Some refer to the divorce as “Jon minus nine” or simply “Kate plus eight.” The fans are split and so is the couple. Jon and Kate Gosselin have been under the scrutiny of the public since the 2007 inception of their popular reality TV show, “Jon & Kate Plus 8,” which chronicles their lives with eight children — the result of fertility treatments and two sets of multiple births. Now, the two are caught in a media storm due to their impending divorce.
For those who are not familiar with the TLC series, let me break it down for you: Kate is overbearing, demanding, and has a compulsive urge to right all of the inconsequential wrongs in her life. Jon is a laidback and balding pushover who loves wearing the Ed Hardy clothing line. Their eight kids –Cara, Mady, Alexis, Hannah, Aaden, Collin, Leah, and Joel — are adorable. As the series progressed, viewers saw Kate continue to nag Jon as he sat back and took all the complaints. Their clashing personalities helped to make the show the highest-rated program on TLC.
After 10 years of marriage and five seasons of the show, the biggest train wrecks of reality television are finally separating. These non-celebrities are being stalked by paparazzi and frequent the covers of popular gossip magazines. Kate Gosselin is working hard to promote her image, often portrayed as the distraught and newly single parent. Jon, however, is not pleased with the scrutiny he has been placed under, mostly due to his infidelity. He’s been lashing out about Kate the Horrible to anyone who will listen. Unfortunately, no one seems to care about him or his points.
There have been many disputes over the format for Jon & Kate Plus 8 and the working conditions the children have been put under. Since it is a reality show, the labor laws for such a format are vague. Some believe the kids are being overworked because the law does not protect them. This issue will continue to be raised since shows about large families are so hot at the moment. TLC alone has shows entitled “18 Kids and Counting” and “Table for 12.” Even Octomom is getting her own show. This mother of many, born Nadya Suleman, gave birth to octuplets earlier this year, adding to her already sizeable brood. Suleman is unemployed and is not financially dependent. Famous due to her poor fertility choices, Octomom has commented that Jon and Kate Gosselin are exploiting their kids. I guess she thought it would be a good idea to follow suit.
Alas, all awful things must come to an end. With the zealous efforts of Jon Gosselin, the show will end, with the last episode airing sometime in mid-to-late November. However, just because the show is ending doesn’t mean the very public fighting between the couple will end. Rubberneckers, don’t despair! Our morbid curiosity will be quenched.
