I WATCHED AND WAS VERY SAD FOR ALL THAT IS GOING ON. I TOO HAVE BEEN DOWN THAT ROAD BUT NOT IN THE PUBLIC EYE. IT IS NOT A GOOD PLACE TO BE, I CAN RELATE BECAUSE ONE DAY YOU ARE A FAMILY AND THE NEXT YOU ARE IN TROUBLE AND HOW DO WE GET FROM HERE TO A NORMAL LIFT AGAIN. I WAS FEELING OF OF THAT AGAIN WHILE WATCHING

Good synopsis. I found it extremely sad. They need some serious marriage therapy - especially to help the one who seems to think she's doing "everything." Her attitude is detrimental to her marriage.

I did just watch it and what stood out for me the most was Kate saying that people have to take responsibility for what they do. Really Kate? and do you? Where is your part in all that's going on. Without blaming Jon or the paparazzi, what are you responsible for? She is there for her children - really how can you be there and travelling at the same time. Jon seems to be there more. And what happened to Aunt Jodie?

If Kate weren't such a control-freak, perhaps Jon would be more willing to stay home. It's insulting and demeaning to any adult to be bashed, talked to as though they are a child, and treated as though they are an idiot. This is not my perception, but the reality that is protrayed each week on this program. Kate has taken on all the responsibilities for the family and wears them like a badge. What is left for Jon to do, but to be Kate's slave? What we see is not a partnership but a dictatorship and Kate is the dictator. Jon has every right to feel resentful about this situation. We heard them each say they love their children and they are there for the children, but neither one said they loved the other or were there for the other. Kate does what she wants. Jon gets left with the rest. Ultimately, we'll see if both parents can act like adults, can get past their own interests, and can decide if they are willing to work as hard on their marriage as they are on maintaining Kate's "image" and Jon's need to get out of the public eye.

I watched...my favorite show..and I'm honestly just heartbroken. I feel like both parents are being so darn selfish. They keep saying it's about the kids, but then they're off on book tours and out doing this and that...if it was about their kids, they would work things out and honor their commitment to each other. These two love each other and they just renewed their vows a few months ago, and they're letting one time "being in the wrong place at the wrong time" get to them. They need to, as much as i hate it, end this show RIGHT NOW and work out these issues for their marriage and children. NOW.

I feel so sorry for Kate and the kids.... my ex left me and two boys several years ago saying, 'he wasn't happy, hadn't been for a long time". Well excuse me, you jerk. So you got people taking pictures of you, so what? 'I'm not Jon anymore, I'm Jon and Kate plus eight" Well, gee isn't that too bad. You've got eight beautiful children and a lovely woman who loves you (or did until you turned away from the family) How completely pathetic you looked at the party, how uninvolved, you jerk!

That was the last time I'm watching the show. It was painful to watch and completely depressing. Sad.

I watched tonight's 5th season opener despite the fact that I told myself I was going to boycott the show. At about 8:48pm I convinced myself that tonight's show would explain a lot of things and I wouldn't need to watch anymore. I'm not so sure anymore.
I don't know what to say about Kate. She seems harsh and distant while Jon is clearly frustrated with the fact that he doesn't have control over his life anymore. Naturally, you lose some control once you have children, but 8 children, and a wife that is demanding and gone a lot.. that must be tough! I can't imagine how Kate feels. Kate thinks she is doing the right thing for her family, but why is it OK to be gone 'all of the time'? Of course, we don't know what 'all of the time' actually is though?
Yes, what Kate said is true, the kids are loved and I'm sure they know it but love isn't everything. Kids need to be with their parents, they need to know that their parents are always there for them, in the physical sense and emotional. Oh, I could go on.. and on.. and on.. But I won't.

on one hand i feel so sad for them. i'm like kate...i never expected their relationship to be where it is right now. i just feel the pain of wondering...what happened to my life? however, i'm also confused because she acts as though "this" is some acute problem that evolved over the last 6 months...as though they were some certain way up until six months ago. that i cannot understand. i've always felt like they were VERY different since they started the show (not just recently did they become very different people as she attests in her interview). i don't think their differences necessarily warrant divorce...but potentially a reevaluation of how they do their relationship. i hope they stay together and come out more renewed than before.

Kate is nuts. She is exploiting her children for her own gain and money. Just cancel their show. They are done.

I am completely done watching this "show." I've had more than enough of Kate Gosselin and her verbally abusive and controlling ways. I find it pretty darn sad that she cannot really truly take any responsibility for what has occurred. I have a strong feeling that if the world had never heard about the Gosselins, they'd still have a happy marriage (maybe with a lot less money of course). No one would know what kind of personal humiliation Jon Gosselin has been subjected to by this very psychologically disturbed woman.
How nice that Kate gave such a kind and glowing statement about her "fans" not being annoying to her anymore. I'm sure everyone really appreciated her sincerest of gestures.
I'm positive once the ink has dried on the divorce decree, TLC will have a nice new show called "Just Kate." Just how Kate wants it!

I think that there was a lot hidden in this episode. It was very awkward to watch and at times I was squirming in my chair. I watched last year because it was amazing to me that the family had ajusted so well. I felt inspired, motiviated and received strength from the show. Now, I am afraid the entire focus and meaning of the show has changed. It is sad, filled with drama and I just feel sad for the children. For the sake of the children I would probably not continue with the show. I will not be watching anymore as there are many soap operas and reality shows already out there.

Did you notice that they changed the rating from G to PG? My 4 year old loved watching this show but now it's all about them, not the kids. I love how she said "Jon has help" but she had them "all by herself". She is not so organized when she doesn't have Jon to do everything for her!

I did watch it.. and I was felt with a very empty feeling at the end. I didn't get the point of the cookout scene, but I felt for Kate, because she is human too. The emptiness hit hard when she starting tearing up about divorce rates. Jon kept looking down whenever he talked about "this" (whatever "this" actually means) so who knows if he's telling the truth. I as well feel for the children, and I can't imagine going through the whole situation.

This episode seemed more real than I've ever remembered any episode of J&K+8 being. Along with real, it was awkward and depressing.

If the viewers think the same, you know the adults on the show are feeling 100x more.

behavior of th ekids was differen, i guessed from being raised by the babysitter...jon seems miserable, like he has already called it quits. kate seems to "enjoy" the attention from the p-people desite what she says. i think they are both at fault..she's never there and jon needs his space. feel sorry for the kids though.

I'm done.what a bunch of idiots

I have been watching the show for 3 years. I thought all the commercials during the memorial day marathon were hype. It was painful to realize they are really in trouble. They both are so young, with so much responsibility. Jon and Kate, hang in there- it is worth it. Don't give up on each other. God trusted you with these children. You are special together, as a family. I will pray for you and the children.

Listen....back off! I just finished watching the season premiere myself, but had a completely different take on it. I've watched the show pretty regularly since the very first special, and feel like I've watched them all enough to realize a few things. Yes they are not perfect, yes they both have changed, yes this might not be the perfect situation for kids to have to grow up in the lime light.....but hey they both admitted to it!!!! Life is hard, and all I can say is that it must be even harder for those kids. I think people who are so quick to judge, probably haven't taken a look at their own personal lives, and their own mistakes. As a parent I can honestly say that a couple's relationship changes when kids come into the mix. Who are we to judge? All I hope is that this was a wake up call, and that they can somehow work through their troubles. Those kids love their parents, and it almost broke my heart to pieces when I saw one of the little girls tell John "& I don't want you to leave anymore". I know that was hard for John to hear. You can definitely tell he loves his kids. In a relationship there are always two parties, and when there are triumphs...it is because of both parties, and even when troubles arise.....IT'S BECAUSE OF BOTH PARTIES! I hope they find the help they need, and that they remember that their vows said (just like everybody else's) 'For better OR worse'!

These two people have a lot of resentment of each other. I believe only a whole lot of counseling is going to help them clear the air so there can be even a hint of reconciliation. Isn't it odd that this entire adventure of television about the family's life has become a victim of its own creation? What may have begun as parents' well intentioned quest to earn enough money to take care of the kids has changed each parent into an individual without a partner. How criminally sad!

You sound bitter.. Yeah they got free stuff, get over it, they're on TV, and can't show diapers and tantrums for 4 seasons and expect people to keep watching..

SKK: I'm not bitter; I am concerned for their children.

i pretty much agree with your assessment.

it makes me really sad.

i can't believe they are continuing to do the show.

I think that their personal life should be something they decide off the air. I would like to say this. I will Pray for their family because divorce is such an horrible diease. I say that because it seems that more people are willing to give up on their marriage just because things get tough instead of going through the storms.
I believe when times get tough God is trying to get our attention. So, instead of giving up please take the time to ask God for his direction for your lives. I hope that the statement is not offensive but I have truly learned to ASK GOD for so many things regarding my life. I will PRAY for restoration for your family. Just know you are Loved!

Ok so someone please answer this and this only. DId anyone hear Jon or Kate say they are seperating or getting a divorce. Not from a magazine or paporazi or such. Cause i am really confused. together apart. Please answer... thanks

SKK: They didn't say. I don't know that they know themselves yet.

I think Jon and Kate should suspend filming and get their lives back in order. They need time alone without all the hoopla and if no one understands that, then they are not worth it. They will end up in divorce court if Kate keeps traveling and Jon is left alone. Can't they see what we see? Good grief, it is so obvious.

I don't think that J&K have been too chummy for a long time, but like most of us who are in imperfect relationships with children, we tough it out for them. At least we try. I stopped watching J&K+8 a while ago because it seemed very fake and surreally organized for that many children. But I digress.
I have always thought that Kate was insanely rude to Jon and overly critical which I can say from experience is a good indicator of marital distress. As for Jon, he is just present, not engaged. And that was faithfully captured by the TLC camera crews at the birthday party.
I do not feel pity for anyone in this but the kids. J&K heaped this upon themselves. For money.

While Kate does make it difficult sometimes to sympathize with her, I think Jon is just a jerk. No, he is a child. Maybe he isn't happy in this situation, but he's in it and needs to step up and think about his kids.

It was painful after going through the same stuff in my family before our divorce...just painful to watch - all the ackwardness, ignoring one another trying to act like all is ok - but it's not. The kids can feel it, believe me!

oh wow that episode doesn't seem worth the wait now.

They just made the whole situation more confusing. I don't know what Jon did that is so bad. I know he partied, etc., but what else did he do that is causing so much trouble if he did not cheat?

I love Kate.I have ever since the show first aired. I never really liked Jon. Everyone says that Kate is so mean to him, but I think it is reversed. I blame Jon for the whole thing. I honestly believe that Kate is truthful during the whole episode and Jon is playing the camera.I do not think he is truly there for his family and I blame him. During the whole episode he talks about how he is going to have to explain himself. obviously he has done something. I just think the whole thing is very sad and tragic, and I think Kate is handling the sitaution very differently than I thought. I look forward to the new season.

You know, I think that Jon and Kate had to know the consequences of having a hit TV show... the media and paparazzi are just something that go along with that. It seems like Kate is embracing their fame, and Jon feels trapped because he's home with his kids constantly. However, it seems like they are making enough money for there to be some solution to Jon feeling trapped. Couldn't he get out of the house a few days of the week, and invest himself in something he would like to do? It seems to me like he's going some sort of weird, early mid-life crisis, what with the brand new sports car, the partying, etc. I guess I'm more on Kate's side. She's using her fame in more constructive ways. At the same time, I watch her constantly ordering Jon around and realize that must be hard on a man's ego, especially since she has become the main provider for the family.

However, I agree about the show now being about all of the material things they own, and the free things they constantly get. While it's great to be financially able to take your kids on fun trips, most families PAY for these trips, while the Gosselins do it all for free! It's great that people love their kids and want to provide something fun for them, but it's not like they are charity cases at this point.

While I LOVED this show, I feel like unless something changes, it's going to get old pretty quickly, and that's sad, because I used to spend the hour that it was on laughing to myself, not being depressed or disgusted like I was with this last episode.

I have watched J&K + 8 for a long time and I have liked it. If i have learned anything in they 17 years I have lived on this Earth, I have learned never to judge. We are all so human and our emotions are so raw that I try not to judge people on their mistakes or moments of weakness that show too much anger or selfishness. I dont know them, I just watch the show. Everyone in life goes through times where life turns very quickly and leaves you wondering what made everything turn so abruptly and why is this happening to me. I know they will pull through it. Even if Jon and Kate break up I believe that Kate will always pull together for her kids, hopefully Jon regains focus on them. He says he is here for them and he will do whatever it takes, then this is his time to step up. People go through teen crisis and college crisis and crisis when they retire or whenever but Jon really needs to focus and look at his kids and know he has to commit to them and the wife he promised to be with for all his life. I wish them all the best and I hope they do not go off air but if it what they need to do then they need to do it. I hope they pull together and get through this, I really do. I send them my love and prayers that life gets easier. Take care of those cute kids, you have been great to them all along the way. God bless.

I watched, jon and kate are history. they are going through the motions right now of being a "family". But you can tell there is nothing there between kate and jon. Too bad, I enjoyed the show. I guess the lesson to be learned, as success comes life becomes more challenging with new obstacles, different outlooks, jealousy, and so forth.

I just found the whole situation very sad. But I also thought it was fairly obvious that Jon is clinically depressed, so I hope he is getting help. As a nurse, Kate should be aware of this. He has been publicly emasculated by her for years and recently quit his job to be a house husband so Kate can travel, etc. His acting out behaviors are also diagnostic of depression.

It will be a cold day in hell when I pity Kate Gosselin. If anything pity the kids and Jon. But as this goes on, I grow more apathetic to all of them.
I believe Kate is in it for the money, and she's latched on to the celebrity lifestyle.

I did watch the show. I think TLC should just cancel this show. It is over in my opinion. I don't want to watch the break up of a marriage.

I agree with EVERYTHING you just posted, It felt awkward and sad for me as I watched this show tonite.
I felt the tension between Jon and Kate and it felt like I was living and feeling their pain.
I honestly think it would be best for all involved to NOT continue with their show this season. They need to either work on their relationship or end it, but not as we watch. We have PRETEND soap operas if we wanted to watch that sort of drama. The show was based on a "couple" trying to raise a family of 8 children and trying to make ends meet. This now seems like we the viewers are watching them try to rake in that last million , before the crash.
It seems unfair to us as viewers, their children and eveyrone involved. Please end this show now!

The End of Jon & Kate Plus 8

The season premiere of JK+8 will undoubtably break records for viewership. But I would predict it will become the highest ever viewed show in the series and that viewership will decline from this point forward.

The show attracted viewers for the cuteness of the children, the challenge they presented for their parents and the sense of relief that viewers felt--"I'm so glad it;s not me with that mess".

But now, despite the intrigue of the breakdown of the marriage, the future is dim for the show. The children are older and less charming. The tension between Jon and Kate is not something people will want to see weekly. My wife finished watching the show and sad "Boy was that depressing". We do not watch TLC to become depressed at life. We have many places where we see that everyday. We see it in the growing unemployment. We see it with the people struggling to make ends meet. We see it in our friends and family who have personal problems we witness and feel everyday.

Jon & Kate Plus 8 might best be wound down over the next year. Jon wants out of the marriage and the public limelight. He feels like he's in prison. By dropping the show, he and Kate will fade back into obscurity. He'll be out of prison and Kate won't have to work so hard to present the false image that she has everything in control.

Maybe a special every two years to provide an update would be enough for most viewers. All good series come to an end and this one seems to be on life support. It's best to let it die.

The totally need to step back from the show and regroup. They've made a ton of money and enough is enough. Kate needs to put everything on hold and focus on keeping her family intact. Yeah, they may be happy, healthy, safe and taken care of, but they are calling you by the nanny's name. Come on, wake up!

I sympathize with them at this horrible time...you can only truly understand it if you have gone through it or are going through it. It all hits so close to home in my life right now that it was so hard to watch. I hope things work out with them, because no matter who isn't there, who is nagging who, who is bossing who around, regardless, they married and had children for a reason and I think they need to find that place again...step away from the cameras and spend some time together...It doesn't even seem like they are able to have any time one on one to get things out in the open and talk about their feelings. I don't know, my relationship has fallen apart since our second child, I can't even imagine 8 kids and cameras on us everday. I know it was their choice, but come on, who in their right mind would turn down such an offer to provide great financial stability for their family? My heart goes out to them and I feel their pain, literally...

I think that they will break-up for good if they haven't already. TLC will only show what they what to show regardless of Jon and Kate relationship. I hope for the good of the children that the show ends soon.

It makes me really sad that jon and kate are divorcing. They look so happy in previous seasons and suddenly, they're talking about splitting apart. It makes me wonder what it really takes to make a marriage work....

I was very disappointed in them both, but mostly with Jon. I think we all have known that Kate comes off as a control freak and unfortunately Jon is at the other end of it. However, now i view jon as more of a loser that just gave up. It got too hard for him and whoas me..... I think the fact that he drove to the b-day party in his brand new $50,000 plus sports car speaks volumes. He is over the responsibility and just wants out. That to me, does not cry, "I am a man and in control." It screams more like, "I am a man that turned into a little boy who wants to play with his toys again--ie sports cars, skiing, late night visits to the bars, etc. I am definitely not a fan of his now.

I thought it was really sad that Jon is so disconnected from his family and that he thinks he is there for the family. Looks to me like he should have thought things through before he had eight kids, I don't think he's upset by the show I think he does not want to be tied down by wife and 8 kids...did anyone else see the sports car he was driving? Plus okay he was fine with family life when Kate was at home dealing with EVERYTHING all day but now that he's home it's a different story.

I just feel so sorry for all of them. I hope Jon and Kate can work things out (and by that I mean stay married). I think Jon made a mistake going out to the clubs, regardless if it was all innocent or not. Married men should not do this with a wife and kids at home. Kate, I think, is also to blame. She berate Jon constantly. I think she actually enjoys all the perks of the show.

BUT STILL, I do hope this marriage can be save.

I saw the last 10 minutes, and I am so sad for them. I have never had TLC until 3 days ago...and was SO excited to get to see "J&K+8" and watched the marathon for the past few days...and now?
it's SO sad. Sad for them and sad for the kids.

I watched it just to see what all teh "buzz" was about and I deeply regret watching this episode. It was definitely awkward- yet VERY depressing for me to watching being a single mom of two. It hurts. It hurts to see those children who are innocent and don't need this drama. I used to be a J&K plus 8 and now...I WANT IT TO GO AWAY!

I am so saddened by what has become of Jon and Kate +8. I adore their children, but I just think a lot of the media attention and celebrity has gone to Kate's head.

I am not a jealous person. I am just an observant person and a mother who has watched this show every season. This show, my last. :(

What started as two parents who shared their children's lives in a tasteful manner on tv, at first, to help other parents understand the fun and not so fun times of bringing up multiples.

NOW....it's all about Kate..and it seems it is all about appearances.

I don't go to my son's birthday party in too tight pants and inappropriate shoes. I wear nice, comfortable jeans and my tennis shoes even though I do have nicer clothes in my closet. It's a kids birthday party.

It's about the children!!

It just seems like it has just turned into a circus with the children stuck in the middle.

I don't care how many 'PA's' Kate has to help her or if the paps were in the bushes.What I want to see is the old Jon and Kate + 8.

I cannot watch their family in this crisis. I think if better financial decisions were made then they could live within means that would allow Kate to be home enough so that her children are not calling her by a babysitter's name.

It is all so sad and my prayers are with the whole family.

I watched, and I just kept thinking, if they were truly there for the kids, and their family was the most important thing to them, they should quit the show and get some counseling and focus on their family. It's not doing them any good to continue to live their lives in the spotlight. If they don't like the "p people" they should do all they can to lessen their public exposure and give the kids a normal life. I feel sorry for those kids.

I must say, that I was very saddened by tonight's episode. Having been divorced, I would not wish it on anybody-especially those precious children. I have only watched a few episodes over the years-but has anyone ever seen Jon & Kate embrace in a genuine hug and tell the other that they love them?

SKK: Eric, yes, there have been plenty of affectionate moments in previous episodes, especially the early ones. But not lately.

Jon and Kate are going to look back on this and hate themselves in the future. I've said it before and I'll say it again....They need to immediately watch "Fireproof" stop filming, traveling, and focus on each other first and kids second for a while. I didn't watch the show because I'm a loyal fan who is NOT watching the show until they can advertise that their next book is about how they saved their marriage and family.

