Monday, March 9, 2009

TLC Adds to Its TV Family

"Table for 12" Joins
Big-Brood Lineup.

39 comments:

themrs said...

enough already.

Anya@IW said...

Well, I found this paragraph very interesting:

“Table for 12” will include a number of product integrations, including one for a food product. The network also is doing custom spots that tie the show to a particular product.

So, it's like a lot of us have been saying for months - product placement is not unique to J&K's show. The "custom spots" are just the next generation of the new world of advertising. Advertisers are well aware that more viewers every day hook up DVR's and speed through commercials. They aren't in the business of sponsoring shows just be nice.

I will give this show a try. I liked this family when I saw the special a few months back.

I am going to be very interested to see how the Gosselin blogging world reacts to this show, particularly those who like to advertise that they are "child advocates."

"themrs said...enough already."
I am sure you aren't the only one to feel this way. It's pretty clear from this article, however, that these shows have done very well for TLC, so I think we will probably see more of them in the near future unless viewers tastes change radically....

Ann said...

I watched the Hayes family special and thought family was very nice. They did show objectionable bathroom scenes, though. I found the parents likable. I hope there are fewer shows than Jon and Kate. There too many in a season for me.

I was surprised to read that they "found" Jon and Kate. Did the Gosselins shop a tape around or not? Does anyone know?

Themrs, you may be onto something. "Big family fatigue" may be setting in. It doesn't seem unusual with J&K, the Duggars, Octomom, and now this family all in the spotlight. Yet TLC is betting on more success. I wonder...

merryway said...

I watched the special and thought it was a series. I'm very glad it's going to be and hope this new mom becomes as popular as Kate. I love the spotlight on the moms and this family seemed like it could use some luck to make their lives a little easier. I remember the dad going to the grocery store everyday because they didn't have room to store the food. The kids were adorable and when they went out to dinner one of the little ones tried to take his plate to the kitchen when they were done eating. I thought that was precious. I wish them success.

Themrs., I totally understand what you're saying, but I'd like to see this family get a shot. Also, their children are older than J&K's when the filming began. I think the tups are around 5 and one set of twins around 12/13 and the other twins are around 10 (I think that's right). It will be an interesting experience for them and they seemed like a very a stable family.

Anya@IW said...

Kelly said...when these kids are in High School these shows will still be out there on sites like You Tube. I now wonder what grade Joel will have a classmate bring in an iPhone to show everyone the video of him impacted in the back of the van. Or the girls sitting on the potty. Because you know it WILL happen. How did I not see it?

Well, Joel will be able to rightly say that it wasn't him, it was his brother Collin.

The sextuplets won't be in high school for another ten years. I think it's a stretch to say we know for sure what will or will not happen. The general public has a short attention span.

I realize you believe you have had a revelation, but trust me, most of the other posters have thoughtfully considered these issues too. Personally, I am not indifferent to the effect the show may have on the children, but overall my opinion (yes, it's just my opinion) is the kids will come through just fine.

Anya@IW said...

Saint, "big family fatigue" - catchy phrase! I like.

The article did mention TLC was developing other projects about families working together and such. A few years ago, there was a show on about a southern California family that all worked in a funeral parlor. (Sister was a mortician, another sister ran the front office, etc.) I liked it and was sorry it went off the air.

I guess I am just one of those nosy people that likes shows about other people and a family hook (doesn't have to be with kids) usually interests me.

Anonymous said...

heir children are older than J&K's when the filming began. I think the tups are around 5 and one set of twins around 12/13 and the other twins are around 10 (I think that's right). It will be an interesting experience for them and they seemed like a very a stable family.
_______________________________

The twins from this show are older than Cara and Mady but the sextuplets are younger than the G's...I think they were 3 almost 4 when their special was filmed....I remember seeing them on the Today show or something like that were they mentioned their age.

I like the new family but something about them turned me off...I do plan to give their show a chance cause I like to see the dynamics of a family with so many kids the same age.

Darlene Williams said...

