'19 Kids and Counting' season 8 premiered on Tuesday, April 1, capturing the daily lives of the infamous Duggar family.
The new season showed that Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar's children have grown up, with the eldest daughter Jessa Duggar, 21, embarking on a courtship with 18-year-old Ben Seewald.
The Duggars describe a courtship as "dating with a purpose", meaning that physical contact is restricted and there is no-hand holding or kissing. The courtship is also chaperoned by adults, with their contact being monitored by their parents. Could her relationship with Ben lead to an engagement for the 21-year-old?
In last night's season premiere episode, Ben proposed the courtship to Jessa, who replied "yes." After their parents' approval, they all joined in prayer before the courtship was announced to the whole family.
The episode involved Jim Bob and Michelle grilling Ben, and Ben's parents grilling Jessa.
Jessa Duggar launches "Jessa Seewald" Instagram and Twitter accounts: Are they engaged?
Another Duggar who will be involved in a courtship this season is Jill.
Jill's relationship with her potential suitor Derick Dillard will also be featured this season. Derick also asked for permission before beginning his courtship with Jil. After the courtship was agreed, the pair quickly got to know each other by talking on the phone and Skype.
Regarding her daughters' relationships with their possible suitors, Michelle told People: "This is such a precious season of life. I realize at the same time we are so thrilled we realize they are eventually going to be gone and start their own homes. We are cherishing this time together."
The Duggar family's reality show '19 Kids and Counting' airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on TLC.
