention too. I do think Kate does a beautiful job and it makes me tired just watching her with all that stress. I don’t mean to be too critical, it’s too bad they don’t have more help.

  23. micheal says:
    October 23, 2007 at 5:49 pm

    I think it’s extremely unfair for the older two children to have to take seconds on what they want. I understand that you teach children to share and love one another but they are 6 years old and its really crazy that the older children is limited to things that they would normally not be limited to if they didnt choose to have a football field.

  24. Stewart says:
    October 23, 2007 at 6:08 pm

    I think Queen Kate treats Jon like S**T ….He deserves so much better….She is mean- mean- mean to him…Yes….Their life might be stressful BUT to treat your husband like a DOG….no excuse…Does she not remember he works all day to provide for them …what thanks does he get,,,Big Ol’ kick in the face…….She is a neurotic control Freak and I can no longer watch that show!!!

  25. Chan says:
    October 23, 2007 at 6:14 pm

    After reading some of the other posted negative comments I’m a bit disappointed. Have we become such a judgmental group of viewers that we cannot see out of the box? Whatever happened to the saying, “Never judge a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes.” Whether Jon and Kate began their family with fertility treatments or not is not for us to judge. They have been blessed with 8 beautiful children that God has given them–and God Bless them for being REAL PARENTS!! There’s no sugar-coating in this family. We need more programs like this!!!

  26. jennifer says:
    October 30, 2007 at 1:04 pm

    I love this show! Everyone has faults. I’ll bet most of us wouldn’t look anywhere near this calm and sane if our lives were televised. I don’t believe anyone here has a right to judge but narrow-minded people do that pretty quickly. I believe Jon and Kate compliment each other quite well and she does apologize and he does stand up for himself. I’m sure he says things in frustration sometimes as well. But they are a beautiful, REAL, loving family. I hope they are getting a ton of money for this and agree with another poster-hope the kids get great college funds from it, too!!!

  27. k says:
    October 30, 2007 at 6:40 pm

    if your daily family life was shown on tv, what would YOU sound like?

  28. Ariannae Rae says:
    November 6, 2007 at 4:58 pm

    This show is wonderful, this family is great, and some of you people are being too hard on them. As someone said, there is no sugar coating here. They are a great family. I am saying this im only 12! Okay my mom and dad dfight sometimes too and they onnly have 5 kids! All under the age of 14! Can you imagine have 8! children un the age of 7? Seriopusly, you dont think u wouldnt freak iut alot too?? And did I mention this is t.v?? Many shows and then again not many show alot more of the worst footage then the best. I bet this show cuts out alot of Kates niceness to keep viewers interested. Did you ever think of that? Sry to be rude but it is less rude than all of you sound. And about the cleaning lady, and Kates OCDishness..yeah she let the cleaning lady go but have u ever wanted a job done right and specified what u need, a person didnt do it and u got mad?? And u wrent even paying them?! Its the SAME THING! AND SHE WAS PAYING HER! think about it. Also, i think $100 dollars at christmas is great becuase as they always say they are trying to keep their cvhildren’s lives normal and if other children in smaller families get $100 or more worth of prestents why shouldnt their kids? Anyway, all of my familt loves this show. It is the only tv show i always wacth besides Hannah Monatna. So jon and kate are the best and their kids are adorable!!! Thanks for reading! Beg to differ if u must but please think before you speak!

  29. Impish says:
    November 8, 2007 at 7:32 pm

    I do like them, (even Kate – but then, I don’t have to live with her!!) I am not trying to judge people who decide not to have a reduction, but I think the show glosses over some of the real medical issues with having multiples – I’d be interested to know how they dealt with those issues. Jon seems like such a great, laid back guy (and what a hottie – did you see that picture when he was younger??) He’s so laid back I do think he would be a little lost without Kate. He does seem to need direction – or maybe he’s just gotten used to it (sometimes it is easier to let the other person take charge). However, it does disturb me the way she talks to him sometimes – I can’t imagine talking to my husband that way – but hey, I only have 1 kid.

  30. Sally says:
    November 11, 2007 at 1:39 pm

    I’ve watched the show for several months, but have finally given up. The only reason Jon isn’t leaving this group is because of what it would cost him financially! The woman is miserable, never smiles, and is more demanding than a bank robber ~ which is just what she would become if he left!

  31. shelly says:
    November 12, 2007 at 9:32 pm

    people… this woman has 8 children, 6 years of age and under!!! i would be a witch sometimes too, and if you say you wouldn’t, then you are lying. she has to be super organized or there would be chaos, i mean they are outnumbered. you can tell that they love each other, he is just a follower and she is clearly a leader. her daughters will grow up to be strong women and her sons will grow up to be good dads. what more can any mother ask for???