I found the Hayes Family interesting with the Dad being a cop. I'm sorry I won't be able to watch this show unless someone posts it on the internet. I'm losing TLC at the end of the month so no new J&K in May but I'm hoping Babymama keeps posting the episodes on her site.

EveryoneLovesErin said...

I don't plan on watching. I have too much reality tv in my diet, LOL!

Speaking of Diet, I'm really getting into the Biggest Loser this season. I never watched it before but I like it. I really like Jillian Michaels. I want her to yell and curse at me on the treadmill too. I'd love to have her as a trainer.

Anonymous said...

I saw Dr. Phil quizzing Nadya today and he questioned her about the reality show. She said she wouldn't consider that now, except as a one-hour documentary. She said maybe later when they could decide as they were older.

His comment was "so you won't parade the kids while they're growing up on TV."

I thought it was interesting in light of him and other hosts having Kate and Jon on for their show. Isn't that what they do, however they choose to defend it?

I have made a piece with watching the show (probably wrong). And know they have many things to consider I don't know about and the money, I'm sure is the highest priority, and the drawbacks are considered after. But it makes me uneasy and I'm just an unrelated viewer. I just don't think I would continue this with my kids.

I know this is kooky and I'm rambling, but in US weekly, Lauren Conrad talks about why she is leaving her reality show. She always has to have things approved as far as her hair and when she goes on vacation. And since the show doesn't show her "celebrity" she can't show her real life. And she has friends who don't want to be on the show and don't want filmed....yadda, yadda, yadda.

Anyone? I know it's a bit of a dead horse. Just felt like beating it for awhile.

Anonymous said...

So, it's like a lot of us have been saying for months - product placement is not unique to J&K's show. The "custom spots" are just the next generation of the new world of advertising.

Anya, I don't think anyone really argued that product placement was unique to Jon and Kate, just that they have taken it to a new level. Personally, I do not find this a favorable trend in TV shows - I have no problems with them showing the product, or last night's LPBW episode where Matt gave a brief mention of Fiskteers (sp?) for all the good work they do for little people - but Kate's 5 minute lovefest about her new washer and dryer were a bit overkill for me. If this show is the same way I can't see me watching it.

Anonymous said...

I don't know guys. I am over all these large family shows. And Merryway to say you hope this woman is as popular as Kate is a little irresponsible don't you think? I mean do you know anything about her to promote her? Why not wait and see before you prejudge her. She might not be as great as Kate! Popularity always breeds resentment. Anyway, product promotion has always been around but what bothers me about J&K is that they were just a struggling family with 8 kids trying to stay afloat (why I watched) and now it is all about product placement and what new expensive things show up at the million dollar house. How did they get from point A to point B? And how can others who watched them and struggled along with them get there also? Maybe this new family will magically be transported to a new million dollar house soon with many cabinets filled with alot of food and he can be a stay-at-home dad like Jon.

Guinevere said...

And Merryway to say you hope this woman is as popular as Kate is a little irresponsible don't you think? I mean do you know anything about her to promote her? Why not wait and see before you prejudge her. She might not be as great as Kate!

I don't think anyone here thinks Kate is "great", do they? I mean, I like her, there are things I admire about her, but I don't know that I'd call her "great". Merryway can clarify for herself but I just took her comment to mean that she was wishing good things for the Hayes family. Nothing wrong with that, IMO.

Anyway, product promotion has always been around but what bothers me about J&K is that they were just a struggling family with 8 kids trying to stay afloat (why I watched) and now it is all about product placement and what new expensive things show up at the million dollar house.

I guess I think it's a matter of perspective. If someone watches the show and all they see is product placement, IMO, it's time to stop watching. I mean, why would someone watch under those circumstances? I can't imagine they'd be getting much out of it...

I really liked last night's episode and I didn't notice ANY product placement. Not that there wasn't any; just that I'm pretty oblivious about such things, luckily, I guess. I did notice some products' labels blurred, but that didn't bother me. I just really enjoyed all the cute kid moments. Again, just IMO, if someone is so distracted by product placement that they don't even notice the cute kid moments, they probably should turn the channel.