Well my husband and I just finished watching the season priemere. All I have to say is that was so uncomfortable to watch!! Awkward,disturbing, and depressing. I really dont think any of this should be on television. I totally agree with what the person above said. This is getting to be way too much and too confusing, its like they are covering up for something else...I dunno..I feel quilty saying this but I can't wait for next weeks episode...

I am infuriated with the most recent episode of Jon and Kate plus 8. Kate Gosselin is an imposter and is no "mother of the year" as she attempts to portray herself. While Jon is at fault for potentially cheating on his wife or at least hanging out with other women, he at least addresses his situation to the cameras in the episode. Kate neglects to do this as if she is completely innocent. I hope that her book tour is stopped and this money making machine ends. It would be a benefit to the children and for society itself. This show has become terrible and Kate Gosselin is making a mockery of all great parents nationwide.

Go [deleted] yourself jon and kate plus 8. You are liars and so is your show.

I just feel sad for them. I hope that the religious convictions that they have claimed on the show are true, and that they can find the love of Christ in this upsetting situation. I actually think it would be the best for everyone involved if they would just quit the show and let their children only see the happy times they have shared together instead of the secret turmoil in their basement interviews.

I used to love this show and now I simply feel sad for the family as a whole. I would rather never watch another episode and know they stopped taping the show to reclaim their MARRIAGE for their family and the kids, than watch their family dissolve before America's eyes.

I think it's time for TLC to pull the plug. What a downer tonight's program was. Maybe they should sell their mansion, move to a smaller home, Jon get a day job, Kate work as a nurse - perhaps part-time - and try to put things back together (if it isn't too late). Can't imagine viewers being interested in watching such a tension-filled, sad program on a weekly basis..

pull the plug on the show until they figure out their marriage...thinking about the children, i wouldn't want to watch my parent's marriage fall apart on film when the original point of the show was to document the children's lives b/c of them being so busy and possibly missing out on filming a milestone. i wish them the best and pray for their marriage!

Just finished watching the summer season premiere...the 5th birthday party. Strangely enough...when the sextuplets turned 4, they just went to decorate cupcakes in a bakery. And this year, as they turned 5, it seemed primordial "for Kate" to have a big birthday party. She is such a prima donna now! Anyway...

The show was very awkward tonight. But all I can say...since the beginning of this show, Kate has been treating Jon like dirt. Now, it looks like the guy just cannot take it anymore. And she cries??? Well Kate, this is called "karma"!

I agree I've seen enough of J&K+8, anymore my children don't need to watch it. For the kids sake I hope they do remove them from the public eye, it's very sad for me to watch.
I definetly think Jon is a cheater!

I watched the premier. It was the weirdest thing I've ever seen. Season 4 ended pretty well but also on a slightly awkward note but when they opened with all of the "this" discussions I knew it wasn't going to be enjoyable. I think everyone agrees that they need to quit saying everything is well with the kids and just stop recording. It may not be bad now but when they're older this won't be good.....not at all.

wow i though kate was bitchy
but you win!

sorry...but terrible article, so damn critical and negative...

I thought that Kate was hiding from John & trying to avoid her focus towards showing off.Don't get me wrong...we LOVE the show but she's all about herself...that's what's changed in her last 6 months.I don't blame John one bit.He's said before that he doesn't like being known as "Jon & Kate +8" but she's about her fashion,jewelry,ect.John I feel needs to be listened & my heart goes out to him & the kids'.

I agree with EVERYTHING you just posted, It felt awkward and sad for me as I watched this show tonite.
I felt the tension between Jon and Kate and it felt like I was living and feeling their pain.
I honestly think it would be best for all involved to NOT continue with their show this season. They need to either work on their relationship or end it, but not as we watch. We have PRETEND soap operas if we wanted to watch that sort of drama. The show was based on a "couple" trying to raise a family of 8 children and trying to make ends meet. This now seems like we the viewers are watching them try to rake in that last million , before the crash.
It seems unfair to us as viewers, their children and everyone involved. Please end this show now!

I have a lot to say but I will just say this in response to this quote "She says that parents of multiples have "like triple the divorce rate and thinking we were going to beat that." "Very swiftly, we turned into two different people, and it's just hard. ... But generally speaking, we at least physically pulled it off.""

They might have been able to buck the divorce trend if they weren't on TV airing every detail of their lives, that adds a further dimension beyond being parents of multiples. I sure hope they were always 2 different people. Did Kate expect they were one? Maybe that is why she is "so hard on him", because he is forgetting how to be her. Children are intuitive, they know when things are "off" you can't just physically "pull it off". They know.

I did not watch yet, but will tomorrow. All I can say is Kate keeps saying she is doing this all for the kids. Than why not stop doing it for the kids? She loves the freebies, the trips, and whatever other perks she gets and that is why she will not stop doing the show. Her true intentions apparently are to get whatever will make her happy and not what is best for the kids!

I watched the show tonight. I have been a dedicated watcher since the babies were 2yrs old. I was very saden by the hurt in Kate's eyes, althought she tried to be soon it was evident that she is in a lot of pain right now. Jon, seemed like he is already over with the marriage and simply wants out. This is very sad because without the show how could they have provided for a family of 8 on one income, so whether they wanted to continue to do the show or not the money played a huge part. I wish them both well and hope they will remember why they got married in the first place and start to work on their marriage from that place forward. Sometime, leaving is the easy way out and working through issues is the tough part along with true forgiveness, but God can fix anything.

Jon seemed drunk (or sick) to me during his interview sessions alone. Was it just me or was he slurring?

I am sad for them. I also think Jon should realize that without this show and the money it has brought them, he would not have the house they have, the vacations they have had, etc. Yes Kate has been tough on him. Well most guys to need a tough women to help them. I hope they work it out . But I feel it will be very difficult as long as they are on TV. They need some private time

Jon comes off as a jerk

I think Jon and Kate have some problems that a lot of marriages go through. She needs to soften up a lot with Jon and her kids. Kate has ALWAYS been angry. The birthday party was the first time she acted like she loved the kids, with all her kisses and hugs. I think it was an act to make Jon look bad. The taking over the passing out of the candy like only she could do it right. If Kate acted like she respected Jon maybe he would act happy to be around her. If she doesn't stop walking all over him, all her girls will become her. Her daughter Maddy is well on the way. She is just as self centered as her mother. Remember when Kate looked out her kitchen window and said" All Mine". It belongs to Jon too. Lots of problems, lots (8) of reasons to go to counseling.

I think Jon and Kate should stop acting like children and settle their differences like adults. They have to understand that problems come and go it only stays for a long period of time if you let it. They need to understand that family comes second from God and thats all that matters and they need to also understand that they got married for a reason and that reason should stay untill death due them apart!! The press are going to anything and everything to have a story and they should know that. If Jon says he didn't cheat that as a wife you should stand by him and believe him. In the other hand if he did its going to show, but i believe he didn't because he dosent seem like that type of person and Kate should know that already!! its just a matter of them not giving in to what the world says and forget about the bad thoughts of the passed and go on with their future focused on making their family a better famliy and thats it!!

I have watched since the first show and I am so sad for them. I feel for Jon and I always have. Kate comes across as harsh,bitter women. I can not believe they have made it as for as long as they have. I am not surprised at his actions or the choices he has made. He has gave up a lot to be at home. It has to be hard for him to give up a job he loved and a outlet away from the camera's to be at home full time now. I think it's tough for the kids and hearing one of them pleading with him not leave again. Made it more real that there little hearts are hurt by all of this. I think Kate and Jon need to take a step back from the camera and TLC and focus on what they started out with. They have to put their family first and I don't see Kate doing that. And I think Jon is already gone in his mind and in his heart. I think all that is left is him officially walking away.

THis is a good run down of how the show played out. Some of your comments are a bit off. Yes, these people chose to open their lives for the public to comsume and gauk at. However, they're still entitle to a bit of privacy. I also take issue with talking to the kids. The kids are far to young to be able to fully understand and apperciate whats going on. So no they should not discuss any of this with them now. What they should do is STOP all this nonsense! IF its truely about their kids they should stop or end the show.

SKK: I just don't understand how they can not talk to the kids about it but talk to cameras. That doesn't track for me.

This show was so painful in its honesty. I didn't expect it to be so revealing. They appear to be separated with very little communication. It is very sad. The kids will sense what is going on and try to make both parents happy. They will mature much faster now. SO sad. They both are at fault although Kate seems to at least be holding the kids together while Jon sulks and feels sorry for himself.

I just think you are really coming across as negative on Kate and Jon.. They are lucky to have these freebies.. if it werent for Kate wanting to do the show they would be struggling financially.. she would never be home to see the kids.. you know Jon made some mistakes but it's because they have two different personalities.. and yes they never wanted the paparazzi and all the media attention.. do the duggar family get that? how about any other TLC couples?? I think you need to back off and stop being so judgmental.. they are a good family caught in a bad situation.. nothing they can do about it.

I feel really bad for the children. I think Jon and Kate should have quit the show. I don't know if Kate is fame hungry or what, but marriage and family have to come first. Spilling personal business to the whole world only makes repairing their marriage harder. I hope this is the last season. Work on your family, Kate and Jon!

Kate and Jon need to put their family first. They should be running from their contract with TLC for the sake of their kids. They say they care about the kids, than why continue?

How can you complain about the "P People" when you're making $75,000 an episode. They have brought the attention onto themselves. Their show started out as show that showed people how they dealt with raising their 8 kids. Then it turned into episodes about what they could get for free. This turned me off and I stopped watching.

I feel sorry for the kids, as they have no say in their lives. I also feel sorry for Jon and Kate, as they have really lost focus and have their focus on their family in terms of business and not is what is in their children's best interest.

Hopefully Jon and Kate will learn how to communicate, as they will need to do this better if they get a divorce for the sake of their children.

You forgot to mention the tease for the next episode: Matty and Kate go to California to a spa. Having grown up in PA, their are plenty of spas and very nice ones closer to home. No need to go to the other side of the country. Oh, it was probably free. Kinda of weird to take only one of the big girls.

I thought it was very sad. I thought Jon was pathetic. All that talk about the kids being O.K if the parents divorce, as long as the parents stay friends.
As a teacher, I hate to burst people's bubbles, but divorce hurts kids, sometimes badly. It shakes their world. And when a parent withdraws without explanation, as Kate implies Jon has, is causes a lot of anxiety in a child.
Jon and Kate have a lot to work out. And you are absolutely right, they should just come out and say what "it" is. Otherwise, the "P" People get to tell their story.
Like it or not, this is where their life is right now.

I have always sworn of this reality TV show because I don't like watching other people live their lives. But I got sucked in ever since they started having problems. I got seriously upset watching tonight. It was VERY tense and sad.

I think what they absolutely must do is stop doing the show. I don't care how popular they are, how much money they are making. They need to turn inward, get out of the lime light, do some counseling, and try to pull their family together. I think that's what they really want. If they're too superficial for that, then so be it.

I get the vibe that Jon would like to stop doing the show and Kate wants to keep doing it. And we all know that Kate is quite the dominating force. I just feel really bad that they have been torn apart because of this attention. And I don't even know these people.

I think this show will be called Kate plus 8. Jon seems to be out of the picture at this point. I was very disappointed in his attitude and selfishness. He has 8 Kids and he needs to be there for them and put himself last and love his wife. They have been blessed beyond belief, he has an opportunity to quit his job and watch his kids grow up. Who has that opportunity? Celebrity is now in the way and 8 lives will be affected forever. I'm disgusted at how this is turning out.

I have decided I do not want to watch the show any longer. I let my granddaughter watch it because she likes the little children but no more.
It has become a twisted adult ego viving mess. Kate was very big on telling everyone what a great Mom she is. Mom's do not have to tell the world how much they love their children. Dad's should not have to worry their children will Google them some day and find a sorted mess. I think what started out as an inocent family showing the world how hard it is to raise so many children on a small budget has become a big business and the kids are the product.
Children's services should be there to see how well the children are cared for. Kate Gosselin said in one of the shows that when one member of the family wanted to stop doing the show it would be over. It sounds like her husband is that member. He is acting out to show her she is not in total control. He needs to do it with his lawyer. Stop the show!!!

Yes, I watched the show. I've been watching it all through the past few years, but now... I am honestly very unsure if I will continue. I agree with what you say here... it has become more about them talking, what they are doing, where they are going, the book deals and signings, etc... and not about the kids and family life. Of course it is Jon and Kate, Plus 8, so it should include their lives and how they are handling things, but most people tune in to watch the kids and see how they are handling 8 children, not to hear about all of their travels and book deals. That is just my personal opinion though.

My question to them is this.. Where were the words "we still love each other? We will stick by each other?" Of course one would hope they will be there 'for the kids' , as they are the parents to them. Aren't they in love in anymore? Are the rumors true where that is concerned? You could feel the tension and awkwardness practically come through the television screen.

I could pretty much see some of this coming during the last season or so. In my opinion, it seems they may have let a bit of the 'stardom' get to them and come between them. Their 'reality' has bitten them in the butt I think. I believe that if you truly really cared for your marriage, loved each other, and cared and loved your children... you would give the show at least a rest and work on the marriage and family. If not stop the show altogether. As a mother myself that is just how I feel. The family should be number one!

The show is unwatchable this season. It’s all about Kate, not the kids. Kate has changed. Once she got the “Hollywood Car wash” she ditched her old life, friends, family. After watching the entire marathon of shows this weekend culminating with the season open this evening, I must say it is hard to believe that Jon and Kate will ever be a couple again. Kate has already disowned her parents, siblings, etc. for fame and fortune. I hope it was worth it.

I think it's obvious they aren't like going to make it. It doesn't seem that they really love each other anymore. And it breaks my heart to see it.

I've watched their show from the beginning, and feel somewhat attached to their children. I come from a broken home. I know the pain. BUT, I also know the pain of parents staying together "for the kids", when they really needed to have just ended it.

Kids know when things aren't right. They know when their parents don't love each other, like each other, or want to be around each other.

I can only hope they get therapy, make changes, fall back in love, and work things out. But, I'm not hopeful.

I do know that they've lost me as a viewer. I can't watch this family self-destruct anymore than they already have.

Nell

I completely agree... it was very very sad... I felt like they were already admitting defeat... "they" have reported that Jon is already living in the apt. above the garage... so who knows... I can't say b/c I've never been in this situation (thank god), but what happened to "for better or worse"? I hope they try and work through it, but I can see Kate throwing it in his face every five seconds, so we'll see....

I'm not surprised by this development. I had a "cheating" husband, and might feel sympathetic toward Kate, but I've watched her never allow him to finish a sentence, dominate and belittle him. someone, please teach the nurse the word "emasculate." Don't fool yourselves, the twins know, and the sextuplets will soon. Kids are not stupid.

I hope they go for competent counseling, soon, Meanwhile, both are in denial.

I've only started watching the episodes in the last couple of days because TLC has had a blitz. It was interesting but I picked up right away that Kate was really hard on Jon - treating him like a child and making derogatory comments about him and men in general. You could see, through the episodes that it was starting to bug Jon.

If it wasn't bugging Jon, it certainly was bugging me as a viewer and it was rubbing off on the kids - some control issues but how is that so different from other couples and complaints of both men and women (remember Men are from Mars...?)

One of the kids wanted to know why their daddy wasn't around and he said he 'had to work'. Clearly the kids know nothing and he wasn't being honest.

After watching the show, I was totally confused at what he wanted his kids 'to believe' and had to look up this article on the net to find out because they were so obscure! If he did cheat I'm sure it was the female trainer at his gym stroking this poor guy's ego after all Kate's insidious put downs.

All in all I think Kate is way too independent to even need Jon around. She appeared to do very well on her own. At least it's deflated her controlling ego a little bit and she's become somewhat relaxed and even started showing some affection towards her kids.

I like her by herself and maybe her kids do too? It's obvious Jon loves his kids and they have much affection for him. Those two just need to be more honest because the audience can read between the lines - the body language is pretty obvious.

I left the episode truly sad for them as it appears that they are already separated and about to get a divorce. Also, as a guy, I have alwayd been very critical of Kate and her emasculating behavior towards Jon. Neverthess, after it aired I sat down at the computer, did a quick search for stories such as yours and found this video from to of their friends (probably X-friends now). www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2009/05/exclusive-new-interview-jon-kates-secret-marriage-contract
If this is true, and Kate brought Jon a contract some time ago telling Jon he could have his girlfriends et. al. if he would just show up for shoots and keep the TLC show going, then I have another opinion of the situation altogether. Again, IF this is true, it certainly explains Jon's face during this season opening episode. He looked as if he was thinking, "This is all bulls%%t." during the entire episode. Do you think that Kate did really deleiver him this
post-nup" free pass docuument?

Yes, I watched and enjoyed (mostly). I found Jon's mysterious behavior strange and devoid of explanation. So, I mostly just smiled occassionally and winced everytime I saw the pain behind Kate's eyes.

I did watch, and I think its hard for them, I think its hard for her, I mean this opportunity came to them at a time in the past when they really needed it, and it helped them, I think the marriage issues were there before even that, and that is their business, but I think other peoples jealousy makes for all the headlines.. and I can understand Kate- after all this show HAS become a career for her and its hard to not want or need that.

I think it is sad. I agree. I noticed while watching the marathon it became much more about superficial things and gifts, versus their real lives.

It makes me very sad to watch the two. I believe Jon. Until the paparzzi get pictures to confirm their affair (as in them kissing or what not) or he admits it himself, I will believe in his innocence. As for Kate, I use to love her and admire her. Now, I cringe everytime she talks. We'll leave it at that. She has changed and certainly not for the better. It disgusts me how she is putting the blame on him and talking about how he doesn't like the limelight. Of course he wouldn't. She in the meantime appears addicted to the "celebrity" status.

I could go on for hours about her. Is Jon innocent in all this. Absolutely not. It takes two to tango and it takes two to break up a marriage. However from watching the show, I feel much of the blame lays on Kate. If Jon did cheat, then shame on him.

I am heartbroken for them. I know they were strong Christians at one point, I hope the Lord heals their marriage and makes it stronger than ever.

Hi I'm Mackenzie, I am 13 years old and I absolutely LOVE you show SOOOO much!!!!!
Well i basically just wanted to say is that I really hope you two (Jon and Kate) work things out, I dont know what I would do if you guys split up! I was crying watching the episode tonight!
I just really hope you can continue the show and have a better relationship!
:)
i love you all very much!
please write back!
I love you!

SKK: Just to be clear, this is not Jon and Kate's web site.

I felt the whole episode was weird and uncomftorable to watch. I can't believe Kate has spent 6 months trying to figure out what has went wrong, when all she has to do is rewind the tapes that have made her millions. If she watched herself, she should see why noone else is struggling to figure it out. She is a narcissistic, tyrannical dictator. Even with all this fall out, she was the same old Kate with her husband. What a shame that those sweet and innocent children now have to contend with this legacy. These people should not be on TV. I will no longer be watching them. And by the way Kate, your marriage isn't in trouble because you have multiples, it is in trouble because you have prioritized everything else above what is really important.

I so agreed. This episode was so sad, but what makes it even worse is that Kate has no clue that Jon has already left. You can see how unhappy he is to be around her. She must be kidding that he is the one that is changed. Hey Kate,
how about having a birthday party at your house with cake and ice cream. Shock, the "p" have found us out. You both have created this sad life for these kids. Kate thinks she doing the best thing by doing speaking engagements and such. Do your kids really care that they live in big house have matching clothes, multiple cars, trips, etc. If you ask them in 10 years if they trade it for having loving parents that were there to parent together. That also loved and RESPECTED each other as well as them. I bet they would say they would give all the materialistic junk up. You guys really screwed this up.

I watched the episode, and felt incredibly sad for both of them. Given Jon's comments, though, it seems as though he has already checked out of the relationship. I genuinely am sad for them. None of us can be critical of them because NONE of us has ever experienced what they are experiencing. And we all respond differently to stress. Please -- everyone pray for this family. They need to reset their priorities and remember WHY they married each other in the first place.

i just think they need to take a step back from cameras and everything and work on their relationship and what is best for the kids. that is more important than television shows and book tours.

Personally, I think it's hard to be married whether you have one or 8 children. Then to be so popular and in the spotlight would make any couple have a hard time.. so why cant everyone just leave them alone and let them figure things out for themselves without butting in??? If things are to ever work out they need to be done in the privacy of their own lives and not sprawled all across the world.