  32. janet says:
    November 13, 2007 at 11:33 am

    Shelly,

    I couldn’t have said it better. I mean come on people. I commend these two – every day is a triumph and one would have to be super organized to live in their shoes. I would love to see the critics last three hours babysitting. THAT would be very interesting. I am sure that if the camera followed me around in my daily life – esp. when my kids were little – I would have had my share of hate mail to!

  33. Elaine says:
    November 23, 2007 at 6:47 pm

    First of all, I too love the program and the family. Is it just me, or has Jon begun to stand up to Kate a little more this season? I do hope they continue the series. Hang in there, Kate. The babies will be in school before you know it.

  34. freenancee says:
    December 10, 2007 at 6:31 pm

    I think, either editing is showing Jon’s lack of patience with Kate more, or he is showing it himself, but she can be a witch. Yes, she has a lot of children, but they are hitting 3 and 6, c’mon! I think there is a lot of crying in this group, including the older girls. I can’t remember my boys, or my daughter, especially…melting down like the older girls (maybe it’s only one of them) do, when they were 6ish, or 4ish, for that matter. I think, that if the floor was cleaned once a day, and a few other things taken care of without the OCD, there may be more time for Mom to get down on the floor and play with the children, alleviate a little stress on all, and still pick up the kitchen and so forth really well once a day. I don’t have 8 children, but I do have five in seven years :-) Our house is clean, our meals are homemade and I do art direction consultively for a Chicago area ad agency, much of the work being done at home, with children present. If I were to pay for any help, it would be for a laundry service. Jon and Kate do have their own way of relating, but the public disrespect and humiliation Jon deals with is amazing, editing or not.

    Three year olds may be a bit young to really appreciate Disney World. If they had gone when the older girls were 9 and the younger kids 6, it may have been a better trip all around. From my personal experience in both parks, DW and DL.

  35. elizabeth says:
    December 11, 2007 at 10:27 am

    I watch this show just so I feel normal. I’m so glad I my parents didn’t bicker with each other the way Jon and Kate do. Poor Jon; I feel bad for him. I love when they were loading up for DW and she was standing there as always, hands on hips, slouchy poor posture, sunglasses on, and telling him what to do. Hey, how about grabbing a bag and helping out? Then when Jon gets irritated for having to double check something Kate possibly forgot, she turns all girly and talks in that soft voice, like, “Oh…well, I’m not sure where the camera is. What should we do?” In all her OCD-ness you mean to tell me she didn’t make a checklist?? *gasp!* There’s a list for how to make coffee! The ice cream scene was priceless — Jon: “You know what I would have done? Let ’em eat it. Let ’em bathe in it! Who cares?” Perfect. Kids are kids. They don’t care if their hands are sticky; they don’t care if their clothes have a stain on them. Kate needs to put them in a bubble if she’s so concerned about that and walking on hotel floors without shoes on. Give me a break. I guess those of us who aren’t germ-a-phobes are just disgusting pigs, aren’t we? Kate makes the show unwatchable. The 4th of July outing was terrible. Kate: “They don’t have coats to match their outfits!” Wow. You’d think with all the freebies from the Gap and RL that there’d be SOMETHING that would match their outfits! Oh my — Heaven forbid they don’t match!! Please. I think the six little ones are growing up nicely, but the twins are going to be a handfull. I love Kate’s comment about how Mady has been so hard to handle lately and she has been acting out and she doesn’t know what the problem is. Hmm…lack of attention maybe? If she doesn’t know the answer, maybe she should have taken that money that she spent at the spa and used it to go to a family counselor with the older girls. Oh, but wait, the spa “makes her a better mommy.” Food and a foot massage will solve everything.

  36. Jennifer says:
    December 11, 2007 at 11:39 am

    I really don’t know what everyone of you that have posted negative comments is thinking. Why are you all so hateful about people that you don’t even know and allowing yourselves to get so emotionally worked up about it? Take all of your energy and emotions your feeling and put them into your own families. It is a TV show. They edit it for ratings. Who says that they act like that ALL the time. Most likely TLC has edited so that it is entertaining for us to watch. But seriously it is a show, about people that outside of an hour a week you know nothing about. Tsk, tsk you have to much time on your hands. Jon is a lot like my husband. My husband needs direction and guidance otherwise he wouldn’t know what to do with himself. When they sit for their interviews together, you can tell they have chemistry and they love each other. Just because they don’t “operate” how you think they should, don’t be a critic. Don’t be jealous Elizatbeth, because your not getting freebies or massages. A massage might be what you need to not be so angry or judgemental at people you don’t even know. Quit being judgemental of these people, if you folks had cameras, and 8 kids running around you might be on edge to. Give her a break, she does not get time to herself, she does an impeccable on raising her children and keeping house, she is a loving wife and you can see it when they are alone together. We are all entitled to raise our children the way we want, at least she isn’t beating them, starving them, yelling at them. Read the book “A CHild Named It” to see what a realy B***H is. You have no idea, these children have a wonderful family and loving parents, as judgemental as all of you people are maybe we should put a camera crew in your homes and see how well you do on a day to day basis, I bet that would shut you up. Get over yourselves! YOu should be ashamed.

