Reader comments
'Jon & Kate' obsession is totally out of control

I completely agree

I agree with Pierce.
There is a lot of talk about how John and Kate just want money. But really - do any of us know the financial needs of sextuplets? Maybe what started as an attempt to care for them has created a horrible "monster." Maybe we the public can stop it with our remotes.

Wonderful article Scott! It's the best article I've read concerning this issue. Ive heard many many women being very critical of Kate. But I wonder how many of them would turn down an opportunity to have their own TLC show? And all the perks that go along with that. If I could get them out to my house to film, I promise you I would be doing it.

What's wrong with photographers stalking their children so that they can take pictures to sell? The parents have already whored out their children so that they can make millions, why not let someone else cash in as well. It's not like these kids are going to be disturbed by another camera.

Anyone who has enjoyed this show in any form, at any time in the past, who is now decrying it any form is a total hypocrit.

You have helped create the problem, don't whine now about the exploitation of the children.

photog,

NO ONE should cash in on the children. Their parents allowing film people and photographers for the show is plenty of exposure. They are in charge of their children's privacy.

I admit I was really hooked on the show. I think the reason many of us got so emotionally involved is that it seemed like a refreshing, wholesome, family-values sort of show that reminded us of our own families and children/grandchildren. I laughed so hard when the kids were arguing about who was the "most Asian," for instance. Those children are adorable and hilarious - just like the children in my own family.

I have decided not to watch the show when it comes back in August because I'm too sad the family broke up. If the pressures of reality TV have caused or contributed to this sad state of affairs, I don't want to be a part of that anymore.

It's time to "get a life" for me and let the Gosselins heal.

The love of money is the root of all evil...Jon and Kate have no one to blame for their marital woes than themselves...and their apparent desire to pad their bank accounts. Whatever...I think it's an idiotic show....

Why does anyone watch these shows?

Didn't any of you ever learn about the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle?

Duh.

Any theoretical physicist could have told you Jon and Kate's lives on camera were never "real".

As for the "obsession" being out of control, that is what the TV networks are trying to create: an out of control frenzy over their show! That is what makes them money! And that is what Jon and Kate were trying to acheive when they agreed to allow cameras into their family life! They got exactly what they were wishing for: fame and fortune! They have nobody to blame but themselves.

As for me, I will keep my private life private, and I will continue to get exactly what I wish for: serenity.

I find it kind of funny (and by that I mean kind of sad) that we had to go through this to find out reality tv is anything but. Some of us never gave a darn about the show. And some of us who are in that position still think that neither parent is acting in the best interest of the kids (research actually shows kids do better if the parents do stay together for the kids - unless it's violent). And some of us who knew all along that reality tv is a sham think that the parents have not been acting in the best interest of the kids for a long time. And I think it's perfectly fair for me to say that, because hopefully some of us will get a clue about what reality tv does to those involved with it - on either side of the screen - and hopefully we won't allow this to happen to another family by actually getting involved with the show and the gossip next time a set of parents tries to auction off viewing time of their kids.

Never been a big fan of adults who exploit their children and pine for perks and freebies. I've been apalled by these two for years. All I can say is many people saw this coming a long time ago and the children, as always, are the ones who will suffer the most.
I don't question the love the parents have for the children at all. I question the mind set that told them this would all turn out okay for everyone.

I had to ask my wife who they even were. We can't blame the Gosselins, we have only ourselves to blame for watching. People complain about so many things, things they could change if they would just give them up for a while. Take professional sports: I don't watch them, I don't go to them, and I think they get paid way too much money - I'm sure that's an argument in and of itself - but people still go and fill the seats, spend a ridiculous amount on marked-up food, and then complain about how expensive it is. I wonder what would happen if "we" just didn't go to the games? Power to the people!

This a tragic case of a family who let the entertainment industry take over every aspect of its existence. This should be a warning to everyone. The modern entertainment industry continues to promote immorality, substance abuse, selfishness, and outrageous behavior. Anyone who lets this type of organization promoting these types of values into their lives should not be surprised when catastrophe is the result.

I don't watch any "reality" tv. I find them a complete waste of time and not really that entertaining. Those that do watch, create the monster. Sorry that the children have to go through this.

The only people I've seen care or obsess over Jon & Kate are the entertainment media.

In fact, I saw a headline where the aforementioned journalists said they were unprepared for the Michael Jackson tragedy.... coincedence?

If there was anyone out there naive enough to have ever thought this show was spontaneous or unscripted, you should have realized the fakeness of it all when it was announced John's "girlfriend" would be joining the show the remainder of the season. Hollywood loves a love triangle and the tension of the Gosselins with the girlfriend in the mix will bring more viewers than ever. Even fake love triangles will appeal to the prurient interests of the audience, just like Jerry Springer and his "spontaneous" confrontations on stage between spouses and lovers. If you have been duped into ever thinking this show or any other reality show is unscripted, wake up and turn off the show. The kids, like you, are pawns of greedy and corrupt television producers and their willing accomplices, John, Kate, and the other woman.

Never watched it before and I won't start now. It's ridiculous that anybody with a big family gets their own shows these days.

I have to admit I look at gossip websites occasionally, but I'm not obsessed. I just feel bad for everyone involved. What makes me laugh (if it's true) is the report that Jon is looking at expensive apartments in New York. He's probably going to get a lot of money from the settlement, but what woman is going to want a 30-something, aging, balding, guy with a gut? His current girlfriend won't last long, and no one else will either when his "stardom" wears off. His money is going to run out pretty quick.

My husband works as a reality show editor. You are correct in how "unreal" these shows are. It is true once a camera is on you , you do act differently. But let me share with you that most of these reality shows are either all scripted or partial scripted.
I do not watch any of these reality shows, it is more important to live ones only life instead of watching fake people living their fake life