Before all this hype with the cheating and everything, I've watched J&K+8 pretty often. Then, as you say it, they started with all the trips and less important things, and the show just became idiotic.
I liked the show before because it was all about the kids, their interaction and two parents trying to do the best thing. All of a sudden, the kids became a way of getting more money, fame and other perks.
I watched the season premiere. And I totally agree with Jon where he said "Life is all about choices". This was their choice. They chose this path. They chose to put their life out there.
It just becomes annoying when Kate says that she does everything for kids. Well, you cannot think that growing up with cameras is good for them, especially in the long run. Just imagine how much therapy will it take for them to realize that having 20 people filming your life isn't normal!
Also, it's pretty obvious that their marriage is over. They both talk about "being there for kids", "doing the best for the kids" and Jon's "being friends and getting along". Everything else left there is for the sake of the money.
I really believe that Jon wanted to pull out while they could, but Kate loves money. And she found the way to get it!
I think that we're going to see a lot of "fake reality" in the upcoming episodes, and I don't feel like watching false tears, false promises or whatever.
It's really sad what happened to them. The kids are the ones who will have to suffer. I don't think that the money and fame was worth it...

I did watch tonight,I agree that their focus is on their loss of privacy and I know it must stink to deal with that,but they chose to make alot of money by putting their lives out there.They could have gone the route of the dilleys or some of the other families with sextuplets that have been in the media,and just done updates yearly,Kate seems very caught up in doing the show and sadly in the end ,the kids will pay for it all.

I'm not surprised their marriage started falling apart. Kate treats jon like a child and not like a husband and a man. How could jon not resent her when he gave up his life... He quit his job to stay at home with the kids while his wife is out there traveling, enjoying life! It's unfair.

All one has to do is compare early footage to current footage of Jon and Kate in the interview chair together to realize that they are history as a couple. The body language and cosmetic makeovers tell it all. Early footage shows Jon, arm around Kate, them leaning toward each other happily. As the years progressed, and they got more and more makeovers, the body language shows them leaning more and more away from each other.
The season premiere was just plain sad. Kate was dressed, styled and made up as though she were going on the Bachelor looking for a date (stilletto heels on a lawn, tight jeans, and miniskirts) rather than like she was hosting a kids' birthday party. She acted like she was doing the poor kids a favor by honoring them with her divine presence. And Jon wasn't much better. Did they forget why people watched their show in the beginning? Currently who needs to watch dysfunctional parents for an escape? And don't blame the "paparazzi" please! Jon and Kate created their own problems by forgetting that people originally watched the show because they admired their parenting and the love they showed for their children. It appears to be very sad for the children right now. They are starting to act like little robots. I do not feel the least bit sorry for Jon and Kate. The kids are the victims. What next? Will the kids have to be exposed to Kate and Jon's publicity seeking dates? What a sad decline!

I honestl was crying my eyes out during the whole thing. They have gone through so much together and to throw it all away because maybe for a couple of months the public is telling lies? The "p people" will die down over the summer, not many people care about it, if they haven't been watching the show from the beginning. I always think back to their vacation in hawaii, where the renewed their vows, what about the love you guys said you would share with each other no matter what obstacle? They can get through this. If they spilt up, I would be in shock, because I beileved they were stronger people then to let a few incidents get in their way. Good luck to Jon Kate and all the eight kids. =]

Well, the quotes (I think) are conviently placed in this article to make Kate look or sound awful. I think Jon looked upset during the whole episode, and Kate was kind of just trying to deal with everything. Also, everyone is talking about the free stuff that they get, like it's a bad thing. I don't blame them for taking the free stuff and everyone else would do it too, if they were in that position. It's awful that they are going through these problems. I just wish that people would stop pointing fingers, because this (marriage problems) happens everyday...sadly, Jon and Kate have to deal with this in front of the nation.

Honestly, I have watched the show from day 1. I have always loved the show, and with the recent drama that has been happening, I was shocked to tell ya the truth, but Kate is very bossy and now I just feel sorry for the kids, I thought it was great how they were getting to expierence the things they were thanks to the show and sponsors, but now it's just gotten out of hand. Your completely right the show is completely not what it used to be, and I feel sorry for the kids. If they are getting a divorce I think for the kids sake they need not to have the show anymore, because the birthday party was just ackward!

I watched the show with my wife and we were steady trying to figure out what the big "elephant" in the room is. It certainly can't be good. Especially when you notice that the TLC camera crew is specifically zoning in on shots that really show how John and Kate are just passing each other like two ships in the night.

We also noticed how great John and Kate look. They both look fantastic, healthy and fresh. This is surprising to me when you think about the fact that they are supposed to be completely stressed out and distant because of "the issue".

Did anyone else notice the TLC commercials that have the family together but they keep going back to "We are a family" and we are gonna "stick together" because that's what families do....or something to that effect.

Whatever the spin is, we really don't care. The magic of TLC productions has got me and the wife locked in for the summer and we can't wait to see what will happen next.....pass the popcorn please.

I just think that it's about time we have a show where we can see the good and the bad that goes on in a lot of homes across America... The only differance is they have cameras watching their every move and we don't. At the end of the day, we are all human and because of that WE ALL make mistakes. I agree with Kate, as long as the kids are happy, safe, healthy, and feel loved then it's going to be ok. Will they stay together??? Who knows...but, that is their choice to make. I like that they are keeping the show and I hope all works out, no matter what they decide to do.

wow, judgemental much? I don't care if someone chooses to be on a reality show, chooses to be an actor or anything that puts them in the limelight. There is a line, and although it may be gray at times it sickens me that they should even have to explain their personal actions to anyone other than God, their kids, and each other. No one says anything about the actresses that get THOUSANDS of dollars worth of goodies at the awards shows but heaven forbid a couple with eight kids is given vacations and can actually now afford things they never would have been able to because of the show. Why is it we have to judge, belittle, and do everything in our power to make good people look bad for a buck. I'm sure you are perfect and have never made a mistake or treated anyone poorly right? I'm sure you're gonna say "well I don't have a reality show" well who gives a crap. You still have no right to judge!!

It just made me feel bad. I won't watch it any more. It was a real downer. I feel so bad for those kids. Jon really seems in it for the kids, he stays home with them. Kate seems to be in it for the cash, how is it for the kids if she is gone 20 days a month.

I am still trying to understand why Jon and Kate decided to do this season. Maybe it was due a contract but the tension is so obivous and it is painful to watch a regular viewer. I watched the show with my son who is 7 (same age as Cara & Maddie) and I don't think he understood what was going on in the beginning of the show (& was terribly bored as well). To hear the kids say they didn't want there father to be away anymore was sad to hear. This was the first time watching the show that I felt like I was invading on their privacy. The ending of the show was sweet it was nice to see the kids grow up. But I feel like this show needs to come to end They need to enjoy the money they have made and live thier lives privately now.

I did watch this episode. My personal self, have gone thru this same issue being the wife and my husband cheating on me and leaving me with my 3 children and I had no clue that he even had a girlfriend, I can say there is a lot of anger inside. I do know what Kate is going thru. Do I believe Jon is telling the truth? Not one little bit. I believe; "The Truth Will Set You Free". Wether he wants he wants to be with Kate or not he needs to at least tell her the truth, which I do not feel that he has done that yet. I don't feel any of the children would understand that situation right now @ the age they are at, maybe as they get older if Jon & Kate end up getting a divorce over the situation. I do not believe she has done anything wrong as sugested in the tabloides.
If Jon did not want to quit his job and stay home with the children then I say hire a nanny and go back to work Jon... what is stopping you? I am a mother of 3 children I do not make a lot of money, but I am not the type of mother that can be a at home mom so I work. It probably is not ideal for me to work, but I do that is how I stay sane. But, again Jon you must remember Kate quit her job first to stay home with all 8 children when they were a lot more needy and you had a lot less money. I think Jon is being very selfish which is fine every once in a while but not for 6 months!!!!!

Personally, I'm bummed out. I wasn't falling for all the P's BS. Although, my husband said "it seems something is going on". But I guess I'm always the optimist. Right now I'm still in shock. Damn it, Jon & Kate, what on earth happened over the past few months? I love those kids and so sad that they will be torn apart by all this. Don't kid yourselves. The children will be affected. As much you pull together for the kids. They will sense the problems. Just like their fans tonight. The kids will know. My heart brakes for them and for Mom and Dad. So Sad.

I sense that the marriage is over for him. I have read that she presented him a contract to continue the show but he could have girlfriends -which doesn't match how sad she seems. She tried tonight to be more involved with the party than she usually is. Typically she bosses Jon around. He has had it. I think she is more in love with the 'idea' of a good marriage than reality.

Hey Sarah. I'm really glad you posted this. I didn't watch - I decided a while ago that I didn't want a TV in my new house. But I USED to watch the show, and I started getting really curious at seeing all the tabloids at the grocery store. I completely agree that I really hope the kids are being communicated with. I remember being asked once by someone who had never seen the show how good I thought Jon and Kate's marriage was, and I could only assume it was great. They really did things well. This was a big shock to me. I don't know why they even agreed to do a fifth season if this is what the show has led them to. They should stop filming, and in 12 months, the paparazzi won't care about them anymore, and maybe they can get their lives back together. Maybe.

I used to feel bad for Jon with all of Kate's controlling and nitpicking comments. But when the news broke I felt sorry for her. And I say this as someone, like you, who has tuned out more and more as they have grown materialistic and less like an a typical family. But now I don't know what to think.

I saw the Hawaii trip and second wedding last night and it was tough to stomach all the glamour bestowed upon them as a family. Four year olds getting pedicures, the luxurious sailing adventure, etc. And then I was squeamish hearing them talk about how "meaningful" their second set of vows were (knowing all of this cheating news was splashed across the news waves). Jon actually said something like "90 more years? These are not tears of joy. That sounds like torture." He was clearly NOT feeling it and she didn't seemed clued into his detachment at all, or possibly living in a lot of denial. As though 8 cute little kiddies and an island wedding would make the emotional distance go away.

Hello, Kate. THIS IS your wake up call!

Tonight's show made me feel sorry for Jon. He's clearly emasculated, having left his career behind to take care of the kids while she's on the road. I'm sure he feels trapped in his house with the paparazzi lurking outside and meanwhile his wife is able to lead a professional life with adoring fans. That DOES suck. And though I think his attitude is different from the "old Jon" and I have no idea what he did or didn't do, I imagine he's bored and angry. And her diva ways have gotten MUCH WORSE so she's no easy person to be around. She treats him like a child and expects what? Love? Respect for her career?

She used to just leave the house looking normal. Clean, reasonable outfit, etc. Like a typical mom. Now she's dressed like some celebutante just to go to a party store for her kids. C'mon! Don't tell us you're not liking the paparazzi when you're clearly dressing the part.

The whole thing is very very sad. She went from doing everything for her kids (organic foods, incredible organization and meal prep, etc) to being "okay" with them being at home with their unhappy emasculated dad and a babysitter most of the time...and the kids are calling her the babysitter's name? That's quite a leap.

I sure hope they get it together enough as parents to explain what's happening to their kids. Some of the comments in the show seemed to indicate that the kids had no idea daddy might not be there in the future. One of the littlest girls said, "Don't go away anymore Daddy...."

First off let me say, I have watched this family since the 1st special on Discovery Health back in 2005! I had suffered with the same infertility problems as Kate and it took us forever to have our daughter (who'll be 8yrs in July). She became my role model on a lot of levels. When the first tabloid issue appeared, I denied that he would ever do that to her! I have denied it up until the season premier... Now, after just watching it, I just don't know. It was very awkward. I noticed how they hardly talked to one another! At the party, there was hardly any contact among them. I feel sorry for her! He knew her personality when he married her. She is a very strong person and it's so sad how women with her demeanor are characterized as being a witch! Men are always looked at differently and it is unfair. She is a good mother.
At the party, when Alexis is kissing and hugging Jon, he asked her if she missed him..... haven't they said they still live together? I know Kate says in the first part of the show that Jon has taken "the weekend off." (How do you take a weekend off from your life?? Just wondering on that one! I'm thinking I might need to take one of those.. lol). Alexis, also (same scene) asks her Dad to stay home.
I hope they are keeping their children in on the loop. Maybe not telling them all the details.
Another thought, why is she alone so much if he is the stay at home dad? I am so confused!! All in all, I hope they can work everything out for the kids. As long as they love each other, they should try to make it work. If they aren't in love with one another anymore (and this seriously does pain me to say) they should end their marriage. If they were to stay together without love, it would hurt the children more in the long run!
Let me apologize, this turned into a very long post!! :)

I saw the show tonight. I too feel sorry for the kids. I also feel sorry for Kate. I am a self-employed mother of two and my passion and career ended up being inspired by my children. Kate is trying to provide for her children and yes, she is OCD but her husband is not the most motivated person...however, he is very nice and fun. But it takes hard work to raise and provide for a family of 8.

First off, Kudos to Kate. Think of how many women could actually remain sane with 8 kids and a tv crew in your house for 5 years. I mean, he's done well too, but working outside of the home for so long, she had to do so much parenting on her own and bossiness did have to come into play. She still is the mom. Look how many parents you see lose their cool in grocery stores or malls, and they aren't endlessly harassed. She has mentioned and acknowledged that she has been hard on him, in times where she shouldn't have been, but I mean, wow, she's had one tough job the past 8 years. But down to my point, I still am confused, as I'm sure so many people are after watching this episode.. what did they say that didn't make editor's cut?? Who knows, this episode just ran us in circles. I don't really know much more than I did seeing the advertisement for the show earlier in the week. Anyhow... I'm eager to find out. And I really do hope they both are in it for the kids, those little darlings don't deserve to watch their family fall apart on television.

Kate is all about the $$$. Jon seems to be more sincere and real. I have'nt liked Kate for a while. She is always putting Jon down. She doesn't want a partner/husband, she wants someone she can boss.
I really feel for the kids. They don't deserve this. They shouldn't do the show anymore.

I'm beginning to dislike Kate. Not that I approve of what Jon did but Kate is very controlling and it seems all this has gone to her head. She seemed very stuck-up. What a shame, they are such a beautiful family.

This was heartbreaking to watch, these people have lost touch with what's important and are more focused on fame and money than their own marriage and kids. I personally think he cheated, and she knows but they don't want the kids to know so they have to lie on tv. I also think she realizes her harsh behavior towards him and absence is part of the problem, and I truly think she's heartbroken. He was weird tonight, seemed totally disconnected like he couldn't care less. His statement, "I'm here for the kids" even cut me like a knife haha. I'm pulling for this couple, I felt like they've been pretty real up until the last year or so, I hope they quit the show and focus on themselves, maybe give us an update every year or so with an hour long special or something like that. I don't think I'll be able to watch, I'm 28 years old and was crying like a baby the entire show, the tension was just too much.

I honestly think this episode was upsetting, just really sad to think about. I've been watching the show relatively since about the third season, but I've seen snippets of the earlier episodes.
Its true, the beginning was about the kids, about their lives and the lives of the parents and how they're coping with having a large family in a time where the parents of the baby boom are all sitting and watching and laughing at how their childhoods related to this. This show in the beginning was supposed to be about how to deal with so many kids, and just putting a real life spin on circumstances where a couple is left with 8 kids.
Now, like Jon and Kate emphasized, the show is mass produced, its media based. Its so widely known, its somewhat spun the real meaning of the show into simply what the family is going to do next, and now with episode 1 of the new season, how Jon and Kate are going to play out their relationship for the kids?
I feel like, this show has no family meaning anymore. Its all about the reality drama now, and the fact that the Gosselin's signed on for a season 5 and ended up going through with it has just dropped them deeper into the worldwide frenzy of love for reality drama. I don't think this premiere has helped anyone but the viewers.

From the looks of it, it seems that Jon is completely out of the loop. He realizes that the longer this show goes on, the more and more his life is going to be 'business'. From my perspective, I think he wants out.
Kate however, is looking at this neutrally. I'm not completely sure if I'm getting the vibe of "I'm enjoying this attention", but I think she see's it more so as: 'We signed on for this, we have to deal with it. It's tearing our family apart, but there's not much we can do now.'
I think too, the rumors spreading of infedelity between Jon and Kate have probably given them some reason to be split on the situation.

However I do comment on your post. I'll have to admit its true, the couple beat around the bush COMPLETELY on the subject of cheating, and I feel that they made the issue a bit too generalized but also too time consuming to be untrue. These 'decisions' that Jon made that the family must deal with, obviously are not what many naive viewers would think: hey she was just a friend!
I think there's extreme complications that have surfaced in this relationship, and the media focusing its wide attention on it is just not the way to handle things. I think season five overall, was a bad idea to go ahead with producing. Its not the family getting through life anymore, its drama, attention, and money.

Thank goodness you wrote this article because here I was thinking it was just me...Let me start by saying I have NEVER watched an episode of J&K+8 before, but with this weekend's marathon I got totally sucked in, have been watching since Saturday and had to see the season premier and boy was that rough! You could cut the tension between J&K with a knife. It was weird for me because this weekend I got so bonded to the family seeing back-2-back episodes and getting it all in one dose, so it's not like I've been following them weekly, I got it all in 48 hours and didn't see the whole relationship unfold. So fast forward to tonight's episode, it was brutal. Jon looked like he didn't want to be there at all, period. But I have to agree with you that the episodes quickly went from family life to PR shows of the family and free visiting invitations, (ball games, plays and the like) In my heart of hearts I want them to stay together. They have all of those kids and divorce is just sad all the way around. I would say to them "Don't let the media and America decide your fate-nip it in the bud now and decide what is best for your family." But not being in showbiz I don't know how it goes so can they not get out? I don't get it. Are they in the middle of some contract that they can't cut this show off. Okay, it was cute the first few years now it's totally too much for their lives. I think they are doing the kids a disservice if they keep the show, but lose their family. Is it just me or should they be saying "bye-bye" to TLC? Who says they have to keep up with this show? And let me just add...how many times did Kate say "I'm doing it for my kids?" She made a point to say that about 10 times in case Jon had an inkling of hope that she might be 'doing it for him, or them' (LOL). It's sad that they are being so vague about what exactly happened with Mr. "wrong place, wrong time" because truly it's no one's business, but so much else has been disclosed that hasn't been anyone else's business either. The thing about being in the public eye is that once you put yourself out there you can't decide what will and will not be the public's business. Along with the fame and fortune comes a loss of privacy and anonymity. You certainly cannot have it both ways and Jon is just now realizing that. I hope they can work it out, but I say get rid of the show, enough is enough already. I'm just saying...

SO UNCOMFORTABLE!
I can't believe the two idiots went on with the show when their marriage was falling apart. The whole appeal of the show was, as you said, the fact that a young couple was taking on everyday challenges in multiple ways.

This was (past tense) a cute, feel good show with adorable kids. Now it's a Jerry Springer-esque trainwreck, only 8 times, no let's make that 10 times worse.

Does anybody think that control freak bossy a!? B Kate would be as calm and understanding if she really had no idea jon was "cheating"? Honestly I believe kates brother Kevin and his wife"aunt Jodi " have nothing but good intensions and no reason to lie about Kate being unfaithful.It's unbelievably sad to see how Kate has evolved from a mother to a celebrity wannabe holding onto any bit of fame with bloody nails.I feel for Jon, I honestly believe Kate did have him sign a contract stating that he can have other relations as long as he plays happy family with her when the cameras are on! She dosen't seem to mind dragging her kids through the mud for her own gain.

Dear Jon and Kate,

Here, you need this, http://www.fireproofmymarriage.com/

As much as I have loved watching this show and love this family, I have to agree with a lot of its fans...
"STOP DOING THE SHOW AND WORK ON YOUR MARRIAGE"! If you really love your kids, you need to learn to love each other more. Kinda like the saying.."you can't love someone else until you first love yourself". I think fame and fortune have taken over and a good Christian family Counselor needs to enter in. Have you noticed how many 'reality shows' are being aired these days? I say bring back 'I Love Lucy' and the old slapstick comedies. Enough is enough! Seems like the only hope to save this beautiful family. You are in my prayers.

I too have watched the show for quite a while, and always thought they had an interesting relationship, but I thought it worked---I mean, what about the mushy gushy Hawaii 2nd wedding? I think it's so sad that the whole thing has really gotten out of control. Ironic, since Kate is such a control freak. I think they need to stop the show....for the kids sake...they keep saying all this about for the kid's sake...well, this could really mess them up...the show was originally intriguing because we were watching normal people handle a very abnormal situation. Now, they aren't 'normal' people anymore---we can't relate to their celebrity status, and the show in my opinion has lost it's appeal. I agree with Jon----their 'life' shouldn't be their career...it's very odd... I hope they can remember why they loved eachother once...and find the simple life they once had in their hearts....The show needs to end.

i watched the premier and couldnt help but think jon looked like a different person. physical appearance asside he sounded defeated. i don't know the circumstances of what really happened but from my point of view kate has constantly berated jon. she seems to talk to him as if he is one of the kids and is always barking orders. kate seems to act like jon can do nothing right and there is no quicker way to turn someone against you.