How did they get from point A to point B? And how can others who watched them and struggled along with them get there also? Maybe this new family will magically be transported to a new million dollar house soon with many cabinets filled with alot of food and he can be a stay-at-home dad like Jon.

Hmm. I don't really view J&K as a how-to or something to aspire to. I think if you like the family, you are happy to see them have good things coming their way. You don't WANT to see they struggle, anymore than you'd want to see anyone else that you liked struggle. If you don't like them, then I can see that all their good fortune would be annoying to watch, and again (sorry for being so repetitive!) it's probably time to find something else to watch.

I'll probably give the Hayes show a shot. J&K have really sucked me into the whole TLC lineup (I've avoided LPBW so far, though.)

merryway said...

Themrs, I can't help it, I was totally smitten with them. I thought their family was adorable and they were just so laid back. The mom seem liked my kind of mom where everything was just a day in the life and she had her rules in place. They had the two sets of twins and were ready to except the possibility of another set of twins when they had the sextuplets. On top of the struggles with having so many children, one of the tup girls has cerebral palsy. I just don't know how they manage it all but they just seemed to take it all in stride. I remember the older set of twins more and they seemed like good kids and their mom appreciated their individuality (one was riding a unicycle in their small yard). I think that might be the same boy who took on the care of his sister as his chore. He holds her and they watch tv together. On the special, it was a big deal that they went out to eat. Then I was so surprised when the dad ordered the same meal for all of them. I loved their dynamics. I can't help but wish them success and I'd like to see them in a home a like the Gosselins if that's what they wish. If the dad wanted to be a stay at home, that would be cool. I have no idea if that is their style or if he would quit his job as a cop. I'm a little confused by as your comment as great as Kate. While I think Kate is good mom, taken good care of her family and has rights, I don't care for her personality. I'm surprised at her popularity but say wtg. I don't think it should be a contest of the moms. The Hayes mom showed a different personality than Kate. If you're talking about personality, the possibility is there that she would become more popular than Kate.

Anonymous said...

Guinevere,since you are answering a comment to someone else's comments, please let me correct you. She said she hoped "this new mom becomes as popular as Kate". I said "great." Maybe I should have said "infamous." I did not see any product placement last night (for once), though and I did not refer to any from that show. But in viewing the recent shows, it is pretty hard to be oblivious to the delivery of very expensive appliances that are magically delivered to a million dollar house that also magically appeared for the couple who built their reputation as a struggling couple with 8 kids who did not know how they would make ends meet. At least that was the premise I watched and heard and enjoyed for a while. The old "how do they do it with all those kids" school of thought. Here in Pa. we were all very familiar with what happened when the babies were born and they needed much financial help just to pay their bills. So I probably know a little bit more than you. I also don't see them as a "how-to" because my life is totally different than theirs, but I think, and I could be wrong here, but wasn't that the theme of the when it became a series? Kate discussing how they do things with little money, how they would stretch a dollar? K-Mart, coupons, etc? That they were doing the show as documentation for their kids because they couldn't possibly find time to video them after the 6 were born? It was not the "struggle" that was of interest to me, but the success they achieved despite the struggle of daily life. I wanted them to succeed. I did enjoy the vet episode because it was more of the everyday family things like dogs and kids (plus Kate was not in it alot) that originally kept me tuned in. You should watch LPBW once. I think you would like it. They are not as "cute" as the Gosselins (hmmm - maybe that is why you don't watch - interesting) but the parents and the one son who are the "little people" are certainly deserving. To grow up with such adversity because of their physical disadvantage is something I cannot even begin to think about, and to see their one son live with it must pain them so as parents because they know all too well what he is going thru as a teenager, but this family does not need or want pity. To see they have achieved so much in their lives is really an inspiration. Plus there is no hitting or kicking between the kids (although the mom and dad have gone at it once or twice.) Have a good night ladies. My pillow is calling.

Ann said...

