16 Years of Duggars

Has it really been 16 years? We say this every fall, but time sure does fly. 2020 marks the 16th anniversary of the Duggars' first television special. "14 Children and Pregnant Again" premiered on September 6th, 2004. 

Since that day, more than 300 specials and episodes of 17 Kids and Counting, 18 Kids and Counting, 19 Kids and Counting, and Counting On have been shown to the public. It's no doubt that the Duggars will go down in reality TV history.

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

15 Years of Duggar TV

Duggar siblings in Washington DC

March 2019

 

Last month, the Duggars hit an exciting milestone. September 9th was the 15-year anniversary of the premiere of their first reality TV special, 14 Children and Pregnant Again. Can you believe that the Duggar family has been on television that long? They started with five specials, which gave way to the start of their weekly series 17 Kids and Counting on September 29th, 2008 (just over 11 years ago).

The series became 18 Kids and Counting in January 2009 and then ran for two seasons before being renamed to 19 Kids and Counting. After six additional seasons, the family was off the air for several months in 2015 before the premiere of Counting On in December. Counting On is currently in its 10th season, although the seasons are significantly shorter than those of the previous series.

The Duggars started filming for their first special around the beginning of 2004, just a few months before Jackson was born. Did you see 14 Children and Pregnant Again when it first aired on TV?

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

Jim Bob and Jennifer, April 2019

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Just wanted to pop on here and share this new photo of Jim Bob and Jennifer. Jennifer will be 12 years old in August. She was just a baby when the Duggars started filming for 17 Kids and Counting back in 2008. My how time flies!

Jim Bob Duggar and Jennifer Duggar

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

10 Years of Reality TV

The Duggars with Lauren Swanson's family in the earlier days of the show (2010)

When the Duggars first appeared on weekly reality TV on September 29th, 2008, they had no idea what it would eventually become. Ten years and nearly 300 episodes later, and they are still going strong. From 17 Kids and Counting to 18 Kids and Counting to 19 Kids and Counting to Counting On, the title has changed to reflect the growing clan, but the love, faith, and family values of the stars have remained the same.

If you visit our Watch Full Episodes page, you'll find a full listing of episodes, as well as links to our recaps starting in season four, around the 60th episode. Our blog has been going strong for almost as long as the show has.

How long have you been watching the show and reading our blog?

In case you missed our post last month, this year is also the 14th anniversary of the Duggars' first television special, "14 Children and Pregnant Again."

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

Duggar Trivia 12.0

Happy Monday morning. Let's start this week off with a little fun. Below are five Duggar trivia questions for you to try your hand at. You can post your responses as a comment, and we will reveal the answers in the coming days. Ready, set, go!

1. Where did Jim Bob and Michelle go on their honeymoon?

2. Which Duggar children have birthdays in August?

3. How old is Jordyn Duggar?

4. In what year was Jim Bob and Michelle's first child born?

5. Can you name at least two of the early specials that the Duggars appeared in, before the start of 17 Kids and Counting?


If you enjoy this blog, be sure to visit Ellie's other blogs (NashvilleWife.com and BatesFamilyBlog.com).

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com/TLC

Share Your Favorite Duggar Moments

In mid November, we will be taking a one-week blogging break (although we will hopefully be able to pop in a couple times to share a Duggar update.)

Just as we did when I (Ellie) took my honeymoon, we're asking our loyal readers to contribute content. This time, we want to hear about your favorite Duggar moment(s) from the past 12 years of reality TV. (Can you believe it's been 12 years?)

Any scenes from the original five specials, 17 Kids and Counting, 18 Kids and Counting, 19 Kids and Counting, and Counting On are fair game. Email your responses to us at DuggarFamilyBlog@gmail.com, and you might just see them on the blog! We will not share any personal information other than your first name. If you want to be referred to by a pen, let us know in your email.


Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

Duggar Trivia 2016

Hope you are having a lovely weekend! It's been quite a while since we have done a round of Duggar Trivia, so we figured it's time to come up with some questions. Here they are...

Post your responses as a comment, and we will reveal the correct answers on Monday. (Hint: All the information can be found on our blog. Feel free to take advantage of our "Search This Blog" widget on the right sidebar.)

1. What is Michelle Duggar's maiden name? (1 point)

2. How many TV specials did the Duggars star in before the start of 17 Kids and Counting? (2 points)

3. Which Duggars traveled to Chicago in 19 Kids and Counting "Deep Dish Duggars? (2 points)

4. How many siblings does Jim Bob have? (1 point)
       **1 Bonus point if you can name his sibling(s)

5. What state did Jim Bob grow up in? (1 point)

6. How many bridesmaids did Jill and Jessa each have? (2 points)
       **1 Bonus points if you know how many flower girls they each had

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

Duggars Play Paintball

Have you been following the Duggars long enough to remember their paintball match with the Bates in 17 Kids and Counting "Bates vs. Duggars Smackdown"? If you have watched that episode, you know that the Duggars are ruthless on the paintball field. Every year on Black Friday, they gather for a family paintball match. Even some of the little ones participate. Here are a few photos from this year:

 Jim Bob Duggar with nine-year-old Johannah Duggar

Giveaway: You Pick the Prize

Just in time for the holidays, we are hosting a giveaway with THREE winners. And here's the best part: you choose the prize.