  37. jdh9924 says:
    December 12, 2007 at 9:18 am

    The children are so adorable and I love watching the show. I do feel that Kate is too controlling. She treats Jon like a child and he just takes it. I would like to see him stand up for himself.

  38. Cathy says:
    December 16, 2007 at 12:51 am

    I watch Jon & Kate every week. I see that yes Kate might be a bit controlling towards Jon but I think that spills over from trying to do everything perfect by raising so many small children that she forgets and treats Jon as if he were a child also. However I think Jon is a wondeful husband and father. I think the whole family are very close and that should stand for something. So all of you guys that are being so critical, think about if you had eight children and you never had a minute to yourself bet that might close a few mouths. Don’t judge until you have been in another person shoes. Keep up the great parenting skills Jon & Kate.

  39. JTinPA says:
    January 14, 2008 at 8:42 pm

    I have watched the show during the past weekend (it was a marathon of shows) and also tonight (they had back to back episodes on). The show is good as it gives an honest look at raising a big family of young children… the stresses, the good times, the bad, the enjoyment.
    HOWEVER, I cannot help to wonder what kind of relationship Jon and Kate have.
    She seems to be often overbearing, mean, and if the tables were turned and Jon acted as she does towards him many would say “abusive”. I have seen this behavior not only when they are with the kids but often during the interview portion when they are alone. Many would say she is a “B _ _ C H”. If I were in his position I would honestly think of leaving her. She never praises him for anything he does with the kids and often just puts him down. Reality shows are just that… reality!… they often show sides of us that we often do not see or recognize ourselves. I seriously think they or at least Kate need to go to counseling or their kids will mock her behavior as they get older in life. While no one likes to be criticized, mocked, or scrutinized… you have to remember that THEY decided to go on this reality show and even signed up for a second season. I think a lot of the comments on this site about them are true especially when it comes to Kate’s awful treatment toward her husband. Maybe Kate will come to realize this and appreciate and love her husband a bit more.

  40. Jo says:
    January 15, 2008 at 11:13 am

    I just watched the episode where Kate was trying to hire a nanny to help with the kids, and my thinking was it would have been better if she had hired a part-time housekeeper instead so she could have more time with the kids. In reading the above comments, I noticed something about her having a housekeeper once, but it must have been in episodes before I started watching. I have to give Jon and Kate credit for being willing to have a camera crew follow them around so much. Can any of us think how we would feel to have every word and action being shown on TV? I am surprised they can act as naturally as they do. I do worry about the twin Mady because she does seem to cry a lot more than a seven-year-old should.

  41. faith says:
    January 15, 2008 at 11:44 am

    I’m a mother of twins and cringe when I watch the shows where the kids are all tired and cranky, because I just couldn’t imagine. I’ve got to give praise and good jobs to Jon!! He is sooo good!! He’s such a good dad and you can see he loves his kids to the point that he takes Kates awful comments and critisism in stride. You can tell she wears on his nerves, but he presevers. There isn’t to many men out there like him and more than not would’ve left a long time ago, especially with a wife as critical as Kate. She beraids him on national tv and he still takes it in strides. I can not believe she undermines his disipline of his children and tells the kids “not to listen to daddy he’s being mean”. I’ve had to raise my two alone and would’ve loved to have a man like Jon around. Now a days he’s a needle in a hay stack and let me tell ya with the other comments posted on this site it sounds like there’s a few of us that would be more than happy to take him off her hands if she doesn’t appreciate him. She is to cynical, anal and ungrateful. It makes me wonder what Jon actually saw in her in the first place. I hope to see an episode where Jon finally has taken all he can and puts her in her place. She needs that! if she had any respect for him at all she would keep herself in check in front of a national audience and save it until a more private moment is available. What would she ever do if Jon wasn’t there to belittle and degrade!? 75% of us woman spend a life time looking for our “Jon” and never find him. Jon; step it up!!! Realize you are a priceless find and a good man and make this woman see what she has or let her take her miss priss attitude and do it on her own for awhile and see how she likes that. There’s plenty of us out here that would treat you right and let you be the man you should be. Kate; smarten up and get off your high horse, start appreciating your man and the father of your children, you have a piece of gold and should treat it as such.