CincyMom,
Very interesting about Dr. Phil. I think it sounds pretty inconsistent, too. I saw his show when Kate is on and she didn't get anything tough like "parade your children."

Que,
I don't mind if the product placement is just showing a product (or over-using one...paper towels?) in an everyday shot. I don't like the "pitches" they make for certain products. It interrupts the flow of the show, IMO, because they aren't that good at it. They sound too fake. Examples: wii music, Tales of Despereaux, washer/dryer.

Merryway,
I thought your comment wishing the Hayes' well was sweet. I liked them too. I agree that what we saw of the mom was so likeable, and the relationship between the second oldest boy and his disabled sister was really touching. However, I hope they do far fewer episodes, and I don't want ANY more potty scenes.

themrs said...

a little OT but can i point out that this new person posting as themrs is not me? just want to make sure there is not confusion!

Nina Bell said...

Well I didn't think it was you, themrs, because you always use your google ID.

Interesting.

Nina Bell said...

Here in Pa. we were all very familiar with what happened when the babies were born and they needed much financial help just to pay their bills. So I probably know a little bit more than you.

The internet is an amazing thing and can certainly catch people up to speed quickly.

MommyZinger said...

I saw a show on Discovery Civilization about the Masch sextuplets. They, too, will have a series on another network. The mother is tall, blond, pretty, thin. She ran a marathon shortly after the babies were born. Lots for other women to be jealous about. However, she does not complain about being exhausted or how hard it is to care for the babies. She actually said it was easier than she expected. Their show is on a little known network so I don't think it will become as popular. So hopefully this family will be able to reap all the monetary benefits and avoid the drawbacks.

This is a little off topic, but it annoys me how other people thought it was so terrible that Jon and Kate started a website before the tups were born as if they had a grand scheme to solicit donations as soon as they found out they were having so many babies. First of all, I don't see anything wrong with that. Six babies require a lot of time and money. Secondly, its not like they are the only family of HOM that did that. People are not aware of the other families because they don't have shows. When the Gosselins became popular, people started digging into their past and found this archived website and acted like it was proof that they were con artists. Pfft, whatever. So annoying.

Eileen said...

I'm getting a little sick of all the Reality shows, but I'll give it a shot.

merryway said...

Themrs. I didn't even notice your cute footsie pic was missing from those posts.

I remember when I thought it was the strangest thing for people to do things like that, now I'm kind of used to it.

themrs said...

i just wanted to make sure everyone was clear that was not me! i'm not from PA :)

Mom said...

themrs (with google ID and cute feet),

Thank you for clarifying. I wasn't sure to be honest.

themrs (without google ID),

Welcome. To avoid any confusion, would you mind either choosing a different name? Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Oh no, another family getting on the TLC bandwagon. This show I will definitely not watch. So will TLC if their season is renewed for a second season buy them a million $$ mansion. Too much exploitation of big families.

Theresa said...

nomoredrama said...
I don't plan on watching. I have too much reality tv in my diet, LOL!

____________________

Me too NMD! :)

I don't plan on watching the Hayes, either. I wish them well, but I think just because a family has multiples, it doesn't mean they are right for a tv show or have the wherewithall to make it work to succeed. It seems that in some peoples' minds (maybe at TLC and even with the birth of the octopulets) they think, "Oh, they have mulitples, they'll get a reality show". I think it takes more than just the multiples to make a reality tv show work.

I'm glad the opportunity came to the Hayes, but from what I saw of them when they were on before, they are not very dynamic. Nice, yes, but they don't have that special dynamic that the Gosselins have. Some people have "it", some don't. The Gosselins have "it" and J&K have it within themselves as parents to make it work. I just don't see that with the Hayes.

JMO.

Samantha@IW said...

I havent seen the Hayes family yet, so I'm not sure I'm interested in watching it. I'm getting kind of tired of reality shows..... (gasp) LOL.

Kikibee said...

I'll probably be watching the Hayes and Masche families, because my daughter will be watching. (But don't worry, she is not planning to emulate all the big families, she wants 3 kids when she grows up.) I don't think I have it in me to memorize the names and faces of 2 more big clans.