I love watching the show but I saw trouble brewing from two years ago when I began to watch it. I felt that John was somewhat stifled because he was often interrupted by is wife. Maybe he didn't talk quickly enough or maybe he is not as articulate as she. But I was always wanting to hear HIM speak and not so much his wife. He obviously loves his children as much as she does.
We can all see that their personalities are so different. John is more phlagmatic and Kate is much more choleric. John's easy - going nature seems to drive Kate insane because he is not the most overtly "take charge " kind of person. When orders are dished out he may not react to them in the timely manner that Kate wants. But then the fact that he is free spirited is the very reason why they got together in the first place. Sometimes women get into an organization take charge mode because they have to maintain order in the home and keep their sanity at the same time. Unfortuanltely sometimes women can forget that the man that they are married to is a MAN and not one of the children. Kate may not have realized this but she treated or spoke to John as if he was one of the children. She reprimanded him and questioned his actions or decisions regarding the children in front of the children. That's a no no! She made slicing comments towards John and made fun of many things he did and many decisions her husband made regarding the children. Kate even laughed at the way he expressed himself. Kate probably meant no harm but no human being can take feeling beated down for too long. I saw John trying his best to comply to the "Kate is always right" set up of their home. Dr. Phil always said, 'If you treat your spouse like a child, they will eventually rebel." We don't know what happened between John and the woman but that's an indication of rebelling.
I think this problem between the two of them can be dealt with. Kate seems to feel that they suddenly became two different people. I disagree. John is the same person she married. She may have fought to change him into being the take charge kind of person but John, if she is honest with herself, has always been his easy going, loves life, simple hearted, phlagmatic self. Kate can probably review her life's hsitory and find out that somehow in her life she may have felt that a situation in her family or some experience she went through made her feel out of control. Maybe in the back of her mind she believed that if she took control of everything, knew what to do and when, knew all the outcomes, she could carve out a perfect happy life for herself. It is so interesting that sometimes the very thing we are afraid of is the very thing we run to. Being afraid of disorder and chaos and uncertainty, Kate may have done the very things to create her worst fears: marry a man who is her exact opposite, become a demanding and exacting homemaker, etc.......
John could look into his life to see why he was so attracted to Kate. Was his mother domineering? Was there a dominant figure in his life that he was rebelling against? As I've said befioreo many of us keep running from what we hate most and in our sincere efforts to get away we actually create the situation that we fear most. These are church going people. They have all the tools necessary for success. They believe in God, they have good values and they foster healthy relationships with other people. All they need is to remember how much they truly love eachother, go for some good marriage councelling, and accept and respect eachother's differences (personalities and outlook on life). John needs to be free to be himself.. to live in his own God -given personality and Kate needs to allow John to be who he is and respect him as the wonderful man that he is. I wish the best for this couple because they truly love eachother and there are eight little darlings who need them together as well. I understand that these are troubling times but I firmly believe that if they come out of this period in their lives they will come out stronger than ever before. Maybe they'll review their vows again.

I think that Jon is frustrated with the fact that he is a single parent most of the time because Kate is traveling. I think that Kate doesn't take Jon's feelings into consideration. She knows that he doesn't like being in the limelight, yet still insists on doing the show. I think that they need to live their lives out of the limelight for awhile and let the kids be kids and work on themselves. Like Jon said, this job was chosen for him, he really didn't have a choice. I think he was very content being Jon the IT guy and going to work and coming home getting the girls off the bus. I think that Kate should have gone back to work part time as a nurse, so they both have their own thing. I just think that it is a sucky situation for all involved.

It seemed to me that Jon had been listening to a lot of people and reading some forums, especially when he mentioned that he can't even breathe. He appeared to be bitter. Since I believe he cheated and instigated the split, I am more sympathetic to Kate. But I got the impression tonight that she'd really miss the 'p people' if they suddenly disappeared.

saw it - same old kate - i think she has as much to do with the marriage woes as he does - she was acting more like a movie star than a mom and the "p" word - those kids didnt hear it at school they heard it at home. i still feel sorry for jon - he gave up the most and those poor kids -when will they ever learn its not about them. mom needs a reality check not a reality show

The kids are the ones suffering. It tore at my heart when one of the boys (perhaps Colin) said, "Daddy, I don't want you to leave anymore". They know! Kid are so perceptive. Kate wins most self absorbed mother of the year. I thinks she loves the "p people" around her.

Overall I found it confusing The episode I mean. It was like as if Kate was guilt tripping because she had to do something alone. I think She has become too used to Help and As much As I love the Kids and watching the Show I think she should for once give Jon what he wants and Stop filming.

After being "berated" and treated as a child for 10+ years the separation/divorce does not surprise me at all. Kate constantly takes "credit" for everything that is/was ever done within/and outside of the family. She has isolated Jon from his family, she has isolated Jon from her family and friends.. She is A type personality who must control everything AND everyone around her. Whatever happened to Aunt Jodi and Kate's brother? Where is Beth? Where are all the others who Kate was so thankful for in the first seasons? She has isolated Jon and her children.

She said tonight that he "has help" when she travels...and wonders about being called by the baby sitters name??? Hired help is not "mothering",...

Do I think either of them had or is having an affair? NO!...I think Jon just flat got fed up with the 'crap' Kate was dishing out...he finally found his balls and stepped out of the picture.

John sure seems apathetic. Kate says she noticed a change about six months ago. I am wondering if there are drugs involved in this problem. Speaking to one's spouse in a positive, loving and supportive way is the only way to keep a marriage together. I hope they both figure it out sooner rather than later.

I did watch. My intention is to not watch the rest of the season because I think it's so bad for the kids and if people don't watch...the show will end and maybe the rest of their childhoods will be somewhat normal. But yeah, I agree with just about everything you said. The part with them together was so uncomfortable ...she said she was doing everything for the kids and then he went on as if he were in an argument with her..."...I quit my job 2 years ago to be with the kids..." I wonder if they've tried couple's counseling. They just seem to hate each other so much right now. It's so sad.

Based on what I saw tonight, I would say that Jon is done with the marriage. I think Kate would be willing to give it a try-maybe with counseling-for the kids sake. But based on his comments, body language-and the new sports car???- he seems like he is was done a long time ago. I feel sorry for Kate because I am a single mom of two kids. I cannot even imagine with 8 children. I wish the family the best.

I think Jon was right when he quoted his mom in saying,"we all have choices" I have been telling my children this since they were small. Every choice you make has repercussions, right, wrong or indifferent. Maybe some wrong chooses were made, who are we to judge, regardless, the choice is obvious, choose to continue to love each other, not just the kids, they are important but without the continued love of Jon and Kate there is no plus eight.

it was very sad to watch the show tonight. i loved the show because they all seemed to have love for each other and tonight jon and kate didnt even talk to each other. she turned her back on him but you cant blame her. i hope the show continues but its not the same and am afraid it will be cancelled z

I felt it was very sad to watch this once happy unified family falling apart before our eyes. I feel this episode should not have been made and they are still about making the money even at the expense of their marriage and dignity. I don't care what Kate says her kids are going to be the ones who suffer most from this show.

I'm sad for them; seems like it's over. What happened to forever? I wish divorce was not an option. Their children are far too young to go through this. I wish they'd try hard to work it out. This show was hard to watch, chin up Kate and Jon, it can't be easy.

i couldnt agree anymore! i used to watch this show to see what it was like to raise so many kids and the struggles you go through,now its just about getting the nice free things, that many families cant even think of at this time of life. its just a complete joke to keep the show going.

I think you're underestimating the difficulties of raising that many children - how can you support 8 children? They didn't necessarily expect 6 more, but it is what it is, and they both love each and every one of their children.
I really hope they pull through this. Yes, each one has their flaws, but they're human beings.
I agree that being on TV is probably not helping, but again - you come up with a better way to pussort 8 kids, tending to their every need, and trying their best to live organic and green for the sake of their kids. They do love each other, Kate and Jon, I believe. I hope they stick it out a few more years and see how it is once the kids are all in school. That will be easier. As the kids get older, they will require less physical labor, can help around the house, will be gone at school giving them more private time, etc. I hope they try. I know they're angry at each other. I can't imagine the stress they're going through. It's easy to judge when you're not in their shoes. To act like they owe the public more information about their private lives is sickening. Let them work it out. Stop judging them.
Peace!

I said I wasnt going to do this, but the show has been over for awhile and I am still aggravated so I have to say something. I could tell by the show and the interviews that Jon obviously has not grown up. You can tell by his statement, "when I go out I can't just be Jon, I have to be Jon and Kate plus 8, and I am having a real hard time dealing with that". AS far as I am concerned, once he took those vows(before there were all of these children) he was no longer just Jon, he was a Family, he was Jon and Kate. So grow up and stop wanting to go and "play", snowboard, drink, and whatever every weekend. Play with your children. He needs to go back to his Job (so he can get away from the children for eight hours) since you can tell he is aggravated that he was "made" or told to quit his job. Kate needs to stay home with the children now that she has done her little book tour, they need to take a few years off of the show and learn about each other again. Try to make this marriage work, because if they dont do that, they will regret divorcing. It will hurt the children terribly and they will blame the dad, especially if he stays away "playing" too much....I know, I was a child of that type of situation! I love the show and wish them the very best! I so hope they make a wise decision, they will be in my prayers!!

Can anyone name a marriage that survived reality t.v.? The only one I have any faith in is Jim Bob and Michelle from 18 kids and counting. They are the only two that have ever, IMO, liked each other to start with...

I am sick of couples claiming to be "Christian" and then divorcing.

Pull it together. It's not about either of you, it's about your commitment (and recommitment on your FREE Hawaiian trip) and standing by your word.

Grow up Jon and Kate...it's NOT about you anymore, it's about eight little lives that are going to forever be changed by your selfish choices.

I think Jon and Kate should give up the show to focus on their relationship and putting their family back together.

As much as I love the show, it sucks to see them like this so maybe they can just do like a 2 hour special once a year?

This is going to be super rough on those kids if their parents relationship doesn't make it and then once they're old enough they can see the play by play of how it fell apart. My God it's on tape, it's not just documted by the paparazzi.

I think Kate needs to take greater responsibility for what happened between she and Jon. It's not just about what Jon supposedly did or did not do, they got to a point where their marriage became vulnerable. They need marriage counseling. I don't mean to be gross but they need to go on a vacation by themselves, not with their kids, fall back in love, have a lot of sex and then go back to real life.

I watched the season opening tonight and all I can say is who took Kate? She is acting so nice--so unlike her usually unpleasant self and pretending to care about the kids--all the kisses. I feel she is just acting for the cameras. She seems so forced between all her numerous complaints of being tired and having to do everything by herself. I really can't blame Jon for looking to someone else--I feel sorry for the kids, but not for Kate. I think she has brought all of this on hersefl.

Jon and Kate's situation saddens me becaue of the children, but it isn't like you couldn't see it coming a mile away. I was married for 13 years to a control freak. Believe me, it is difficult on a good day. The way Kate constantly belittled Jon, I really felt for him. He couldn't do anything right. She never asked for his opinion. She treated him like a child who had no mind of his own. If Jon is an IT analyst, he is obviously a smart man, who would have insightful opinions on daily life and raising children, if he was just treated as an equal parent. My ex once told me (to justify his controlling behavior), "When we got married, we were to become one." I told him, "Yes, but that does not mean that I become you." I had to turn the channel when Kate was getting hysterical about Jon not using a coupon to buy a shower head, especially when they are living in a million dollar house. I really feel that Jon was pushed past his limits plain and simple. Kate can leave for days at a time, and that is okay. If Jon leaves, then it is "Jon decided to take the weekend off," and then the comment about Maddie and Cara filling the gap. Doesn't she think Maddie and Cara fill the gap when she is gone as well? That is the thing about Kate. She cannot see herself objectively and how her behavior contributed to the breakdown of their marriage. It is just like my ex. Going through counseling around the time of my divorce, the counselor told me that it would always be my fault in my ex's eyes, because control freaks do not make mistakes...people just do not follow their orders well enough. I have raised my 3 kids by myself for the past 9 years. Two are now in college and one will be a senior next year in high school, and wants to go to med school, so I must have had at least a few good ideas of my own regarding child rearing that were never allowed to be heard while I was married. Now on the previews of next week's episode, Kate and Maddie are in California? It just does not seem to register that Jon (with help or not) is home alone with the kids as much, if not more, than she is. Somewhere, she lost the focus of being a wife and mother in a trade for being a celebrity. My heart bleeds for the family, but I sympathize with Jon 100%.

They're human beings, not an entertainment show. Most "normal folk" don't realize what goes along with being on TV. It's hard, even for celebrities who have actively pursued and chosen a famous lifestyle. These people are just a large family trying to make it. You have to not only consider how many kids they have, but that 6 are the same young age. That's tough. Wait until school! Hopefully it will become a bit easier, giving the parents more alone time and breathing room.
Peace!

I did watch tonight, and I just felt sad. Ever since they moved into that enormous house and Kate has been doing her book tour, it doesn't seem as if we're watching a normal, albeit super-sized, family anymore. I honestly don't know why Kate just doesn't cut back on the traveling and Jon doesn't go out and at least get a part-time job. I think what Jon hinted at was right - the Gosselins are more of a business than a family right now.

Although the prayer schedule featured on the link below has the Gosselin's with 24/7 prayer coverage, there's always more room to remember this family in the coming days as the media and others continue their campaign of gossip and hate.

http://richardtgarner.blogspot.com/2009/05/i-can-honestly-say-jon-is-my-best.html

As they pulled into the party store parking lot,I heard one of the sextuplets say,"What's a paparazzi" after Kete mentioned them as if he had no idea what that was. Yet Kate says they know and say paparazzi and they're only 5.
Very fake paparazzi emphasis.
Didn't get the point.
One daughter asks Jon at the party'"When are you coming back"?
Kate is on a cell phone when the kids start hitting the candy things...She's obviously been away too much from home

Wow, really.. everything was ackward as you said.. also the things they DIDN'T say, their uncomfortable silence, and then the things they did say but didn't get specific about screamed "we aren't together". Jon saying "I didn't cheat on Kate" could have meant that they were already split before then which would clear him of "cheating".

His new little sports car sorta got my curiousity.. and the fact that thinking back to the first episodes before they were doing full seasons they actually talked about how Kate had to talk Jon into having another baby and he got 6 more. Not that he doesn't love his kids, but he certainly didn't want them at one point in his life.

Also them both saying that they are there for the kids and specifically her saying "I get out of bed for my kids" sounds like many women I know who have gotten dumped, they are soooo depressed but it's been their kids that have forced them to get out of bed, get dressed, make lunches, move forward with life.

*sigh* it doesn't look good.

It is interesting reading people's blogs about Jon and Kate. It is very easy to criticize, point a finger and name call, but much more difficult to realize that we are being presented a small snap-shot of what they as a family, and as a couple are truly like.
I consider tabloid and "magazines" like, US, People... to be a waste of money and a waste of time. To think that educated people actually "read" that garbage and then believe it, is beyond my comprehension. I always thought people in society were smarter than that.
I don't understand why this family is getting scrutinized for taking their kids on trips etc, when dozens of TV families (Run's House, Snoop Dog, etc) do the same thing. I always enjoyed watching the show because it amazed me how loving and respectful the family was/is to one another. AND although I do not have the same type of relationship with my husband does not mean the type of relationship Jon and Kate have is wrong.
I will never forget watching Oprah long, long ago when Dr. Phil was a special guest. The episode was about relationships and he said that a husband should always put his wife first and a wife should always put her husband first and that love with trickle down to the kids. The only disappointing thing about this episode was that never once did I hear Jon or Kate say that they LOVE each other. Life is very tough. Tougher, sometimes than we could ever imagine. We cannot judge the family because frankly, no one knows all of the facts. It is sad to see the negative attention when [I'm sure] many of us watching have enough on our plates to worry about than sit and chastise another family.

I enjoyed reading your post as it was a good summary of the episode. I only write this because, like you, I wanted to state how I am feeling, hoping that people don't judge them, but respect the fact, like everyone else, they are trying their best to be happy, healthy and safe.

It was so painful to watch this episode because I felt so bad for the kids. I just watched a few clips from the first few seasons and you can see how much Jon and Kate have changed. Maybe Kate should just stop yelling and treating Jon like garbage. Kate seems to have gotten much colder of a person and cares about money more than anything else. Maybe it's time to slow it down with the filming and travelling so they can fix their problems before they regret it. Money might seem important, but once their family is gone, it's gone forever. I really hope all of this is part of a publicity stint by the network and they are just acting because I feel so bad for the children.

Hmmm. Kate can be a control freak bitch - but I can understand. Jon seems to have acted like an idiot - but, maybe I can understand that too. How would I act in either role? Life is a struggle. Choices can be tough. I was totally concerned with watching this episode for the drama and for a good snicker, but found my self sniveling as it made me think about my own family...hey - did anyone talk to Jon at the party (other than interviewers)? Wow - that's [deleted].

The only person I saw that changed was Kate. Money and fame got to Kates head. Jon is still the laid back guy. Kate is a typical woman, when they are financially secure then they act like they can take care of themselves and the 'I do everything'. "Jon, Jon do this ....." umm yah. And did you see her... a stress out woman doesn't laugh or smile... she was laughing and saying she is doing everything .. i just saw helpers doing her work. Jon is right.... cash out now and save the marriage but Kate loves the attention... oh the Paparazzi - if you don't like it... quit your job.

I caught most of the show and I think it is sad what is happening to this couple and their family. I get the impression there were problems for quite a while, did anyone ever notice the body language during the interviews of Jon & Kate after or before the shows when they were sitting on a couch? While Jon would many times have his arm across the back of the couch and seem "open" Kate would always seem to be turned away from Jon and hugging her side of the couch. There did'nt seem to be affection from Kate towards Jon and she seems to be very controlling and more concerned, especially the longer the show goes on, with herself and her new career and less concerned with her family unit. I may sound like I am persecuting Kate but I am not, it is just an impression I get while watching the show and you can just see their family falling apart in front of our eyes. Their personal problems are their business, not the publics, and I think it is time to sincerely do some soul-searching on both of their parts on what is important in life. I personally don't agree with raising your family in front of the public's eye and when problems such as the ones they are facing arise I think working on your marriage (which you made a commitment to) and raising your children is more important than fame and popularity. I hope they take themselves out of the public's eye and can mend their family. My prayers are with them.

I love Jon AND Kate (and of course the kids). I have watched them since the first episodes. As crazy as it sounds, I feel like I know them, as if they live in my neighborhood and Kate might just call to borrow a cup of sugar. OK, so maybe it would be a nanny that calls for the sugar nowadays...but who cares? She has become the BREAD WINNER for the family and does the job she does to support her 8 kids and Jon! I for one am PROUD of Kate for all she does, and Jon for what he does as well. If the roles were reversed, no one would think anything of Jon being gone, traveling to promote his book and earning money for the family. Or Kate staying home to take care of the kids. What is the big deal about the roles being reversed? I thought we (as women) were above putting down other woman for being strong and independent. So many of us woman put her down for so many things...the freebies, the money, the way she looks, the way she parents her children...Give her a break! It's awful! None of us are perfect! I would love to see how so many of you would fair after just one week of someone taping how you raise your children, or how you speak to your husbands!!! Shame on you, you jealous and spiteful women, and shame on the tabloid media for making Kate out to be a Monster!

Yeah, I watched...I have to admit it was for the train-wreck effect. Kate and Jon need individual counseling, Kate more so than Jon. She needs to take ownership of her behavior and stop playing the victim. Seriously, how many times can she say, "I am doing this alone...all by myself?" Sheesh...she went to store, made some party bags and filled some pinatas. Get over it. Most women do it by themselves because most men men don't get into that sort of thing. Oh and she says, "I want to make their birthday memorable." What about last year when they did NOT have a party, went to make cupcakes but weren't allowed to decorate them or eat them because their clothes might get dirty? OMG...I really pray she gets some help. She clearly has OCD.

