TLC has yet to make a decision about the future of "19 Kids and Counting." After news of Josh Duggar's past child molestation offenses broke last week, the network pulled remaining episodes of the reality show off its May lineup, but there has been no word if it has been cancelled outright.
Earlier this week, it was reported that TLC is exploring three options as they struggle to come up with a solution that would make fans and advertisers happy: air the show as it is; allow the show to return next season, but this time without Josh; or throw in the towel and just cancel the show altogether. However, a fourth option is said to have come up which might please younger viewers of the reality series.
According to Us Weekly, Jill Duggar and her husband Derick Dillard, as well as Jessa Duggar and her husband Ben Seewald, are said to be in talks for their own TLC spin-off. A source told the website that the network is actively working toward a spin-off.
"They've invested a lot of time in developing these story lines and the last thing they want to do is to throw it all away," said the source.
If there is any truth to the rumors, giving the two couples a spin-off will certainly be a fresh start for TLC. Advertisers such as Walgreens, David's Bridal, Payless, and other companies have chosen to pull their ads from the series, and a new show about the four may just be the thing to appease fans.
The show's recently concluded season definitely showcased more of Jill and Jessa's storylines than of other Duggar family members. The season featured Jill's pregnancy and the birth of her first son, while fans were privy to how Ben and Jessa are getting on with married life. The season also ended with Ben and Jessa announcing that they are expecting a baby, and fans have expressed their eagerness to see how Jessa will handle her pregnancy and her baby's birth come Nov. 1.
It also seems as though TLC is leaning toward that direction as the network has pulled certain episodes on its website featuring Josh, but certain clips such as an interview with Jessa and Ben, and a shot of Jill talking about Derick's proposal, can still be viewed on the site.