I'll admit, I am more interested in seeing the reactions to the new people from the child advocates and such. I think it may turn out that it's only exploitation if you're name is "Kate". Michelle Duggar pretty much gets a pass, because she's so "sweet", and they have shown no partially clothed children. Mrs. Hayes is liked because she is just a "regular mom", but they showed her kid's "potty issues". And, yes, as mommyzinger said, Mrs. Masche is attractive (and wears makeup "gasp"). Plus, on the WE network site, there are clips of her kids in the tub (although, they are actually sitting in water in the tub, not being showered, so they may get points for that).
It should be interesting. I just hope everyone has their in-laws muzzled.

Ann said...

Mommyzinger,
Regarding the website before the Gosselin sextuplets were born: ITA. According to Kate's and Beth's book, they were surprised by the generous offers of help they received after people found out she'd have multiples. The website would have been an efficient way to deal with inquiries and offers. I didn't think it was unusual either.

Guinevere said...

This is a little off topic, but it annoys me how other people thought it was so terrible that Jon and Kate started a website before the tups were born as if they had a grand scheme to solicit donations as soon as they found out they were having so many babies. First of all, I don't see anything wrong with that. Six babies require a lot of time and money.

I think some people tend to get more indignant about people looking for handouts. I remember there being some girl a few years ago who launched a website (it got a lot of media attention) asking everyone to send her a dollar or a penny or something like that to help her get out of debt. It really pissed a lot of people off. In a way, I understand why, but in another way, I really don't. I don't think she's a horrible person for doing that. Nervy? Yeah, sure. But I don't have to give her money (and I wasn't going to), and so it's really no skin off my nose at all if she wants to ask.

After all of the controversy about the "love offerings", I would not give the Gosselins money for attending a speech of theirs, if I had already paid a fee to attend (if I hadn't I would probably throw something nominal in the basket). I don't think it's ever been confirmed that the Gosselins accepted love offerings at speaking engagements where they were already being paid (and I can't believe I'm even opening this can of worms again), but for the people who perceived the Gosselins as "begging" for money at these things - as long as nobody is forcing you to give, I don't see getting that worked up about it.

I'm getting kind of tired of reality shows..... (gasp) LOL.

Shut your mouth! (j/k)

Oh no, another family getting on the TLC bandwagon. This show I will definitely not watch. So will TLC if their season is renewed for a second season buy them a million $$ mansion. Too much exploitation of big families.

I think, especially for TLC, big families are definitely a popular ride to ratings success these days. But they are certainly not the only ones. I actually find TLC's "medical freak shows" more offensive - you know, tree man (shudder), mermaid girl, etc. I don't know - it just seems like those shows are more likely to be watched simply so the subjects can be gawked at, and that seems wrong.

I'm getting OT, but I was home sick yesterday and after a nap woke up to see the very end of "The Doctors" (I think that is what it's called?). It's a talk show with, well, doctors hosting and medical subjects discussed. For some reason the lead host always seems to wear scrubs, which I just think is dumb, but whatever.

Anyway, I really haven't watched more than two or three minutes of the show ever, but I saw a five minute segment yesterday. I think the show was about quick medical fixes. A woman who had terrible teeth and gums was brought on and given the most fake-ass looking set of false teeth that were supposed to make her feel so! much! better! about her appearance. Now, I'm no dentist or periodontist, but I saw the woman's teeth and gums (because the show provided numerous lingering close-up shots). Yes, there was obviously a cosmetic issue. But there were also several big disgusting sores on her gums that looked painful and rotting. False teeth aren't going to do squat for those.

My point is that this woman apparently contacted the show and they brought her on and claimed to help her, but unless they were going to pay for the (I suspect extensive and expensive) periodontal and dental work that she needed, they really weren't much help at all, and in fact were just using her as a poster child for that day's topic. I don't know - it didn't sit right with me. Maybe because I've had to have more than my share of dental work done in my 39 years (and gosh, my gums never looked near as bad as that poor woman's!). Maybe because the false teeth just looked SO cheap and fake. But the whole thing definitely gave me the impression that "The Doctors" is a very exploitive show.