I watched the episode and was very disappointed in that nothing was discussed. It appears that she is not making any effort to see if anything can be resolved. All she could do was whine about having to do it all by herself !! Even at the party, she was miss party social which she has never been before - is she trying to pretend she is the nice fun one ??? I think they should put a FULL STOP to all tapings and realize what is important in life - it is your family. All the book sellings and touring are not going to help you when it is all gone. Wake up and realized that your family needs time - and avoiding each other which was very obvious at the birthday party - should couldn't even look at Jon. Quit putting on the big show - that is not real life.

Like u, I use to watch Jon & Kate Plus 8 too, but started becoming less interested the more free perks they received. I have 4 children, am a stay at home mom & was disgusted by the way she treats Jon. Especially after he was out working hard to support their family.

Call me mean or whatever, but I don't feel sorry for Kate AT ALL. She has taken the spotlight of a struggling family to how white her teeth r, how good she looks, to how big her house is, and all the other things she's been given. It's appalling as a mother to c someone take advantage of people who are trying to benefit u & ur family.

I'm sure there r thousands of families who are VERY deserving of a TV show, who actually had their children individually and are raising more then the eight she has. Look at the Octomom...u don't think Kate had an influence on her multiple conception? U don't think she saw the dollar signs of having "8" babies staring her right in the face?

No, I don't agree w/Jon being w/another woman...but how much abuse can a man take, being badgered & humiliated on national TV? I don't think he wanted this 4 them. It was HER idea, and he just went along 4 the ride. And a good ride it has been 4 ALL of them!

In closing, the one's hurt the most by this is their children! They r the one's who'll not only b losing a parent, but ridiculed n school & n everyday life by their peers. And as 4 Jon & Kate? Well, they will just go on...with or without each other!

It's just sad. I think they should go to the church we saw them attending at least once and get marriage counseling.

It's not just about the kids. It's about your promise to God to love this person in good times and in bad.

I have watched amazing things happen when people get Biblical counseling and become others-centered.

I don't know what Kate is away doing (book? tv show?), but it would be wonderful if she would stop doing it and put her relationship with Jon first.

If Jon is unhappy being an at-home Dad, then he should go do something else.

Or they could compromise and move everyone to New York.

Sometimes things are the right choice but the wrong time. Maybe having an away job for either of them is a "next phase" kinda thing. It's only 13 years until those kiddos are 18 and the older girls already adults -- it'll go by in a *flash*.

I am praying for God's wisdom for them tonight.

I chose to boycott this show tonight! I was once an avid fan, but I have watched them fall apart as a family! Her remark, "She says that parents of multiples have "like triple the divorce rate and thinking we were going to beat that." totally ridiculous answer! When your married you take the good with the bad and you work things out, Kate has run everything from the beginning and is now trying to salvage her show, the freebies, the money and trying to be someone who she isn't; and we as viewers are suppose to believe that this is a caring mother who is only concerned about the welfare of her family. She alienates everyone who comes in contact with her and if that's what TLC thinks we want to watch they need to rethink having this show on their network! And for her books, you won't find them in our library! She once stated that she couldn't pick out furniture if it wasn't for Beth, and I'm suppose to believe that she wrote that book on her own, give credit where credit is due to Beth Carson, because if it wasn't for her you wouldn't have a book and tell me why she has been so quiet lately and not on any of the shows, my guess it that Kate alienated her also! NO MORE JON & KATE PLUS 8 for this household!

P.S. I find it also ridiculous that now she has to appear on "Ace of Cakes" and that "American Chopper" gave them a Scooter and a Hog! Although the Hog could come in handy when Jon really decides to make a final attempt at a run from it all!

If you exploit your children from money, you deserve everything you get. What else did you think was going to happen K and J? how many families have multiple kids and make it work without taking a huge paycheck and as they let a camera crew in their house? Get some morals. ps- you did this to your self when you had eggs implanted in your body.

SKK: She did not have "eggs implanted in [her] body." She had IUI (and apparently over-responded and wasn't being checked that closely by her doctors), not in-vitro, and by the way, in IVF, you don't have "eggs implanted in your body" either.

I too starting watching J&K+8 while on mat.leave and here and there. I viewed it tonight because of the hype and thought to myself, please stop the madness! It was like watching a train wreck. I seriously could not belive that this woman is allowing this show to go on. I think it should end with tonights episode. I will reley on the beauty of tabloids and blogs to stay updated.I feel bad for the kids they are exploited to the max. At this point I really think she is the number one fan of her own show but of the expense of her family. Some things should be for just the family not for the "world" to see.

I think that they need to quit the show! Save their marriage! THAT would be the best decision for the kids! The grass is not always greener on the other side!!!! It reminds me of the movie Cheaper by the Dozen.

Yes, I watched & felt uncomfortable For them & the older children. Did you happen to catch the older girl in the middle of the photo--after the pic was taken she immediately got up & left. I, too, thought they would escape the divorce scene, & they may yet, but in all honesty, Kate sure can be bossy. I thought this at the beginning, then thought, 'how calm Jon would take it all', then again after a while, Maybe he got tired 'taking it'!! I TRULY do hope they can patch things up & get/stay together...they make such a good couple & good parents.

god bless the gosselins.

You hit the nail on the head, Sarah. I watched the whole segment, and it was uncomfortable even for me sitting here in my own house watching them! I have many emotions about this whole situation. Although I was mad at Jon for giving himself the weekend off and leaving Kate to do everything herself for the party, I was also mad at Kate for playing the martyr role she so expertly and consistently plays. She went on and on about how much work SHE had to do for the party, and her resentment was palpable. This is how she talks about everything she does, though; she never gives Jon any credit for all the things he does to help raise the kids. Also, we don't really know for sure that Jon gave himself the weekend off. It's possible that Kate either kicked him out of the house or was so nasty to him that he volunteered to leave. In any case, Kate DID have help for the party; there were 2 new women helping her with all the decorations and setting. Also, Kate admitted that they DO have a babysitter who stays with the kids when Kate is out. She clarified "We do NOT have a nanny; just a babysitter" or something like that. Yeah, right. All in all, I just feel that their marriage has been rocky for a long, long time, maybe even before the kids were born. It's a shame, because the kids are the ones who will suffer the most if they get divorced.

I watched the show some last season and did think Kate was very bossy to her husband. But, as the mother of four kids, my husband and I have gone through the same. Having multiple children is difficult for two parents juggling a lot. We fight more when we are with the kids by far and about the kids. They never had time alone and I am sure that is a big part of their deteriorated relationship. I think everyone should quit beating her up about everything she does. She is a woman whose husband has fallen out of love with her for now. You can only hope they will be able to mend their relationship.

I think that people need to get off of them !
and they both need to remember that its there lifes .
dont let anyone break you up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am just so sad for these sweet children. I know how difficult it can be. I, myself, was a single parent with 3 boys. I would just say that, if possible, I would hope that Jon and Kate can come together and take the best care of their children as possible.

Loved the segment on jon and kate. Hope they will rectify their problems and that things will work out for them.

I agree with you, i watched at the beginning and then as it became less and less about the kids and more and more about product placement and the family obviously making money off of the show I stopped watching. What annoys me the most is that they keep saying that they do the show for their kids and it is all for their kids, while it would appear to me that John and Kate have benefitted the most.

They need a break from TV. Family should come first NOT money.

I find it odd that you think it was a little messed up for the girls to be helping for the party and helping more in daily situations such as setting up for dinner, ect. They are not babysitting the sextuplets or anything. I wonder why you do not think it is strange that the Duggar's older children on 18 Kids and Counting have "buddies". The older children are assigned a younger child to help out with. Why is it so strange for two 8-year olds to help their Mom fold boxes but not odd to assign a child to another?

SKK: Let me clarify. It's totally normal for a kid to start to help out the family more as he or she gets older. But Kate couched it in terms of, "Oh, the more I am here alone, the more they help," which made it sound like they were being substitute parents instead of just kids growing up. Let's not even start talking about the Duggars, too; we'll be here all night!

I am a long time fan of Jon & Kate, but now it is time to
take this show off the air. It was always hard to watch Kate
push Jon around, but they always seemed to reconcile it
with love. There is not joy in watching two estranged people
give a stressful birthday party. Their time is done and their
family needs to return to privacy and find other ways to
make money and create experiences for their children. I
have loved sharing in their first years, but will not be able
to watch any more episodes that show the pain of paparazzi
and estrangement. Unless they demonstrate some major
healing and forgiveness, they are not the kind of role
models a struggling America needs to watch.
God bless them, but let them fade into obscurity.

I agree..it was so heartbreaking.

Yes I watched the show. Even with the progress women have made, why is it still wrong for the wife to make money while the husband stays home? Grow up Jon. Sorry your wife is writing books and making money for the family. My husband stayed home with our child because I made more money. He didn't hang out with single women.

do you think they will stay together?

This "happy little homelife" appears
doomed-Kate wants everything and
still berates Jon. Poor little kids
they didn't ask for such behavior-
money and fame ruined it all. Best
to cut ties before more damage is
done (and I've been married 45 years-
so I'm not one to quit easily) but they
show disdain for each other.

It is so sad. I feel so sorry for yhe children. Kate looked like she was very confused and stressed. Jon neded to grow up

If I were them, I'd quit the show and get their lives back in order. Reality TV does not belong there. It looked like they were a lot happier before the cameras became mainstay.

I have watched all the episodes and through all of them it just seems like Kate just treats Jon like crap. I dont think that the 3rd move was needed. They could have stayed in the 2nd house. The family would have been more cozy together.
I liked the episodes from the beganning of the whole show when the kids were young, it was fun to watch. But now its all about Kate being in the media...I think that she likes all the attention from the "P-people".

I think Kate is out of touch with reality. Most moms are not able to leave for months at a time and have the luxury of live in help to make meals for a large family, plus have the father at home to take care of the kids too. They have plenty of help but in the show she tries to pretend she does everything for them. She has been away a lot over the last 6 months leaving her kids. She said her kids know she loves them, are safe and happy and so she seems to think she has been a good parent. I know a lot of kids who know their parents love them and they are safe, but being loved and safe do not equate with solid good feelings of self worth. The kids can not be secure in their feelings. If Kate was so worried about her kids why didn’t she at least speak and acknowledge Jon when he showed up at the party. Also, these kids will see Kate on the new issue of People telling her side of the story...she is so transparent in her attempts to make herself look good. She admits to being mean to Jon over the years, but she is plain cruel. The worst part is she has no idea how her actions and words impact and influence her kids in a hurtful and negative way. I will never watch the show again. Who wants to watch a train wreck with kids involved? Kate has NO relationship with her own family, Aunt Jodi and friend Beth were tossed aside after Kate did no want them around anymore. Kate…get over yourself and start to be a mom again. You have wrecked your show and your life, not to mention the lives of your kids. Can’t wait for the first installment of “Mommy Kate Dearest”.

I watched and it was heartbreaking. I actually cried. I spent the entire Memorial Day weekend watching the show, getting caught up, because I just started watching this year.

Initially, I was appalled at the way she spoke to him. I kept thinking, what a "B." I read the posts, and completely understood, the position against Kate. Then I started thinking, I've been lounging all day, and I am not a mother, let alone a mother of 8. Who was I to talk about how she behaved. She's obviously insecure, frustrated, and overwhelmed. You can tell by her body language. I honestly believe she is doing the best she can. No, she is not perfect, but she honestly loves those kids, and really wants to have the best for them. Like she said, when she started out, she didn't think they'd be able to afford many opportunities.

I also noticed, throughout all the episodes, both of them were consistent. Which meant to me, they were being completely sincere, unlike most other reality shows, and this was powerful. Here was this REAL family, completely opening up their lives to the world, "letting us peak through their windows," and I was so grateful. It was an opportunity for me, who doesn't have a family, to have a real look at life, and they have the most adorable kids. It was quite a journey without leaving the house.

Though it may not always be pleasant, and Kate could stand to tone it down a bit, I hope and pray Jon can find a way back home and be with his kids, and be the family they set out to be.

If not, as much as I hate it, this show should be pulled, from the air. I can't imagine all of the families having to explain to their kids why Kate is crying, why the kids don't look as happy anymore, and live through this divorce. It was painful for me, as an adult, and I can't imagine putting viewers or the Gosselin's children through this turmoil.

I feel the same way, this show as more than ran its course. Iam for one, tired of seeing this lady, use her children for personal gain. Being a mother myself, i see nothing that the public can learn from this show. Time to move it of a channel i use to respect, which seems now to only serve as another outlet for more trash tv.

I agree with your assessment. I think Kate is now the career Mom and it's changed the whole family dynamic. Forget the money, Kate. It's about the kids. They don't need a bigger house. They need their parents. And Jon, be a father to the kids. You'll both regret the time lost.

I never minded a few of the family's trips, I mean, who, with even two children, is able to afford such vacations! I was happy for the kids. But now it's less about the kids and more about the business. They've lost their focus. I can't support them anymore.

I watched and thought it was sad. Like you, I feel for the kids.

My opinion from having watched the show is that Jon is done, while Kate is willing to work on their relationship. She didn't say that, but pride and egos always get in the way when divorce is brewing.

I have often thought that Kate and I are the same person. I imagined tonight that Kate was blaming herself for the circumstance even though she denied feeling that she has pushed Jon too far. I just know that if I were in her situation I would blame myself. We still don't know for sure what Jon has or has not done, but I know that I would blame myself if my husband strayed. Because, let's face it, Kate can be a total bitch. And I only say that because I am the same way.

I hurt for Kate tonight. At times I also hurt for Jon. He's seems like such a great guy, I hate to see him struggle with everything that is going on.

i TOTALLY agree. what a mess they are putting their family through. makes no sense to keep going on with the show at the expense of their family. sad.

I've watched Jon and Kate plus 8 for a long time now. Like you, I enjoyed the parenting aspect of it. At first I didn't even realize all the freebie stuff they got--how convenient. One must wonder if that is why they're still continuing the show. They get roughly $75000/show apparently and that will go a LONG way for that family. But in light of recent events, don't you think cancelling the show is a good idea? I feel bad for the kids. To me, it's all about them. How will they feel when they're pre-teens or teenagers watching all this? Watching the ice-cold awkwardness between their parents at their 5th birthday party?

Give up the extrordinary salary for having your life displayed to the world, stop complaining and "p-people" (yeah right, Kate) and either suck it up or cancel the show. It's not worth it anymore and after watching this premiere, I will not watch any longer.

My heart goes out to the children.

i think that Kate is too obsessed with gaining pity from the public that she will go to length.Iam glad Jon is getting out.

I think they would probably opt out of the show if they could afford it, but they just built a house and have too many obligations to break the contract with TLC. In fact, I bet TLC wouldn't let them out of the contract even if they asked but if people found out about that it could come back to bite TLC especially if the marriage ends.

I'm not so worried about the kids at this point. If Cara and Madi are finally acting their age instead of little babies throwing CONSTANT fits. The little ones will be just fine until they really understand the tension and until Jon and Kate decide what they are doing, there's no reason to tell them any more than they need to know.

Yeah I watched and without knowing the behind the scenes details it looks very much like Jon is being very resentful for having to do what Kate did for 3 years because he'd rather be the working parent. He's resentful of her success and he's resentful that she wouldn't quit the show when he wanted to.

Kate is being very selfish to continue with her "work" when it is clearly putting her family and marriage in jeopardy.

Kate seems to be willing to work on things and Jon seems completely closed off. I used to think what a rare and special guy he was to be able to brush off how coarse and rude Kate was with him most of the time (on tv anyway). But now he seems just plain resentful of everything.

I'm not sure what to believe about what he "says" about the affair...maybe he didn't cheat but perhaps he was going to or wanting to. His sudden change in attitude towards the show, fans, etc..and desire for privacy and freedom is a big red flag in that dept.

Everything about this episode was awkward. The party seemed forced, Kate's enthusiasm seemed forced, Jon's blah-ness was awkward...their separate narratives was awkward...

Please Kate get your family out now and put them and your marriage first right now!!!!

I feel you accounted the show well. I think sadly, they are done! Body language, facial expressions, says it all. I hope what they said is true, at the end of the show about coming together for the kids - married or not. Just that comment itself, "married or not," to me says it all again! My husband & I stopped watching the show also, when it was all commercial-ized. It's not about the kids anymore, it all about the drama. To bad... About all of it!

I hope they can work things out without any bitterness. I also think Kate has taken on too much self promotion. It is hard to have a large family but then to push it out of control is kind of dumb. Yes, she is rude to Jon but he doesn't have to sit there like a whipped puppy. Work it out, I wish them the best!! No matter how much help is there, there is nothing like a Mom and Dad working together.

I think it's time for TLC to bring back the Rabbi from "Shalom in the Home" to help the Gosslins heal.

I was really sad for both of them. The show used to be filled with simple things and lots of family. No family.Lots of stuff. Her crocodile tears didn't get me just the sadness and how clear it was that this is not a happy place. Smarten up kids. Get counselling stop the show. Smarten up.

I watch jon n kate plus 8 and i feel for kate i dont think she means to be soo bossy with jon but i see she still cares for him but he seems like he gave up and i feel that if they work on it they might be able to pull through this.. it would be really sad for the family to go through divorce they are good ppl and if i had to chance to gain million of dollars and trips for my children instead of being poor i would and they should work to get through this..i dont see how ppl can judge when ppl make a decision bout all u have to do is be on a tv show n not work n gain soo much

What were these people thinking? Were they so naive to think that they could control this ridiculous situation that they put themselves into?
I can't get over that they signed on to have their lives invaded by a TV camera crew and now they're suddenly surprised that tabloid photographers are lurking around them.
I certainly hope they got a lot of money and other "perks" because they've certainly made a mess of their lives.
And it's not just the adults. They've put eight children under a microscope. I hope it was worth it.

Advice from a wife married 26 years this Thursday -- some up years and some down years:

1.) Get out of the limelight -- and fast. As long as you (Kate) are "drunk on Hollywood," your marriage will be challenged -- at best. Your kids are adorable now, but are becoming drunk on Hollywood too -- which promises to turn them into self-absorbed, disturbed brats. Remove them now and I believe they will grow up to be the caring, kind, altruistic young people you obviously hope for them.

2.) Get marriage counseling so you can forgive each other. Kate, until you can forgive Jon for straying, you'll stagnate in anger. Jon, until you can forgive Kat for driving you to
escape, you'll stagnate in resentment.

3.) I believe that Jon has the most realistic and altruistic attitude here. Turn off those Hollywood lights and start shining some light on a marriage desperately in need of a little brightness.

Even if the marriage doesn't last, let that be private too. Really.

We love the Gosselins and would rather see y'all once or twice a year in specials than like this. NOTHING is worth this. NOTHING!

With love,

Carol

I feel for all involved in this. I know Kate is hurting right now and distracted. Seems to me though that Jon and Kate...just the TWO of them need to get away together and TALK and decide on what's more important....their family or the show. They need to work on the marriage first and foremost. It's time that perhaps Kate stays home and stops traveling for awhile. I realize she has obligations with book signings but at the same time, the more she travels, the more her marriage is in trouble. STOP....HOLD EVERYTHING and WORK on your marriage NOW. The marriage will not survive all the tabloids. Kate needs to back up and take a long hard look at what's going on. Yes I think she's an amazing mother, but if my children called me by the babysitters name....I'd be crushed and think that perhaps I'm not home as much as maybe I should be. Nothing speaks 'love' to a child more than mom and dad being there.

It was a tossup whether we were going to watch Jon & Kate or Here Come the Newlyweds. Newlyweds won, so I'm glad to read your update. I tried to record Jon & Kate...I'm too tired tonight to check it out, so I'll find out tomorrow if it worked.

Honestly, i feel bad for the both of them. They have tried their hardest to keep their family together, its not easy raising 8 kids, so naturall Jon and Kate are going to have some kinds of problems. It wasn't hard to see it comming but, do we have to make such a big deal out of it.I find alot of people putting them down, especially Kate. I think these people are jelous, if that were any of you out there you wouldn't be complaining!

I watched the show, and felt cold winds blowing, both figuratively and literally! How ironic that, not long ago, the whole family flew to Hawaii so that J & K could renew their marriage vows.

I agree with you, Sarah: they need to step back from the show and focus on the state of their marriage in private, probably with some good marital counseling. Every couple has good times and bad times; Jon & Kate will either weather through this or else figure out a modus operandi. I am afraid that if they try to do it "on air", they will start to subconsciously manipulate the camera and crew into taking sides. That would REALLY be sad for the kids.