1. 17 Kids and Counting (Season 1 DVD)
2. 18 Kids and Counting (Season 2 DVD)
3. 18 Kids and Counting (Season 3 DVD)
4. 19 Kids and Counting (Season 4 DVD)
5. 19 Kids and Counting 2014 Wall Calender
6. 19 Kids and Counting Logo iPhone 4 Case
7. 19 Kids and Counting Logo iPhone 5 Case
8. The Duggars: 20 and Counting (1st book)
9. A Love That Multiplies (2nd Book

 This giveaway is open to everyone.

Duggars on Netflix!

Are you a U.S. Netflix user? Now you can watch unlimited episodes of 17 Kids and Counting, 18 Kids and Counting, and 19 Kids and Counting. That's right, the Duggars are now listed on Netflix! (Thanks to one of our loyal readers for the heads-up.)

Duggar Trivia

Trivia time! You know the drill. Post your responses as a comment, and we will announce the correct answers soon.

1. Name three of the five specials featuring the Duggars that aired on TLC before 17 Kids and Counting.
2. Where do the Duggars travel each year for the ATI homeschool conference?
3. Which Duggars have had their wisdom teeth removed on camera?
4. In what episode do Josh and Anna travel to Florida for Mackynzie's first Christmas?

"17 Kids and Counting" Giveaway Winners!

And now, the moment we have all been waiting for....drum roll please!

The winners of our "17 Kids and Counting" DVD giveaway are.....
Karissa P. and Bayley P!

Thanks to everyone who entered! Look for more giveaways in the near future!

(Karissa and Bayley, we will be sending each of you an email shortly.)
 

Last Day to Enter Giveaway!

The giveaway ends in less than 12 hours! Enter to win the complete first season of "17 Kids and Counting" on DVD. There will be TWO winners!

Keep reading to find out how to enter...

TO ENTER

Post a comment answering the following question: What are the names of Jim Bob and Michelle's two grandchildren?

For optional extra entries, do one or more of the following. (Each option must be submitted as an individual comment in order to count as an additional entry): 

1. Become a Google Follower of the blog, and leave a comment on the blog letting us know. If you were already a follower, please leave a comment as well.  
2. "Like" the Duggar Family Blog Facebook page, and leave a comment letting us know. If you were already a fan, please leave a comment as well. 
3. Blog about this giveaway on your blog, and leave a comment letting us know. Must include the URL of your post that advertises our giveaway. 
4. Become a follower of DuggarBlog on Twitter, and leave a comment letting us know. If you are already a follower, please leave a comment as well.  
5. Sign up for email updates, and leave a comment letting us know. If you already receive email updates, please leave a comment as well.    

RULES

To qualify for the giveaway, you must include your first name and last initial in each comment.

We need a way to contact the winners, so include your email address in one of your comments, or send your email address to DuggarFamilyBlog@gmail.com (along with your first name and last initial). If you are a winner, we will shoot you an email asking for your shipping address.

To qualify, all comments must be posted to this blog. They will not be accepted if they are posted to Facebook or Twitter. 

In the event that the prize becomes unavailable, we reserve the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value. 

Giveaway ends Friday, October 7th, 2011 at 9:00 PM EST/8:00 PM CST.

Ready, Set, GO!

"17 Kids and Counting" Giveaway!

Are you ready for another giveaway? Enter to win the complete first season of "17 Kids and Counting" on DVD. There will be TWO winners!

Keep reading to find out how to enter...

TO ENTER

Post a comment answering the following question: What are the names of Jim Bob and Michelle's two grandchildren?

For optional extra entries, do one or more of the following. (Each option must be submitted as an individual comment in order to count as an additional entry): 

1. Become a Google Follower of the blog, and leave a comment on the blog letting us know. If you were already a follower, please leave a comment as well.  
2. "Like" the Duggar Family Blog Facebook page, and leave a comment letting us know. If you were already a fan, please leave a comment as well. 
3. Blog about this giveaway on your blog, and leave a comment letting us know. Must include the URL of your post that advertises our giveaway. 
4. Become a follower of DuggarBlog on Twitter, and leave a comment letting us know. If you are already a follower, please leave a comment as well.  
5. Sign up for email updates, and leave a comment letting us know. If you already receive email updates, please leave a comment as well.    

RULES 

To qualify for the giveaway, you must include your first name and last initial in each comment.

We need a way to contact the winners, so include your email address in one of your comments, or send your email address to DuggarFamilyBlog@gmail.com (along with your first name and last initial). If you are a winner, we will shoot you an email asking for your shipping address.