  42. Judy Mudgett says:
    January 19, 2008 at 2:54 pm

    After reading a few comments made by viewers of Jon and Kate Plus 8, I found I was not in the minority in disliking Kate’s behavior toward Jon and her children. Two way streets are in all relationships – hopefully, Jon will stop inhaling so much of her criticism and sarcasm and give loud voice to his feelings. How probable it is, I don’t know, but Kate certainly has the potential of being the catalyst that could destroy their marriage. I believe they could both benefit from counseling. I just hope all these comments reach, first of all, Kate’s ears. She needs to straighten up and LOOSEN up!! Good grief. What is the pay-off for both of them with her abusive behavior??

  43. Sheila R says:
    January 21, 2008 at 9:13 pm

    For crying out loud these shows are edited to leave a lot of things out of what really happens when they are taping these shows. Can you imagine what you would be like with eight kids and a camera in your face. I love everything about Jon and Kate plus eight. Kate acts normal. She acts like all the rest of us. How many people would watch if she acted fake sweet and talked sweety sweet through the whole show? I have four kids three of which were born in three years. I only wish I were as picky as Kate. Honestly you need to be ocd to survive and like she says neatness and order keeps you sane. Keep up the good parenting Jon and Kate it is so much fun to watch those adorable children. Thanks for helping me smile and remember how tired and blessed you can feel with little kids. My youngest turned 17 today.

  44. Kerry says:
    February 4, 2008 at 6:44 pm

    Leave Kate alone. I have 4 children myself and love, love, love watching this show. Yes, she is a bit uptight, but how else is she able to run a household of 8 small children so well? Jon and Kate remind me so much of my our marriage, in a good way. We lean on each other and take out our stress on the ones we love best. I think she’s doing a damn good job. I have half the number of kids as Kate( and I pick watch the show for pointers from her)! Check up the great work Jon and Kate and if you ever come back to Florida, our door and family of six (18 months to 8 years) is open to you!

  45. Brittany says:
    February 4, 2008 at 10:45 pm

    I am so surprised to hear such mean and negative comments. JOn and Kate are great people and who are you to judge their marriage. I would love to see some of your lives on camera! Elizabeth especially! Don’t critisize them for getting free things your just jealous. REMEMBER THIS IS A TV SHOW! If you have this much energy to put other people down maybe you should instead do something good with it like I don’t know worry about your own life. If you despise the show so much than why are you wasting time talking about in a comment blog- get a life!

  46. Linda says:
    February 5, 2008 at 7:46 am

    I just finished watching the show about the twins 7th birthday. Let me recap for those who did not see it. Kate baked a cake and decorated also they were going to take the twins out to dinner. She sent Jon out to keep Mady and Cara outside while she cleaned up. Mady got off the bus and did not listen to HER FATHER requests to stay outside. She went in the house kicked the baloons. Kate said that is her personality and rewarded her for her behavior by sending her into her and Jon’s bedroom to watch T.V. What is wrong with this picture??? Just two words kate TIME OUT!!!!! I do agree with you about you do not want to be around in her teenage years. If you are her behavior is nothing I want to see on T V. Come on Kate start reprimanding her, even the little ones are aware of her bad behavior why aren’t you? I would also like to add I have watched the show from the beginning and each week I am totally amazed how you cope with the daily life of your family.

  47. Beth says:
    February 5, 2008 at 12:16 pm

    I like watching Jon and Kate plus eight until kate starts on her “I’m so perfect, I’m such a clean freak”, additude. I really feel sorry for her poor over worked husband who puts up with a lot out of her. Poor Jon never gets time off for himself, he works full time then has to go home to a house full of out of control children. I have noticed by watching the series that Kate has favorites among the eight children. She doesnt believe in spanky her children but she will allow the older 7 year old to punch, kick, and slap the smaller children. Collin will hit the girls with no action taken against him for bad behavior. Kate over reacts when a situation arises and she is a drama queen when the cameras are rolling! The public can see the REAL Kate.

  48. tfann says:
    February 10, 2008 at 7:45 pm

    Have tried watching this show and just can not stand either one of them. I feel sorry for those kids.Kate if horrible and Jon is whipped. Why would a man put up with her. Leaving your kid on the potty because he won’t use it just pissed me off. Take the show off and get these people some help.

  49. Carla says:
    February 11, 2008 at 6:39 pm

    Wow..I’ve watched this show several times and really tried to like it, but I just can’t stand Kate and her overbearing, control freak attitude! She treats her husband like a slave and talks down to him. Good luck to Jon!

  50. Karen says:
    February 12, 2008 at 4:02 am

    Did anyone see Jon working out in the garage with all that fiberglass exposed from the ceiling? Don’t those fibers float around and stay in your lungs?

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