Quiltart said...

Theresa said...

Theres Some people have "it", some don't. The Gosselins have "it" and J&K have it within themselves as parents to make it work. I just don't see that with the Hayes.


Theresa, this is EXCACTLY what I thought when I saw the Hayes special. The Gosselins have "It"... I also think that since we've watched the kids since they were babies, that we've seen their personalities develop...Everyone in the family has "It" as far as I'm concerned..

TLC has shown a number of large families, and IMHO, none of them have the personality to carry a regular series of shows... Some of the one time shows of these large families seem very contrived... and that is just for one episode or so.

Theresa said...

Theresa said...
I will not believe they are divorcing until the lawyers come out. It cannot be true because the family needs each other. How can Kate do it alone? or Jon? It cannot be true. Pray for them.

March 11, 2009 7:40 PM



Just so there's no confusion, I'll always sign in and use my avatar. :)

But, yes, I agree with you Theresa. As with anything, I won't believe it til there's something legal or I hear it on a legitimate newscast. I just think all these magazines are jumping on the bandwagon of "picture-gate".

Nina Bell said...

I took care of that Theresa. Fun and games.

marci said...

Here's my take on how much the Gosselins have appeared to change since the show began....

If their "reality" is that they used to portray on their show how they survived with 8 kids, but now the reality is they aren't having to "just get by"...isn't that their new REALITY???

The REALITY is their lives have changed, and the show has gone on long enough for us to watch those changes occur.


About the Hayes' show:

I did see the first special. I actually thought they were a very genuine family (no more and no less than any of the other TLC families), and (not surprisingly) I did not take particular offense to them having to deal with their daughter's "accident" when they were at the restaurant.

I mean, kids have accidents and potty issues...with 10 kids of this age the odds are these things happen almost constantly....so, to me, one can't complain that a show's not real or relatable if you try to pretend this stuff never happens in real life, IMO.

We'll see how it goes. I think they may be interesting in ways totally different than the Gosselins, and that's perfectly fine with me. Every family is unique, and I'm sure they'll have their own appealing qualities for their own audience.

Ann said...

The REALITY is their lives have changed, and the show has gone on long enough for us to watch those changes occur.

Exactly, well said.

I respectfully don't agree about the potty scenes. Yuk! It goes on in real life, true, but we don't discuss it. I know the camera adds another dimension to "real life" and everyone draws the line at a different place. I can live with adults arguing but the potty scenes turn me off. They can discuss it, or joke about it, but please, don't take the camera in there.

marci said...

Saint said...
I respectfully don't agree about the potty scenes. Yuk! It goes on in real life, true, but we don't discuss it. I know the camera adds another dimension to "real life" and everyone draws the line at a different place. I can live with adults arguing but the potty scenes turn me off. They can discuss it, or joke about it, but please, don't take the camera in there.


I understand everybody has their own personal threshold for tolerating all things "potty". You're is obviously lower than mine. :)

Anya@IW said...

Saint said...I respectfully don't agree about the potty scenes. Yuk! It goes on in real life, true, but we don't discuss it. I know the camera adds another dimension to "real life" and everyone draws the line at a different place.

Saint, your last line is SO spot on. I think that is part of the reason there is so much disagreement about the show. For some of us, the potty scenes are not a big deal. Others consider them wholly inappropriate. I can actually understand both perspectives when they are presented reasonably.

The arguing and tension between J&K sometimes seem more invasive to me, but I *get* that they are adults who at least have a voice in the matter. It's just unpleasant to listen to sometimes.

Kuromi said...

Saw a news story about top search terms. In the United States, "Jon Gosselin" was the fifth-most-common search term according to Yahoo. Goes to show any publicity is still good publicity...
http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=6706447

rain88 said...

Goes to show any publicity is still good publicity...

It may be good for ratings and finances but it's not good for any one of those 8 kids.