To qualify, all comments must be posted to this blog. They will not be accepted if they are posted to Facebook or Twitter. 

In the event that the prize becomes unavailable, we reserve the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value.

Giveaway ends Friday, October 7th, 2011 at 9:00 PM EST/8:00 PM CST.

Ready, Set, GO!

The Duggars and Gender Stereotypes

Although it may seem like the Duggars are enforcing gender stereotypes, making sure their kids are well-rounded is very important to Jim Bob and Michelle. In TLC’s “17 Kids and Counting” Trading Places Duggar Style, the guys and girls swapped chores. While Michelle taught the boys to cook dinner, Jim Bob showed his daughters how to perform basic car mechanics. He even dropped them off at the side of the road to test their skills, and they passed the assessment with flying colors. Dinner was a little late though....

Click here to see what the Duggars have to say about College.
Josh and Anna Duggar now own two wholesale car lots in Springdale, Arkansas.
Jana and Jill recently joined the Volunteer Fire Department. Click here to read more.
Visit this link to learn about Jana Duggar's career plans, and click here for Jill's future goals.

Paintball - a Very Duggar Sport

Remember the "17 Kids and Counting" episode when the Duggars challenged the Bates to a ruthless paintball match (Bates vs. Duggars Smackdown)? Everyone who was allowed participated, even the younger ones. Later on, when asked if his daughters play any sports, Jim Bob Duggar mentioned that, in addition to Broomball and Ultimate Frisbee, they play a mean game of paintball.
Well this weekend on our camping trip, we tried paintball for the first time, and it was a blast! Some of us (not me, thankfully) got huge welts, but no one complained, and everyone had tons of fun.  

Have you ever been paintballing? Did you get welts?

TLC is Playing "17 Kids and Counting" Reruns in Order

I have been receiving questions about "17 Kids and Counting" reruns. TLC is showing these episodes in order, starting now. Tune in every weekday from 7:00-7:30AM, 10:00-10:30AM, and 3:00-3:30PM.
And if you don't get TLC, you can still watch the Duggars. Just log onto amazon.com to purchase individual episodes for $1.99 each ($1.89 with a TV pass), or purchase entire seasons.

When did you start watching the Duggars on TLC? Did you start with their first show, "14 Children and Pregnant Again," or did you"meet" the Duggars while watching the emotional birth of Josie on "19 Kids and Counting" Special Duggar Delivery?

Politics Leads to "19 Kids and Counting"

According to the Republican state chairman, Jim Bob was committing "political suicide" by running for Senate, but Jim Bob was certain that God wanted him to run for office. Politicians said that he would lose at least 98% of the votes. Jim Bob did much better than that, but he did not win the election.

The Duggars were confused, but they soon learned that it was all part of a plan, which helped bring the family to where they are today. Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar were surprised to discover that Associated Press had snapped a picture of their large family walking into the polls on election day. Things fell into place, and in 2003, the Duggars got their "claim to fame," in the form of an article in "Parents Magazine."

Just a few months later, the family was contacted by Discovery Health and began filming "14 Children and Pregnant Again," which soon received more views than any other show on the network. One thing lead to another, and after a few more documentaries, the Duggars signed on with TLC to film the weekly show "17 Kids and Counting," which turned into "18 Kids and Counting" and then become "19 Kids and Counting" with the birth of Josie Brooklyn.

Click here to read the "Parents Magazine" article that launched the Duggars' TV career.

*Just an interesting note. Although the article says it was written by Michelle Duggar, it was actually the work of a freelance writer who wrote it from Michelle's point of view, after interviewing the Duggar family.

Discussion

Hey Duggar fans!

Now that the 4th season of "19 Kids and Counting" is over (but don't worry, TLC has said nothing about the show being canceled)....
What was your favorite episode? 
Have you enjoyed "19 Kids and Counting" more than "18 Kids and Counting" and "17 Kids and Counting?"

Duggar Trivia Answers!

I am amazed by your knowledge about the Duggars! I will have to make up some more difficult questions next time! Here are the correct answers.

1. What type of egg did the the Duggars bring home from their field trip featured in the "18 Kids and Counting" episode Duggars Fly the Coop?  Ostrich egg
2. What language did Jim Bob have trouble with in an episode of "17 Kids and Counting"?  Spanish
3. How many rooms are occupied by kids in the Duggars' Springdale home? 2 rooms
4. How old is Josh Duggar? 22 years old
5. What is the Duggar family motto regarding spending? "Buy Used and Save the Difference"
6. On what day and year were Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar married? July 21, 1984
7. What were the Duggars digging for in the "17 Kids and Counting" episode featuring their trip to an Arkansas state park?  Diamonds 
8. The Duggars have two kitchens, one with commercial appliances and the other with granite counter tops. By what name do they call the second kitchen?  "Pretty Kitchen"

Thanks to everyone who posted answers! Look for more Duggar Trivia in the Future!