I think that if this angst has been going on for over 6 months, as Kate stated, that it probably is at a point of no return. It is obvious that Kate wants to live this "celebrity" life that she has created, whether Jon wants to or not, and it is obvious he does not. She is quick to point out that when she travels he has help. Well, so does she, so I'm not sure I understand her point. Jon is passive aggressive and, while he has been mostly passive for 9 1/2 years, I think it has come as a shock to Kate that he finally has taken up for himself and is sticking by his guns that enough is enough. This is surely a case of be careful what you ask for as you just might get it.

I haven't watched for awhile but have read the articles about what's going on in their lives. I initially watched the show when it was about an "average" family dealing with six kids. I stopped watching a couple seasons ago because it appeared the show had turned into an "advertisement" and highlighted all the perks of being a quasi-celebrity. It appears Kate likes (loves) the spotlight and Jon is ready to go back to a normal life. Regardless, I feel for the kids. With all this information on the Web, you know that the older ones, especially, will eventually read things that have been written about their parents. Of course, it's the parents' fault for living their lives in front of the camera! When you agree to do a reality TV show, you life is no longer private, for better or worse!

I watched and I must say that I felt very much as you did. It was like watching a train wreck and my heart goes out to the kids. This is a time for them to work together privately to either repair or come to terms with "whatever" has happened. ( I noticed the obliqueness too ) Not a time to air everything in public. I'm very worried about the children now....very.

I am definitly dissapointed in what has happened. I am only 20 years old, recently engaged, and I've dreamed of having a big family. Maybe not multiples, but a big family. I have started to watch these little ones grow for about a few years now. I can name every kid too.

I first heard about the "cheating" off of Perez Hilton.com. I thought it was a complete joke. But it seemed to be a big thing blown out of proportion. FIrst thing that came to my mind is that it was just a large missconception, for sure. Then as people responded back to the article on the website, they were saying she deserves it, shes always hard on him. I responded back with, that it is Not true. The camera's are not on 24/7. so we never know what truley goes on when it is turned off. In one episoide they even mention how they are only filming 3 days a week.

I was very nervouse to watch this episoide. I don't want them to split at all. I really don't. I think they have gotten too far to split up now. Yes, the kids are getting older, but that doesn't mean they can survive without both parents. That is just too much for one parent to handle all by themselves. And kate needs that support and help from Jon. Even though she seems like a very huge nag, I'm sure there is still some love left.
I do agree that something is not being told. I felt like the whole time I had to second gusse whether they are staying together or not. Whatever it is, it must be something big, and it is true that how come they are not letting it out and they let everything else be known? But Then again, Maybe they are willing to work through it and maybe give them privacy with this "issue" that they are dealing with.

I just hope that if it is this bad, then they should stop te show for the kids sake. Although I love to see them grow, maybe its time to let them grow up without the fame.

I just wish them all the possible best, and I am still going to be watching them.

I wish someone would tell them how important it is for the to stay together for their children. They were all born into a family and that family is both Jon and Kate. Sometimes grown ups have arguments and they break the family apart because they can't get along. I have been there and I think I was very selfish and self centered and it had a tremendous effect on my child. I don't know what happened, but I guarantee you the children don't care, they just want both of their parents, and they need both of their parents together. Marriages have survived this, what ever 'this' is. I would like to tell them that they are both worth fighting for, the relationship is worth fighting for. Yeah she should probably lighten up and yeah, he should probably step up and lead more, but I know that the basis for this family is love, not just for the children, but for each other. My heart breaks to see them at odds, and I am praying that this entire family heals and mends back together Jon and Kate are the key to the whole relationship. Guys, please work this out, it's worth it!!!

I think Jon loves his kids. I think Kate loves herself. I think Jon would be happy hitting golfballs in the backyard and playing on the swing set. I think Kate wants to be rich and famous and have a talk show and pay people to take care of the kids. I don't think Jon changed. I think Kate's true colors came out. I think TLC loves money but if they throw Jon under the bus and try to make a Celebrity Mom and feature her rubbing elbows with Hollywood and exploiting the children for her meal ticket...TLC will find out quick the fan base is not keen on that idea. To quote Kate..."I didn't sign up for this". This is not a normal family...this is "Chronicles of a dysfunctional family and the price you pay to become rich and famous and sacrifice your family in the process."

Being objective, learn to listen and have empathy. Is what I did when I watched Jon and Kate. It was hard to watch tonight's episode. A once loving couple raising, supporting and loving 8 beautiful children. I think about the love and support they gave each other before they were blessed with 8 children. The love that brought them together and married them. Where did the love go? I'm not saying they should work it out or divorce. But I can't help but feel for them. The pain and suffering they are going though. I want nothing more than jon and Kate to be happy. We all deserve to be. What ever happens. I know they're kids are very lucky to have them as parents. I ask everyone to not judge jon or Kate but to find love for them and wish them well. I wish Jon and Kate the best.

Have loved the show but many times had to turn off because she belittles him so much. It was too painful to watch.
Not surprised at all to see what has happened , I kept waiting for Jom to wake up ... His wife is a monster!!

Jon is immature and selfish. He has never been responsible for anything and Kate has had to tell him how to help. Now he is runnering around with another woman because he is tired of taking care of kids... What a Jerk....What an overgrown child!
Kate is much too mature for him...and she has enough kids already...
I can't even find the words for the disgust I feel about jon.

Have loved the show but many times had to turn off because she belittles him so much. It was too painful to watch.
Not surprised at all to see what has happened , I kept waiting for Jom to wake up ... His wife is a monster!!

Kate..I watch your show MAINLY because you are Christian and second because I am attached to your kids. I didn't even know there were any problems because I do NOT read any tabloids. If you need the show to keep your house I will keep watching but if it is hurting you or your marriage I would stop. GOD BLESS you. YOU are fabulous!

I watched the show tonight and thought it was pitiful. They were openly hostile and distant. Jon looked so unhappy and detached. It was painful to watch. I wonder if Kate regrets being such a "screaming harpy" all these years? This show is just turning very sad and not so fun to watch. I dread the thought of seeing the kids cry about this.
This was my last show to watch. They told us nothing and everything seems so screwed up. I don't need to see more crappy relationships.

I wish this had turned out differently, it was a sweet show at first. I will pray for the children. Mary

I think the show portrayed more of the current situation than I expected it to, actually. Even though I do feel that Kate did certainly at least help to create this situation by dominating, controlling, barking orders, dominating conversations and the spotlight, and in general as one of her children stated "being a boy", my heart still went out to her in her pain and confusion. Jon needs to realize that he contributed to this situation by abdicating control in many instances to Kate. It is a little unfair to resent someone for taking over the lead when you let them do it.
My advice: Kate, if you can understsand this, learn what I call "feminine grace". Give up being "the boy", give up your need to dominate and control so much. (I realize you probably will not understand this however or else you would have already done it.) Jon, learn to take the lead and realize it is you, not entirely Kate, to blame for your loss of it.
Good luck, it is hard to learn one's lessons before time runs out on love.

I did watch the episode and, much like you, I had been addicted to the show and then tapered off for the same reasons you listed. I am heartbroken for them honestly. I am married and have 2 children that are 1 and 3. My husband and I watched and held each other a little tighter than usual as the drama unfolded. We have to keep in mind that these are real people and this is a real marriage in real trouble!!! They (Jon and Kate) are continually talking about doing everything "for the kids" but what about each other? If my husband and I lived our lives for our kids, we would be in the same shape they are in! We have always made our relationship the number one priority and in doing that, our kids are secure, loved, safe, and happy! They are CONFIDENT that mom and dad are very much in love and that reaffirms our love for them. I hope Jon and Kate refocus on their marriage and remember the things they love about each other! I also think that they should quit filming and take some time to work on their marriage. Books, money, careers, and possessions are nothing without a family to share it with!

I almost cried when one of the little girls said, DADDY I DONT WANT YOU TO LEAVE ANYMORE. =(

I was a big fan of this program up until about a year ago. Then for no special reason I just stopped watching...had other things to do I guess. As I watched some of last year's episodes during this past weekend I noticed the change in Jon and Kate's relationship. The distance between them came accross during the interviews. What a shame! I feel really bad for their children and for them. I could not bring myself to watch the program tonight and from your description, I think I made the right choice.

I think that if they want to save their marriage they need to quit being on TV and try to go back to being a "normal" family. Kate should be at home with her kids not out promoting her damn book and Jon should be at home not out partying or whatever it was that he did. The fame has gotten to their heads.

I also watched most of my Jon and Kate episodes while pregnant with our third daughter. It was so uplifting to watch the love and struggle and hard work within the family structure. It's been so sad to slowly watch as that all deteriorates in the public eye. I can't fault them as much as I'd like because as a middle class stay at home mother of three and wife of a wonderful police officer it's hard to imagine where we would be if the roles were reversed and my husband was home and I went from being the primary caregiver to being on the road and trying to manage hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars and maintain some sort of normalcy in our lives. It was just very sad to see the effects of money and fame and thinking that they'd have been much better off just staying Jon and Kate and the kids out of the public eye.

I have been a long time viewer of j&k+8, and I used to think kate was misunderstood-i always thought her reasoning for always yelling at jon during their outings, is to keep things from unraveling very fast as soon as she would spot any troubling signs. Now maybe this new found fame caught them off guard, and they both clearly have different views of how to deal with this. Sadly, this could be the demise of their marriage. I am very sad for all of them, I can not imagine going through this, especially under the watchful eye of the public.

I am just so depressed. They were both so sad and selfish. I have watched a ton of jon and kate plus eight - I really don't watch TV - this is the only show I "tune" into. Anyway - it just made my heart hurt. Kate acts so tired when all she seemed to be doing was putting a birthday party together... maybe the emotional stress is getting the best of her. Yes - awkward was a very good word for the show.

I completely feel for this couple. I am 27 years old right now and to imagine having 8 kids......that would be incredibly tough to handle at such a young age. The stress they must have felt trying to think how they would financially support so many. What would you do? You want to stay together and love these children but you cannot live on one salary. Its understandable they chose to do this show, they needed help and cant rely or ask all your friends and family to constantly pay and buy things. Thats too big a burden, I feel I would do the same. I would rather "they" help pay, then to ask for money from my family.
Unfortunately, with how aggressive Kate is towards John- on camera- he has been left emasculated. Its no wonder he is unhappy. Now to top it off, he quit his job. When does John get to feel like he is a man and cared for? When does Kate care for him and not just the kids.
I am not just picking Kate out, they have both committed themselves to their kids so much that they probably have lost touch with themselves and their personal relationship.
Like Kate did say, she is trying her best. All of you who condemn her and him for their choices......live in their shoes. The pressure of that many children, when they are so young, this was bound to happen to their relationship.
I really do wish them all the best, I do believe they have tried the best for their family and given those kids a good life. How would those children have been on one salary with no cameras? They wouldnt have experienced and be as educated as they are, I think these children will do just fine growing up and achieve great things.
Also, yes at times Kate contradicts herself...the pappazzi comment. It does bother me as well, but thats what parents do!! Everybody does it- the nay sayers have done it, but again we all try our best.

I think that for the sake of their relationship (if theres one left to salvage) but certainly for their childrens sake...they should take their show off air, put it on the back burner for now!!! Its not worth the heartache its going to cause their family. The children need to be their focus...not their fame!!!

I think she was sooooo foney. And the tears were to say please don't stop watching I need the money. I Really don't tyhink I will be watching.Put Table for 12 back on they seem to be a real family.

I think that for the sake of their relationship (if theres one left to salvage) but certainly for their childrens sake...they should take their show off air, put it on the back burner for now!!! Its not worth the heartache its going to cause their family. The children need to be their focus...not their fame!!!

Fair weather fans don't watch if you think the success and subsequent monetary compensation of the show is harming the children. The show and the family make alot of money because you kept tuning in.

You claim to make vicious criticisms and comments about Jon & Kate under the guise that you're speaking in the best interests of the children but you're doing exactly that.

How disgusting people can be until someone is invited into their backyard and lookout!!

This show made me unbelievably sad. I am not into reality shows at all but I watch this one religiously ever since the first one hour special because I am a mom of twins myself and I just did not know how anyone could raise twins and then sextuplets and still create happy family memories and have discipline and rules, etc. I agree that it has gotten less and less about their own family and their life and more about what free trips or excursions they could take advantage of. I don't understand where their extended family or friends have gone. This episode made me sad. When one of the kids told Jon they didn't want him to go away anymore, I just choked up. I have thought Kate has been hard on Jon but have also thought that in a family that big sometimes it is most efficient for one person to call the shots and the other to help out and follow directions. But it seems like earlier in their relationship and in the show, Jon and Jon's feelings were important to Kate as well, and lately he is just like a helper- could be anyone and not her partner and spouse. It scares me because I sometimes resent being a stay at home parent and the monotony of it. But seeing the awkwardness and hearing their children say they don't want the other one to go away, just made me realize nothing is worth the loss of your marriage. The best thing you can give your kids is not the money and perks that come from a job-any job- but is a loving stable relationship.There was more love when they had very little than there is now that they have a lot. So very sad.

I watched the show, twice. Let me say I am 68, MY husband 70, We had 3 children, but we have raised 10 children, from birth to who knows when. We moved across the country to retire, they all followed. So, do you think we may have done a thing or 2 right? I get the most originally written Mothers Day cards from all of them. If I need anything and they get wind of it, it appears. We love all of our children and each other, unconditionally. And sadly we lost our only birth daughter suddenly 19 months ago. The pain will never go away, but we have always ended every conversation with I Love You, with all of us. I can be a shrew at times, but so can all of us, Back to Jon & Kate. I watched her become a shrew over the years to Jon and the children alike. I am surprised they made it this long. Had I done that to my husband, he would have left a long time ago. I was raised by parents that said treat everyone as you want to be treated, and it works. I have no regrets and after nearly 50 years we are still married. My thoughts to Kate and Jon are get your priorities straight and work on saying a kind word to each other and the children. And end each conversation with I Love You. Material things come and go, but Love can be forever. No 1 is perfect, just remember why you loved each other to begin with, I wish you the best and Love.

Mamagooski

I think the whole situation is sad. Kate went from being an ordinary, plain jane, Wal-Mart wearing mom, to Prada in no time. She says everything she does is for the kids, but if that were the case she would stop writing books, cancel some signings, and TV appearances, and spend a little more time at home.
John is left at home to tend to all the family business while she is out doing lord knows what or who, shopping, being pampered, eating at expensive restaraunts, and living HER life. He went from being the provider of his family, to putting up with Kate's verbal abuse and her constant obsession with having her face in the camera everytime they were around.
Kate said that she is proud of Cara and Matti for helping out with the party decorations, that they are stepping up. The only reason they are doing it is because that is the only way they can spend time with their mom, and it is sad to see that is the only way they can get their mothers attention. And you know that she is never there, if when she does come home the little one call her by the babysitters name. And she says everything she does is for the kids, yea right.
If you haven't noticed, in the past years shows, she always refers to anything and everthing as "I" not we. She has never really included Jon or even given him credit for anything. He can never do anything right. You never see Jon doing that to Kate. I hear so many people say that Jon only stands around and does'nt do anything. Well, if everything Jon did was always wrong and he got yelled out about it, I think it would take him a little longer to do it also. What is the need of even doing it if he is never going to be right, and Kate is going to do it herself anyway.
If Kate was really doing what was best for the kids, she would have canceled this years show, interviews, and everything to show she was all in it for the Family. I don't think TLC would totally boot them for it. It would have just made the next season that more exciting because everyone would be so nosey to see what happened. So , with her still wanting to be the center of attention shows she is just in it for the money. If all the fame and money didn't mean anything, she would have said she was doing what's best for her children, AND her husband.
Yes, Jon should have said the same, but she has taken so much pride and dignity from Jon, it's not funny.
Oh, and have you noticed that the more the show goes on, the more they focus on Kate and not Jon. Poor Jon has been booted from the show. The show should be renamed: Kate - Me, myself, I, and the kids. And if they divorce I guarantee you she will want a large amount of child support, even when she is bringing in thousands of dollars a week with her books and all the other royalties. Jon, who has just about been booted off the show, had to quit his job two years ago, and basicly has to start his living from scratch, will still have to dish it all out to Kate.
If I am like a lot of people out there, I am sick of hearing about Kate. Let's all stand up for Jon, because he needs it.

I agree with you. I think they should "do no more harm" and end the show. Money isn't everything and it seems to me that they should be well set with the money they have already brought in. They might want to do annual or bi-annual updates on the kids...that would be nice. I think they need marriage counseling in a big way. It must be awful to have to go through all that in the public eye. Most of us watching, I believe, really want what's best for them. I was very tearful watching the part of the show where they look back at the kids growing up and knowing they were both doing it together. You never know what their life is really like, but, in spite of Kate's bossiness and nagging, it really did seem like they were in love. It's just a shame that money, fame and materialism can tear a family apart like that. It makes me very grateful for my husband and kids and the uncomplicated, simple life we have. I wish them the best. May God be with them during this difficult time.

This article is lame. leave them alone to deal with their issues. the newest episode is very sad and obviously they're not ready to present all of their personal details through the show. the show is about the kids and it showed kate trying to celebrate the kids' 5th bday so its not a surprise jon and kate didn't address their personal issues. you are just as bad as all the articles out there perpetuating the rumors.

WELL, the show tonight was very sad. I felt that my heart was beating way too fast. I am 75 years old. Grown kids, only one grandchild who is 17 years old. Taught school for 36 years and am retired now. This family has almost seemed real to me for the past so many years. I have adored watching them grow up; but, I have listened to KATE boss JON around with little regard for the cameras picking up everything she said and the tone she used to say it. SHE is VERY bossy and rude to him many, many times. BUT, being the OC person that she ISSSS, she will never change. That is just something that poor JON did not find out about her before they married. THEY were too young to begin with and to jump into a family with 8 children at their age........MERCY.......the only thing that has saved them this long is the fact that TLC came along and made it financially possible for them to raise these kids. I can't imagine that KATE will EVER be willing to give up this money since her family desperately needs a good income in order to live the style in which they have become accustomed. JON is younger than KATE anyhow, PLUS he is immature and still needs to sow some wild oats. I do NOT think that JON will be willing to stay with KATE. They do NOT look like two people that are enough alike to even MAKE it work. I do not think their marriage would have made it even if they had stopped after the twins. THEY WERE TOO YOUNG, THEY HAVE TWO TOTALLY DIFFERENT PERSONALITIES AND THEY WILL BOTH BE HAPPIER WITH someone else, but not each other. HOW DEAR they both are, but NOT together. The only thing they have in common is their love of their children and but it would be a train wreck for them to have to stay together. KATE can make it work alone, if she has enough money. JON will stay in the kids life, but not married.
NOW, that's a piece of my mind and I've been around for 75 years.

you're an editor for the sun? i saw numerous grammar mistakes in this blog entry. sad, sad, sad...

I have to agree. It made me sad to see that these kids are not only going through their parents seperation, but doing so in front of a world wide audience. Nobody wants to witness a death of a marriage on televison, they are NOT putting the kids first as long as they continue this public parade.

hey i think you did an awesome summary of the episode....

im desperately trying to google this episode to watch it online right now, thats how i found your blog, but i cant find anything...

as you can get out of this i missed this nights season premier...:(

but ive been watching all weekend and i really hope that they stop the show for the kids sake at least until jon and kate get everything fixed (or for whatever else they decide...)

i think kate got a little out of hand with her attitude and i couldnt blame jon to try run away from it....

yes, when you have kids i do understand that there is a lot of times where you have to vent, specially when you are a stay at home mom, but specially the last season you can see kate has changed to the worse...specially from this "i have no clue about fashion" to the woman that seems to try to look like victoria beckham...

she should review the old episodes herself maybe she would wake up and realise what she has been doing wrong so she could actually really try to fix it....

i just hope everything will turn out ok for the kids...
its gonna be horrible when they are old enough to understand and review those seasons...

It was very different than what I'm use to watching. I'm an AVID Jon and Kate fan and I've always seen the episodes as a lot of family togetherness, its just really surprising what can be hidden and altered during editing. I honestly hope that they work things out in time and stay together cause even if the parents are friends and not together its still a hard fact to face that your parents are no longer together and I'm hoping that this is the final season for Jon and Kate, this families been through to much for having children whom are so young.

sad, they seem to be heading to divorce court

Kate forgets that Jon is her No. 1, her equal and her husband and not her step'n'fetchit. Her controlling has seriously bruised his confidence and ego. If she could relax that control, they would have a good chance to recover their marriage.

i watched the marathon since saturday and i can just say its a waste if theyll head to divorce. they seem happy before inspite of the many kids and the cameras. i thought tonight will show some good side of the story but not. i hope theyll work on it and focus more on the family and leave the cameras.

