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

The 3 Oldest Grandchildren

Michael Duggar, Mackynzie Duggar, Marcus Duggar

How long have you been following the Duggar family? Do you remember watching the birth of their first grandchild, Mackynzie, in 18 Kids and Counting "First GrandDuggar" in October 2009? In June 2011, Michael's arrival aired in 19 Kids and Counting "First Grandson." Two years later, Marcus' debut was caught on camera in "GrandDuggar Makes 3."

With that backstory, above is a new photo of Jim Bob and Michelle's three oldest grandchildren, ages 10, 8, and 6. It won't be long before they are learning to drive!

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

9-Year Blogging Anniversary

Jinger Vuolo and Felicity Vuolo

 

How was your Christmas celebration? The day after Christmas is also very special for us because it is the day we published our first post on this blog.

The year was 2009, and season three of the Duggars' reality show--called 18 Kids and Counting at that point--had just come to a close. Josie Duggar was only two weeks old and was fighting for her life in the NICU. (Her emergency birth would air on January 31st, 2010.) Josh was the only married Duggar sibling, and two-month-old Mackynzie was the only Duggar grandchild. Things sure have changed since then!

We are thrilled to be entering our 10th year of blogging about about the Duggar family, and we are grateful to all our loyal readers from across the world.

       Sincerely,
       Lily and Ellie
       Your faithful bloggers

The photo above was taken in Pennsylvania, where Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo are spending Christmas with Jeremy's family.

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

Photo courtesy jingerandjeremy.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

Mackynzie's 1st Birthday (Duggar #TBT)

 Johannah Duggar and Jackson Duggar

Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my!

Mackynzie Duggar turned seven years old in October, but many of you remember watching her as an infant and toddler on TLC's 18 Kids and Counting and 19 Kids and Counting. In this Throwback Thursday video, the Duggars gather to celebrate the eldest grandchild's first birthday.

If you enjoy this blog, check out our other blogs (NashvilleWife.com and BatesFamilyBlog.com). 

Photo/video courtesy 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

Duggars Celebrate 32 Years of Marriage

Thirty-two years ago, Jim Bob Duggar, 19, and Michelle Ruark, 17, became husband and wife in front of a small crowd of family members and friends at First Baptist Church of Springdale. (Click here to find out why that church means so much to the Duggar family.) Michelle arranged her own bridal bouquet, baked her own wedding cake, and wore a hand-me-down dress from Grandma Duggar.

Seven years ago, Jim Bob and Michelle renewed their wedding vows in celebration of their 25th anniversary (18 Kids and Counting, "20 Years, 20 Duggars"). Every year on July 21st, the Duggar kids gather around to listen to the audio recording of Mom and Dad's wedding ceremony.

Happy 32nd wedding anniversary, Jim Bob and Michelle! May your love for each other continue to grow as the years go by. (Scroll down to see pictures.)

 Jim Bob and Michelle, dating and wedding photos

 Michelle Ruark Duggar with her parents and siblings at her wedding

The "wedding party" at Jim Bob and Michelle's 2009 vow renewal

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar at their vow renewal

Photos courtesy TLC, DCL, duggarfamily.com

Duggar Loses Wisdom

Do you remember watching Jana and Jill Duggar have their wisdom teeth pulled in 18 Kids and Counting "Duggars Under the Knife"? That was six years ago. Since then, several other Duggars have had the same procedure. Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar recently took 18-year-old Josiah Duggar to have his wisdom teeth surgery. Jason Duggar captured the moment in the following video:

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 Wedding Anniversary Trivia

Try your hand at these trivia questions, in honor of Josh and Anna Duggar's four-year wedding anniversary.

1. In what state were Josh and Anna married?
2. How old was the couple when they tied the knot?
3. Where did the newlyweds go on their honeymoon?
4. What is the name of the 18 Kids and Counting episode that shows the honeymoon?
5. While on their honeymoon, Josh and Anna attempt to spend a night sleeping where?
6. Just months after their wedding, the young couple is thrilled to discover that they are expecting. How does the today show reveal the gender of their unborn child (Mackynzie)?

"18 Kids and Counting" Giveaway Winner

Our 18 Kids and Counting giveaway has ended, and it is time to announce the winner!


Congratulations to...
Alvin L. (the Luckenbach family)!


Thanks to everyone who entered! There will be more giveaways in the near future.

Giveaway Extended!

In the spirit of the holiday season, we are extending the "18 Kids and Counting" giveaway by 24 hours. It now ends on Saturday, November 26th, at 9PM EST/8PM CST. Click here to enter!

Giveaway: Ending Soon!

Have you entered our latest giveaway? Only a few days to go!

Enter to win the complete second season of 18 Kids and Counting on DVD! With over seven hours of family-friendly episodes (including two bonus specials), this three-disc set will provide entertainment for all ages!
      
Keep reading to find out how to enter...


TO ENTER

Post a comment answering the following question: How long have you known about the Duggars?

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. Write a post about this giveaway on your website or blog, and leave a comment letting us know. Must include the URL of your post that mentions 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 winner, 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 the 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, November 25th, 2011 at 9:00 PM EST/8:00 PM CST.

Ready, Set, GO!

"18 Kids and Counting" Giveaway!

Everyone loves giveaways! Enter to win the complete second season of 18 Kids and Counting on DVD! With over seven hours of family-friendly episodes (including two bonus specials), this three-disc set will provide entertainment for all ages!

      
Keep reading to find out how to enter...


TO ENTER

Post a comment answering the following question: How long have you known about the Duggars?

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. Write a post about this giveaway on your website or blog, and leave a comment letting us know. Must include the URL of your post that mentions 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 winner, 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 the 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, November 25th, 2011 at 9:00 PM EST/8:00 PM CST.
Giveaway Extended! Now ends Saturday, November 26th, 2011 at 9PM EST/8PM CST.
 

Ready, Set, GO!

Duggar Dental Drama

Remember back in 2009 when Jana and Jill had their wisdom teeth removed in "18 Kids and Counting," Duggars Under the Knife? It's now time for four more Duggars to have dental surgery. Watch as Jessa, Jinger, Joseph, and Josh head to the dentist together to have their wisdom teeth pulled! But right at the last minute, Josh and Joseph make a mistake that causes a some dental drama.

Tune in to TLC tonight at 9PM EST/8PM CST for "19 Kids and Counting," Duggar Dental Drama.

Have you had your wisdom teeth removed?

The Duggars at Parrot Mountain

 The Duggar were back in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, for the third time in just over a year. “We’ve been coming here for years, and I’m sure we’ll keep coming,” Jim Bob told the Mountain Press.
Jim Bob and the kids, along with the Bates family, had the privilege of taking a private tour of Parrot Mountain, where they saw dozens of varieties of exotic birds. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, this attraction is made to feel like the Garden of Eden. The Duggars and Bates especially enjoyed listening to some of the birds perform songs like "Rocky Top."
Last year, the Duggars traveled to Pigeon Forge to meet Dolly Parton in "18 Kids and Counting" Duggars Meet Dolly and Duggars in Dixie. At Christmastime, the family was honored to turn on the Pigeon Forge Winterfest lights.

Have you ever been to Pigeon Forge or Dollywood?

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?"