I watched it but missed the very beginning, so was just searching around the Internet trying to figure out if he cheated or quit his job or was seen with another woman but wasn't cheating or what. Reading your review I am piecing together that they didn't, I guess, say what the issue was (did he move out? I mean, what the heck happened?). And what does "wrong place wrong time" mean? Very cryptic.

I liked the show because they seemed to work well together as parents. Now that they seem to live separate lives, I agree with you. They should stop being in the public eye. I didn't like seeing Jon's glib comments about "it's the way it is". Kate has worked very hard to market the show. They would not be able to give their children a middle class life as a nurse and network engineer. There are so many valuable episodes that they will have recorded. It is time to stop.

Do the best thing for your kids and get them out of the media.

My heart breaks for those little angels they have already been damaged enough.

Kate you need to give your head a shake You are a poor actress.

When you started crying and said oh I am sorry I don't want to mess my makeup THAT SAID IT ALL.

Time for Jon and Kate Plus 8 to retire--for the sake of the children.

After Kate's brother and the kids' Aunt Jodi began to speak out about the falseness of the whole thing, I decided enough was enough and I stopped watching. It's ridiculous to pretend this is a family anymore. It's also ridiculous to pretend this is a TV show anymore. The parents don't interact with each other, they dance around the facts, they try to preserve their images (for which, y'know, that ship has sailed). They stopped being honest with themselves, they're not honest with the kids, and the worst thing is, they're STILL filming the show. If all this is such a burden on the family, they always said they'd stop filming in a heartbeat. Now that Jon's cheating and Kate's angling for a TV talk show, notice how that ship has also sailed. The kids'll need years of therapy after this, on top of whatever therapy they needed in the first place about having their potty training filmed for TLC's money-grubbing posterity.

I was really sad and frustrated. I was frustrated because they were not being very honest about everything, it was obvious. Also, it doesn't seem like they are even trying. I mean, I just can't understand how they can't even talk to each other. I mean they're adults. I really feel bad for the kids. I mean them not talking to each other at the party was so selfish. I would have tried to talk a few things out before the party to at least be civil. I hope they know that if there is no more Jon and Kate, there is no more show. And I know that will make Jon happy, but Kate better realize that too. No one wants to watch that show and watch a divorced family raise 8 kids. I find myself hoping they work it out for the kids. Maybe it would be best if they stopped the show and the kids can have somewhat of a normal life.

I have watch the 5th season program twice and have read the entire message of what you wrote and I think it is great and I agree with all you have written. The only comment I could make is that I have watched all of Jon & Kate's programs for the past three years and I mean every one of them. For the past two years Kate has been just like my ex-wife a REAL nag!! She constantly has been on Jon's case about butting in, but yet I could count at least 50 times that she has done the same to him. She reminds me of Paul Sr on American Chopper "A REAL ASS" I am not saying that Jon is perfect, but I don't blame him for the actions he has taken. I probably would have done the same. I have check out the shows until 06.08.2009 and they are all reruns, except for 2 or 3. I have lost all interest in watching their show. I have a strong feeling that they will get a divorce this year.

Did you notice how often Kate used the "I" word. It would have been nice if she said "we love the kids" "we do everything for them"
I still feel for Jon. Kate is so controlling. She said so many times I'm doing this alone"

Yah, it's easy to talk, gossip, and judge them. And it's easy to take in what's on the tabloids; but really what we should do is just pray for them. First, for Jon & Kate's relationship; because if that doesn't get restored, no good will ever come out. Next, we should then pray for all 8 of their children. That they won't be influenced by the media and what they will hear around them. You may say they brought this upon themselves when they put themselves on television and that they shifted their focus on the "freebies"; I think your wrong! Since the beginning it's been about "doing what any normal family would do" and they have been trying to; never letting having so many children stop them from doing things and going places.

Why is it a little messed up that the older kids are helping out? That's what older siblings do at any age. I think it's just you.

very painful to watch. Jon appears to be in the middle of a mid-life crisis and would just rather be someplace else. this is NOT "being there everyday for my kids". The bottom line is the kids are loosing out. You cannot make it up to them other than getting over yourself and get back in your marriage.

I have always held a pretty neutral position regarding this show. I've enjoyed watching it, especially in the early seasons. However, like others, I see the negative affects. But still, when I asked myself the question of ensuring financial stability for a family of ten? I cannot say that I wouldn't have my family filmed for it. I think that what is happening (happened?) to their relationship is sadly normal. Just as Kate said, divorces of parents with multiples is even greater than those of average married couples. I hope that Jon and Kate can decide what is best for them and their relationship, because in the end it will be the best decision for their children. Often times parents "stay together for their kids" when in retrospect, it would have been much healthier for the parents to divorce. I hope what is best for them is the stay together, but only they can decide that and only time will tell!

Jon and Kate need to understand the priorty is the children and they will be damaged by a divorce. They should go to marriage counseling and try to work it but - but the main thing (the biggest bone of contention) seems to be this 'show'. The 'show' has got to go! They need to do whatever it takes to keep the marriage going. The damage done to those beautiful eight children will be reprehensible.

I have also been Jon and Kate plus Eight since I was pregnant with my now two year old daughter. I have also felt that there was something "lost in translation" from the first seasons, where it was about a family that struggled through the hard times, and it turned into parents who were promoting products to create a better life for their family. Were the early years easier to relate to- absolutely. However, I feel for this family. If I were in their situation, I would do just about anything to give my kids a comfortable life-who wouldn't!
I watched tonight and it made me sad. I will not admonish these parents for what they have done, but I will say that a failure in a relationship is a failure in a family, and those kids can feel it. I have watched Kate "beat up" on Jon, and I have watched Jon's frustration build. Both have turned their backs on their marriage in multiple ways, and I feel bad for them. I think they could all be okay if they re-prioritize and put their family- the entire family- in focus. I have been entertained by the Gosselins, but I would be happy to lose a reality show if it meant this family could survive. Hopefully, TLC would do the right thing, let them keep the money from the contract, and let them walk away to keep their family safe. This is a real family, and that should come first.

I have to say tonight's premiere of Jon & Kate + 8 was really, really sad. I have watched this family from the beginning one hour specials, and haven't missed an episode once they became a regular series. I have many times defended Kate's quirky, and, I'll admit, sometimes harsh treatment of Jon, and applauded the "realness" they always brought to the show. Although sometimes I found myself cringing at the tv when she went on a rant, I loved that they let us see the real struggle, no sugar coating. Come on, let's face it, we have all said some bone head things to our spouses at one time or another, the only difference was they displayed it for the world to see. In response to your statements about the changes as the years have progressed, I have to say, I too have been very sad to see how much it has all become a "business" instead of a family. It is as if everything they do is done for a "photo op". I would dare to say that most of us loyal fans have felt duped over this last year.Gone are the days of the budgeting advice and the genuine family outings, and in it's place is a documentary about life as a reality tv star, complete with show appearances, book signings and photo shoots. Oh, and throw in an episode here or there about this month's fancy vacation. No body is naive. We all know they are making millions, and that is great! But with it the show unfortunately has lost all of it's purpose, and that is really sad, and if it ends, for me, I will find something else to fill my time and I will move on. Unfortunately, there are lives that are going to be forever changed because of all of this, not my life, THEIR LIVES. I really pray that Jon and Kate can take control back over their family and find themselves again. Find their family again, their real family. Stop managing your family like a corporation, and focus on what is real and true. They have said from the beginning that they were doing it all for the kids. What are the kids gaining now? Their family is being ripped apart, one parent or another absent the majority of the time. When they grow up, no fancy vacation or fancy "experience", no trust fund, is going to make up for what they have lost, what they are losing. My hope is that they recognize that this decision to continue on "running this business" is costing them everything they worked so hard for.

It's a little late for Kate to be feeling sorry about her marriage. She still doesn't realize how she drove her husband away with her ugly behavior to him. It would be nice if they would both seek marriage counseling and try to save their marriage but Kate obviously could use therapy about having a better attitude to others and showing better body language besides the folded arms or hands on hips and negative face. She will end up alone if she keeps her nasty selfish disposition and Diva/Queen attitude. It wears everyone thin.

I have watched this show off and on for what seems like a couple years, and I understand how people think bad things about Kate, and or Jon.. But in the end, if we put our selfs in their positions, would we be any different? Honestly? I know I have my moments, and that is just with my 2 children.. Kate seems like she has been the type of person she is, her whole life.. If that is why Jon is done with the show and or his marriage, thats ridiculous. If it is because of their new found fame.. Well, now that is understandable. If I were her, I would stop it all and work on my marriage. My family is my life, and nothing would ever get in the way of that if I were able to do anything about it. To me Jon and Kate seem to have hope. Its sad how hollywood all of this has become. Please dont criticize, they're only human.

Jon & Kate, It must be horrible to face P people,strangers,the on going questions. You are right as far as you Jon it seemed in the beginning you weren't in the show.You made a comment at the end you were't fond of another season.It seems complicated. I went thru a divorce of 30 yrs, so I have a good idea on the coldness the hurt, and the trust. I want the family together. You seem so good and so right. But you are right peoples ideals change, one person may go off the deep end of the situation,and the other is trying to keep the family together,and thats what Kate is trying to do. But the show tonight where they aren't together it was so awkward I could see it.Of course the other millions that saw it too.Kate is putting a brave face but how long can she hold that in place??Everything is a about the kids.....Do they know what's going on? What do the say about people with cameras?? They are just camera people ruining our lives? No. So what do they tell the kids about Daddy. What does she tell them? They must see things that Jon and Kate did and are not doing them now. I feel bad for the kids. No it's not right to involve whatever the two of them are going through.I guess I feel bad for all of them in a way.But I can't believe that they didn't realise that after moving in to a 1.3 mil house and it was about the new dogs. Now it's about if they still love each other enough to save the marriage I cried during this show. When Jon & Kate first came on it was about the kids,being innocent and pure. Now.... it's about Mommy and Daddy are they gonna divorce???

I cried at the end of the show. I think Jon is lazy, and I think Kate is a control-freak. But... these are real people with real kids. As a mother, it makes me horribly sad to see this family being torn about as a result of fame and fortune. Why not stop now? Why not call it quits for the sake of the family. Perhaps priorities aren't in the right place. Perhaps the "business" is more important than the family. In any case, I cried because I remember how hard it was for me when my kids were first born, even into the toddler years. How exhausting! Now, times that by six kids... you know what I mean. They held it together and made it through those really tough years. Now that they really don't "need" each other, the focus is elsewhere and they feel they can do it on their own. It's sad for the kids. I wish they'd cancel the show. It's not reality anymore.

I find it distressing that financial security seems to make a marriage disposable. Couples who do not have the kind of financial freedom Jon and Kate now enjoy have to put more effort into making a marriage work because they really don't have the option of getting out when the "going gets rough".
Marriage is hard work, having children of any number makes a relationship even harder. Most spouses who have been married for eight years or more will agree that there have been periods of time when they didn't feel like they liked much less loved each other. Jon and Kate just renewed their vows and their commitment to each other. If they were at all sincere they would seek counseling and not automatically explore divorce before they had tried counseling both individually and together.You shouldn't stay married if there is abuse or if there are truly irreconcilable differences but how do you know that you can't work it out unless you try.

I don't particularly like Kate and I think she is a terrible liar. I cringe every time she talks about writing "Multiple Blessings". I thought her mouth said one thing and her eyes said another on tonight's show. The show made me sad.

I do think that Jon really loved her and was pretty accepting of her personal quirks. She is a much harder read and I can't figure out whether she really loved him or was so disappointed that he is not forceful or verbal that she wrote him off the year she had the sextuplets and he was unemployed for so long. That would at least explain her harshness towards him. I know I have no right to even speculate but I can't seem to help myself from trying to figure out what family dynamics really are.

What neither one of them seem to understand is that the history(not to mention the children) they share has real value that cannot be replaced by another partner, career or living situation.

Even though I sometimes am a tad bit jealous of all of the cool things that they get to do with and give their children (that I have not been able to do with mine) I have loved watching their family. I can't believe that there is not something there worth saving or everyone wouldn't love watching them.

I hope they reach deep within themselves and survive and flourish as a couple and a family.

I watched and found that Kate seemed to use this as a poor me episode, she was going to the store, Jon needed time off, she was doing the party (with more helpers than I have ever had), etc.

I think that the show needs to end and they can get the "normal" lives they need to rescue their marriage. That does include real jobs and paying their way in society and providing for their children, not by the charity of others.

I love the show and wish only the best for the whole family. My heart does break for Kate; just imagine what she is going through. Judging from the fancy non-family vehicle he is driving, he is already living a different lifestyle. I don't for a second believe anything she said or did tonight was staged but was straight from the heart. When the babies were born, she had to quit her job and stay home while Jon worked and now that she has the ability to generate more income than he does, and looking out for her children she wants their father with them, he bellyaches about exactly the same thing he expected from her. Get a babysitter for them Jon, go to work, and help take care of them when your done work like the rest of the world. Time to grow up and accept your responsibilities and stop embarassing the entire family with your shenanigans.

I boycotted the show. Jon tried to tell his wife last season that he was tired of doing the show. Kate just ignored the comment and said we wil talk about it later. What she meant was - Jon - you are going to do the show - it's MONEY in the BANK. If she doesn't like all this media attention, then stop giving interviews and focus on her family and marriage. Don't bring your problems to us!!

That was a good summary of the show. I think Kate has chosen the show over Jon and her marriage. The best thing for this family is to definately pull the plug, but since everyone is watching TLC is making too much money from the advertisors. If the fans really care about this family we should ALL STOP WATCHING, and then the advertisers would lose money and the show would be pulled off the air, until this happens im afraid the show will continue.

JON IS AN IDIOT. NOW HE SAYS HE DIDN'T CHOOSE THE LIFE? GO AHEAD CHOOSE THE OTHER WOMAN AND GET THE HELL OUT.

I watched the show tonight and felt sorry for the children. The twins know something is seriously wrong between their parents. I think Jon & Kate shared too much on the air. The twins will see the show, or at least their friends at school or Church will see it. The fun of watching the show has always been focusing on the daily lives of raising the family, all of the milestones, and the parenting skills needed to raise loving and respectful family. I believe Jon & Kate have done a great job so far, and I hope the focus each week could go back to that. It was fun to watch!

I did not get a chance to watch tonight. Thank you for the update. I will definitly be praying for Jon and Kate and for their marriage. How hard it must be to have 8 small children at one time especially 6 5 year olds! How difficult it also must be being in the public eye, especially when you make a mistake and everyone jumps on it!!! God, please help Jon and Kate, please rekindle their love for one another and give them a new hope. Help them to hang on and NOT to give up! Give them the help that they need. How they need you. How we all do!

I LOVE this show. I have the episodes almost memorized. I love the whole family, and it breaks my heart to see tonight's episode. I think Kate and Jon are doing their best to wing it through a possible divorce. Yeah, I thought the same as you during a lot of tonight's episode, but this is their first time dealig with all this so they're doing their best.

Jon seems incredibly negative and just ready to run. Kate seems committed to making it work but rather defeated b/c she likes being in control and she can't control Jon's personal thinking on their marriage. What I don't nderstand is why she doesn't quit traveling if it's hurting her marriage and her family?? She has said in past episodes that they don't "need" extra publicity. So is a book tour really necessary?? How much profit does she want?? And why not take the whole family and do it over the summer??

Also, I started watching the show in the midst of postpartum depression, looking for tips on how to handle my own kids. The show used to be about the logistics of raising (lots of) kids; and now it seems to be about the latest free vacation they've been on, or talk show, or magazine cover. Last season was rather light, it's taken a departure from where it started. They have a nanny and a huge house with lots of land. Not exactly representing the average schlub like they used to. I'm interested in "stranger danger" talks, shopping for the first day of school, working the sales/discounts at stores, restaurant manners, choosing sports, and picking a school, etc. What the hell do I care about all the trouble they had dealing with the freezing weather on their horse-drawn sleigh in Utah??

I did not get a chance to watch tonight. Thank you for the update. I will definitly be praying for Jon and Kate and for their marriage. How hard it must be to have 8 small children at one time especially 6 5 year olds! How difficult it also must be being in the public eye, especially when you make a mistake and everyone jumps on it!!! God, please help Jon and Kate, please rekindle their love for one another and give them a new hope. Help them to hang on and NOT to give up! Give them the help that they need. How they need you. How we all do!

i wish they would stop with it and just ignore the "p-ppl" cuz i really dont feel watching the rest of the season, its just going to bring more attention to it. i loove those kids i loove watching them and their lil friends (hannah/leah/lexi), whichever one had the friend that was brayden shes going to be quite the boy crazed lol, and cara and maddy looked so much older esp maddy with her earrings
i understand why kate calls em p-ppl but ya they'll know about it anyways well hard to say i would shelter my kids from any type of reality tv

I was very sad, especially during the end when Kate was crying. One thing that I cannot get out of my mind is why they don't seem to be trying to get help to work this out. In both of Kate's books, she quotes Scripture and says that God is how they are able to survive raising multiples. What about now Kate? Is God in your marriage? I am beginning to wonder. I realize that Christians are not perfect. I just find myself pulling for this family to stay together. I still love the show, I just want to shake Jon and Kate!

After watching the episode I just thought wow are they really going to play the blame game? While it may not have been so obvious there little subtle comments made it seem as if they were saying its not my fault. Neither seems to want to take responsibilities for their actions. It's both their faults. I just pray that the kids are not traumatized and keep them in my prayers.

they are normal people & jon made a mistake it's just a bump on the road they will get through this give them time and privacy

SKK: If they want privacy, they should take a break from the show.

It's amazing how invested we have all become in this family. Kate made me nuts a couple times tonight. She talked incessantly about being there alone taking care of the kids for the b'day weekend and yet she has been gone on her book tour and Jon was the sole parent. Mady seems like she is aware of the problems and trying to help, she has been the drama queen but seems to recognize real drama is going on and trying to fix it. It's obvious they are confused and blinded by the paparazzi light bulbs. I believe Jon did not cheat physically. I believe he was being unfaithful emotionally but word is Kate kicked him to the apt. above the garge six months ago and she was adverse to counseling. From things I have read she seems difficult, divaish and unforgiving. In the end, I truly wish the best for the whole family and especially those wonderful kids.

I did watch it. I think they have let it become a train wreck. To continue to film and put their family on TV is a huge mistake. They should say, sorry, we have hit some real bumps and we have got to get back to us. I think Kate has become very enamored of the attention, the glamor and most of all the money. Even at the end of last season when Jon did not want to go on with the show, Kate did, and guess what? They did. Jon was dragged into having the "third" baby that ended up being the six. Albeit he would never turn back and choose not to have those darling children, of course.. But he has allowed himself to be led and bullied, and whereas this can be cute and sexy for some couples, the foundation of respect must be clear. But it wasn't here and he has let Kate lead the family into the oblivion of self-absorption and greed. They have lost their way, and they are losing each other and it will scar those children. These things always do.

I think Jon and Kate need the services of Dr Phil...I expect that will be the next step

I totally agree. I too watched the show tonight and I must say that it was a difficult show to watch. I believe that despite their good will towards their children, Jon and Kate are basically unaware of themselves as partners. I doubt if they ever had a very close relationship and once they had these kids, there was no time to work out anything between themselves. Yes, they may do everthing for the sake of the kids, but not learning to love each other and treat each other with respect will impact these kids a lot more than all the "stuff" they now have and all the "adventures" they go on. The Gosslins forget that they are raising adults of the future and these kids need loving models, not actors for parents.

Where is Dr Phil when they need him?
Where is the lawyer for the kids?
Where is CPS?

I did watch. I think Jon was drunk for half of his interviews, his eyes weren't even going in the same direction. Kate's dealing with infidelity, her family betraying her, a demanding career, and eight children. If I were her, I'd be popping prozac like pez. It seems like she wants to stay together and he doesn't. As for the older kids stepping in, that's because while Kate was gone on book tour, Jon was out getting drunk with his mistress...and that's whose fault?

I casually watch this show as my girlfriend loves it and has watched every episode at least twice.

I think Jon is either a big woosie or a really smart guy. Taking all of the belittling and badgering from Kate in the past 4 seasons is sad. He is sad. He rarely if ever stands up for himself. If he'd "doing it for the kids" what is he teaching his kids?

If he cheated on her, I can see why. She's a self-centered person and the kids are just an appendage.

This show is a clear cut case of televised "reality" biting people in the rear... hard. It made their little insignificant world a HUGE event on national tv. The consequences of this show and what not only the parents have done to the kids by airing their dirty laundry, but what specifically Kate has done in crushing Jon's manhood will be felt and measured for years to come.

Jon appeared puffy, like he had been doing a lot of drinking. As someone who has been married 35 years, and gone through the ups and downs, I firmly believe that IF HE WANTS, he can save the marriage. Counseling for both of them would certainly not hurt. Kate seems to be waiting for him to make up his mind. People mature at different rates, and many, many people go through this. Hang tough Kate. Jon, please remember your values and the vows you took. Do the right thing, and take it one step at a time. Stop the destructive behaviour, and both of you get marriage counseling. Above all, put it in God's hands. Ask His help. He will not dissappoint.

i really don't know what to think of it. i just have a lot of sympathy for them. they're still human after all and their problems are just amplified 1000000x because theyre on reality tv (and the fact that they have 8 kids doesn't help much either). they've got a nationwide audience on their back and that's a f**kton of pressure alone. i'm very worried about their marriage and all but i think i'm mostly concerned about the kids. i dunno, man. i dunno.

Couples do not get along after a divorce and it would be silly to assume that they will for the sake of the kids. Kate and Jon are not even divorced and they can't get along. What in the world was Jon thinking when he said that?

All John had to do is show up in his new sports car, after the party was all set up, for all of us to see where his true priorities are. He is being selfish and ruining what is left of his marriage.

Of course, if you really listed to what Jon and Kate have to say on their show, you would know that when they met, Jon had no interest in having kids. When they had the twins, Jon was content, but Kate wanted more. It always seems that Kate wants more, and more, and more.

They are both very selfish, self centered people who are destroying the only family their 8 young kids have known. Those kids won't be ok with a divorce; no kids is.

If they split up, the show will be over, they'll have to give up that new house, get rid of the dogs, and nobody is going to buy Kate's books. The lives of those kids will be ruined by the same two people who claim to care most about their kids.

Divorce destroys families.

There are two issues that are BOTH destroying this family. Jon's single guy behavior and Kate's obsession with celebrity and money. They are both cheating...their eight children!!!

I found the season five premiere of Jon and Kate plus eight to be very sad. If I were in their position and was offered a t.v. show to depict my life, I probably would. I just feel really badly for the kids, and Kate and Jon. You can see the pain all over their faces. YOu can tell that the children can even sense the tension. It is already affecting them, and that is sad. Divorce done privately is hard enough on its own, but in the public eye, especially when you were trying to depict the "ideal" family, in a situation out of the ordinary. Those children need love, and lots of it. Even bratty Maddi, was sweet. The family is wearing a scarlet letter on their chests. Children are more perceptive than most give them credit for.

I did watch it and I felt sad for the kids for the most part! I guess what attracted me to the show at the first place was how in the very first seasons, Kate was just a regular next door mom, innocent and into her kids and Jon. Now you could totally tell that those cameras got to her head and she's more focused on herself appearance than those poor kids. Even her look is different, including the fake tan. I say she's very distracted from her kids, let alone Jon. I think Jon is desperate to have a regular life with his wife and kids, and just can't get any sort of privacy what so ever. Not that it excuses his cheating, but sometimes stress like that can push people to make very bad mistakes as a cry for help. I think Jon and Kate should go through counseling and definitely pay more attention to their kids. She does not need those trips, the book and all the fame that comes with it. They'll be much happier if things stayed as simple as they were at first. A better shot for their marriage to work and their kids to be happier. I wouldn't be surprised of the show's ratings drop and it got canceled by TLC after this season or the next, unless something positive and major happens between Jon and Kate.

Here's what I don't get: the timing of the whole "affair" thing. Those pictures of Jon and the other woman just surfaced in the last month. Just in time for a big lead up to this season premier. However, it is obvious from that 5th birthday party that they have been estranged for at least a year! That episode was filmed LAST MAY! I think the whole thing was calculated... maybe by TLC. The story was leaked when it was to generate a big buzz for the new season. None of this is new news to those in the know. TLC saw this coming and kept it hidden for a year. I found the whole episode very depressing. I think they are going to lose their core audience of young viewers. This is not a train wreck any family wants to be sitting around the tv watching together.

I really got the feeling that Jon is being too nice...not saying what's really going on. I think he probably said to Kate, "pick me or the show," and she chose the show. He is there in body only. He does not want to be. He doesn't want to throw her under the bus (like she is trying to do to him). Despite the rumors of his affair, I believe Jon that he did not cheat. I think Kate only wants the money, and she's willing to sacrifice her marriage to get more of it.

I am a single parent of 3 and i have watched this show from the beginning.
I see a change in Jon and in Kate. It was nice to see such emotion from Kate, she still loves Jon. What I see from Jon is that he has changed and it is about him, he seems angry,but also I think he is just growing up and with that comes change. It may not always be what we want , but it happens . I wish the family the best and for kate & jon to remember the kids come first.

I watched. After watching about an episode a week for the last little while and read about the Gosselin's, I feel like I understand the situation a fair bit. Myself wanting to be a mother in the future and also being interested in the psychology of "celebrities", results in a very intriguing show for me. At first, I felt that Kate was a termagant. She appears to be very overbearing to her husband, Jon which makes the viewer feel sympathy for because he is the "nice and relaxed" parent who is bullied by his harsh-tempered wife. Putting myself in the position of Jon, I felt the miserableness of being ordered around by my wife who is stressed out about countless issues and also being treated as if I am a child. The situation would seem more like a prison than a vision of parenthood and I would search for an escape. However, I have 8 children who I spend every minute of free time that I have and I do not want to cause them any harm.
Kate may be viewed by many as unsavory, but in the end, she does what she thinks is best for the kids, and puts her relationship with her husband after the kids best interests, even though putting them in the spotlight may not have been what Jon agreed to, and she doesn't always talk to people in the manner in which they feel they should be talked to.
When you mix these two together, inevitably, there won't be a very good outcome and it is unfortunate for them that while all of this is going on, it is put on display for whoever want to see it to see.
What happened happened - There are outcomes to every cause. Jon and Kate are doing the right thing by being with the kids and I feel that maybe Jon and Kate weren't meant for eachother, but at least their kids will be loved by both of them, and that is much more than most children in the world have.

you spelled maddie wrong.

We checked, it's Mady. Making the correction now.

My Husband and I were watching the episode. We have loved this show for a long time and think they are a cute family. I don't know what to think except everyone, and I mean EVERYONE makes mistakes in relationships but not everyone is on TV. Its easy to be judgemental when we are not the ones making mistakes at the moment. I do think maybe it would have been better to not continue the show until things are more stable but I do not think Jon and Kate are bad parents.

I think we should leave them alone...I understand that over the past 5 years they have become a selfish pair with the free trips etc...but they are a family...a family like mine only they have 6 more kids than we do...If he did cheat so be it if she cheated so be it...they should not use the show to air their dirty laundry...if they want to do that go on Good Morning America or Ellen or even Oprah but not the show...let their kids shine...I DVR'd the show bc we werent going to be home and well, I will admit I fast forwarded through a lot of the party to get to the "good stuff"...to me it sounded as if Kate wants to work on their marriage and relationship and Jon just wants out...hes had enough...and wouldnt you if you were being sh** on for the past ten years of your life by the one person who should love you and be kind to you and comfort you NO MATTER WHAT???

SKK: I will be happy to leave them alone if they stop going on television. But as long as they are airing their dirty laundry publicly, people are going to be talking about it.

I didn't realize that TLC was going to run a Jon & Kate Plus 8 marathon all weekend. Not that I could sit through all the episodes anyway. I just found Kate becoming too controlling of everyone including Jon. And while they would try to shop for Christmas presents, I think that Kate lost sight of the fact that Jon is a capable, loving adult who can make his own decisions about handling their kids. Kate has developed this "my way or the highway" attitude which has been starting to show up in Mady's behavior especially ("I'm going to count to a hundred and if I don;t get something to eat..." - nice show of respect for the parents,eh?). I found myself constantly yelling at the TV for Kate to let the kids make a mess and be kids, for once. She must have been dying thousands of times when she took the girls to paint pottery. I think one of the worst decisions she and Jon made was to get not one, but TWO dogs as a Christmas present to all of the kids. For someone who suffers from being obsessive compulsive as much as she seems to, getting a dog is the absolute last thing she should have done. Mady flipped out and had a temper tantrum because she just wanted a dog for herself. Kate ever looking for something else to control, already had the two dogs named before she even saw them. Aaden wouldn't go to the van to go home until he knew the rest of the dogs were locked up because he was afraid of dogs. Neither Kate nor Jon had ever owned a dog much less knew how to take care of one. What do the two nervous, excited dogs do when they start investigating the new surroundings? They poop on the floor in the house, sending Kate into threatening to take the dogs back if they continue to poop in the house. This is not going to be a happy household especially when the kids get into their teen years. Let's hope the show doesn't go there.

Yeah, I agree with everything you just said. The episode was very awkward and painful and you could tell there is pain, but lets not be fooled, 2 types. A) I think Jon is regretting his actions, he clearly loves the kids. B) KATE is regretting this show might be at the end of its line. If the P-People are such an issue, QUIT THE SHOW. My god, its not like they haven't made enough money. And if they aren't going to quit the show, stop the interviews, stop the book tours, stop the church/speaking engagements. Its all so hypocritical on her part. Jon speaks the truth, the reality, she doesn't want to hear it, because she knows the reality is, and whats best for the fam is to stop all this. But she's too far gone and will keep it going anyway she can. Those tears weren't for a dying marriage, they were, "Crap, I don't want to give up the travel, the fans, the money, the trips, WHY IS HE DOING THIS TO ME!?" My 2 cents

I think that Jon is a very stupid, egotistical person who clearly is not there for his kids, or wife. I also think that, in a bizarre way, the tv show is an extension of family to the children and it may be a like losing more than a father if the show stopped.

Wow,
Great article! I am glad you express the different point of views. However, I do adore the kids and I think they need to pull things together. Its not like their living one kid behind, its 8 of them. So work things out guys.

I don't get the whole Jon doesn't want to be on t.v., but Kate does - almost hungrily. The truth is that Jon was there on t.v., doing the solo interviews, even the interview with Kate. Sure he hates the publicity...because he was caught on camera with another woman! He's still right by Kate's side, with a hang-dog attitude I guess, exploiting their children and cashing his paychecks from the show. Jon lets Kate do his dirty work - which is even worse than Kate enjoying the spotlight. Why hasn't Jon gotten a steady job? Less time to cheat on his wife and avoid helping with birthday parties and 8 kids.

My wife is a J&K+8 freak, so we had to watch it last night. It about broke my heart when at the b-day party one of the little girls came up to Jon and said that she missed him and she didn't want him to be away anymore. How sad for these kids that their parents are acting this way. My parents are still together so I never went through a divorce, now I definitely feel for all kids that do, and how tough it really must be. It's hard to imagine what it's like if you've never been through it.

Out of curiosity, I watched the program. Wow, it was beyond awkward! It was like sitting in the middle of a friend's family argument.

While some may have bonded with John and Kate, I imagine it's going to be hard to stick with them. People like to escape through TV and right now the program is a weird blend of acting for the camera, reality, and product placement.

I have to say that you hit the nail on the head with your take on the drama between John & Kate, and I totally agree.

You forgot about the part when jon drove up in his mid life crisis mobile! I cried a lot this episode. They have obvious communication issues and need some counseling. I hope they watch the episode at least. They can't help the freebies but they could be a little more humble about it. The p people part was odd but that's alright. Everyone has their issues with things. All in all I love Jon & Kate and their kids and I really hope they work it out.

I stopped watching J&K+8 awhile ago for many of the same reasons everyone else did (plus I disliked Kate so much I couldn't stand watching it.)
But, I did watch the season premier last night thanks to the recent scandals. Now I have a reason to watch - unfortunately it involves a real family and not a made-up one.
I have to agree with you mentioning that the 8 year olds shouldn't be expected to parent. I'm thinking they're stepping up due to the tension in the house and their fear that if they don't become little mommies, then daddy or mommy might leave. These girls are 8 years old and they know that something is up whether they've been told or not.

I felt there was too much tension watching the premiere episode of season 5 as a veiwer and can't imagine how the children feel. Kate has become too materialistic and too self consumed. I do not condone Jon's action however, I feel Kate has pushed Jon to find a safe haven from her critical behavior.

I think that they did the right thing to market themselves. Otherwise, where should you have gotten the money from to offer your kids a good life. Even if Kate and Jon worked 40+ hours/week, they couldn't have provided much money for the family and there would have been not much time for the children at all.

If they can't live together, they could take turns living with the kiddos. One week, he could live in the house with the kids, and the next week she could. Both should have an apartment or so where they can live if they are not with the kids.

As long as both parents stay in the kids life, the kids will be OK.

Yes, i did. As this mid-level reality star struggles with their pre-fame reality moment, they will make lots of mistakes. I think they will survive the scandal, then we, audience, will loose interest in the show. Then we will move on to other reality show and make them famous.

I did watch. I must say I have not been a "five season" fan of Jon and Kate plus 8 until recently. Fortunately I have had the chance to "catch up" on the first 4 seasons during the last few weeks of "marathons" . At first I admit I watched and was thinking to myself "why is everyone so hard on her?" She seemed normal enough - a little anal about the kids getting dirty which to me is PART of being a kid but whatever. They had usual bickering. Usual issues just times eight. But they smiled, the laughed and they joked with each other as well. I then watched season 4 - it seems to me the problems started somewhere between right after renewing their vows in Hawaii and moving to their new million dollar mansion .... I see Kate go from a tired Kate (as normal moms look) to a "tanned and well kept up" Kate. You can tell her hairstyle although the same in style has more expensive coloring, the tanning and the outfits are now about 500 dollars more - I also noticed in season 4 that when they break to Jon and Kate on the couch she does ALL the talking and Jon very little - whereas before they BOTH commented and spoke. Now you have season 5, a million dollar home, 2 dogs that KATE had to name (because she did not want to go through life with dogs named Boo Boo or PooPoo??") She had the kids do pictures for their father but she picked the colors so they would match the house... they were on Oprah so she had to go out and get the kids and her new outfits ... Different, different Kate. So I guess in conclusion I can say this .. I did notice the same dumb remarks that the you did, the P men - how does that sound better than Paparrazi??? And how do 4 year olds know why the hell they have to hurry and unbuckle for all these men that are rushing around to take their pics?? I was extremely let down in Jon that he had to have the weekend off before the kids fifth birthday party and she had to do everything? I did admire that she got it all done yet she did bitch all the way about how she had to do it alone and that their party must go on yadda yadda yadda .. If it were me? If I was in these shoes with this current situation? I probably would have asked TLC for some time to work on my family and stay out of the limelight for a while. I know easier said then done, right? Not really. Your 15 minutes will be up soon enough - which is what I think Jon wants more than anything - to go back to the "season 1 2 and 3" family before the money and the house and the 15 outfits a day from Gymboree and the tanning and the "perks" from being one of the most popular families on TV. Yes today's society is cruel - the paparazzi and the judging of the public when you are in their eye but I think both of them could have handled this better ... I think Kate is more pissed off that Jon is doing this to the family than anything. I wish the best for these two, I really do. Especially because there are 8 innocent children that did not ask for this kind life - they were brought into it. But once children are brought into a relationship it stops being about just mommy and daddy and I think Jon and Kate are saying it but they are not living it... They are both being extremely selfish and need to step back, maybe make a list of the "good things" they had in life and what was most important back then and then try and go back to it. - Yes the fame is there, there is no turning that around. But I think If we as the fans or the public or whatever can see it - why can't they? It is not too late - these children are not spoiled whatsoever, the only ones spoiled here are the parents. I could go on and on and on .. but they are going to do what they want to do anyways. I am glad that Jon made a point in the end to say that basically what they do is "personal" I hope they keep it that way and emerge a little bit older, wiser and guarded ....

I thought the whole thing was sad. I'm so sad for those kids and for Jon and Kate, everyone deserves to be happy. Did you notice Jon's tiny sports car when he arrived at the party?

I agree with you. Jon looked detached and out of place and Kate was, as usual, task oriented, giving Jon orders, and constantly making reference to how she does everything by herself. Jon is tired of being brow-beaten and it is clear. I think its time to end this program and get their lives in order.

I was conflicted about even watching this premiere in light of the content, and what had been insinuated in the previews leading up to the show. Like you, I have watched the last 4 seasons, and have fallen in love with the adorable children. Thinking that the trailers were just being used to pump up ratings for "the big premiere", I decided to watch. I was wrong. It was worse than the previews made it out to be. Multiple times I was moved to tears at the apparent demise of one of our favorite families. Using a paraphrase of one of Jon's statements, we make choices and have to live with them. Perhaps they both should heed that truth, and remember that love is a choice. They chose to love one another, they chose to get married, they chose to have children resulting in twins, they chose to have one more (resulting in six more...), they chose this life of public life. Therefore, if the basis of true love is based on choice over feeling, than it would be their responsibility to renew that choice daily. To forgive, and ask forgiveness. Healing can happen in this family, but it will not happen in the limelight with which their life has been consumed. Getting out of their contract with TLC would be a major step in this process, if they are serious about doing what is best for their children and family. While Kate believes she is doing everything she does for the kids, she needs to remember that money is not everything. My heart aches for all of them, and I pass no judgement. We all have our problems, but sometimes we cannot see the source when we are so close to it. I hope and pray that they can work out what they are going through, and that forgiveness and healing will bring true joy back to this family.

Good observations, Sarah. I was hooked into "Jon and Kate Plus 8 (Million Freebies?)" soon after it premiered. I thought the kids were cute and I enjoyed the family but, like you, lost my interest, when shows became all about free trips and endless consumption. Also, the Gosselins began to leave a trail of familial roadkill, such as Aunt Jody and Uncle Kevin, behind. Now, the show has none of its early freshness and sparkle. I think the sham second wedding in Maui turned me off most of all when the Gosselins gathered for a freebie fest and nobody seemed very happy.
What will happen the show now? TLC should cancel it but will never do that as long as the ratings are there. Until then, we will watch the Gosselins sputter to a close -- Kate grasping for her her gratis goods as long as she can while Jon hops a freight car to oblivion.

Can we start with the preamble about how the only thing real about reality TV is the camera crew?

I did notice how Kate accepted little responsibility or blame for what was going on, nor did she rise to say she believed Jon when he said that he didn't cheat (not that it shoulda been expected). Laughed at how Jon "sprang" into action at the party on Kate's order. Noted his chat about how he'd been Kate's little errand boy on the day of the party.

Noticed that neither said they loved each other and wanted to make whatever they had work, or to get it back, or to move forward together... interesting.

Also noticed some of the material stuff. Forget the brand new $1.4M house, did you see the clothes and jewelry Kate wore? the car Jon drove? Not sure that stuff was so prominent in earlier years, so thanks TLC.

Kate said "I am here" but you forgot the rest of it. "When I'm not [out on the road on my book and speaking tour], I'm here. No word on how frequent that was, so it rung hollow. The complaint that her kids called her by their babysitter's name was more telling. Neither said they were there for each other too. Sad, but sadder is that that's probably been the case for a few years now.

I think they need to try to repair their marriage in private. I feel that the children will be harmed if they continue their public parade of the family. I hope they break their contract and try to repair thier marriage. I think it is clear that Jon resents no working outside of the home and being the main breadwinner for the family.

Sherry Tellitocci

I just think it is in the best interest of the kids to end the show completely. Perhaps they Kate and Jon can work on their relationship. I can tell its not about helping the kids anymore, its about money. Even if Kate says its not, we can tell by her fancy clothes and manicured nails. Jon does not want to do it anymore either, so just end it already. Their family has been consumed by Hollywood and this is going to terminally affect the kids. If Kate wants to be a really great mom, she would say, "Thats enough. We are done".

I watched and agree that the family has become more of a business and not a family. I was begining to find Kate a little hard to take at times and Jon just sits there like he doesn't ahve a voice (maybe that is best). I think she has decided she likes the "life" style while he is ready to go back to being normal. Too bad because the kids are so cute but the show has run it's course. Time to shut off.

Hey, Sarah. LOL

I watched the show last night and my husband and I discussed how we would react in this situation. We decided that if we had sextuplets and had a TV show about our lives, I would be just like Kate and he would be just like Jon.

She had a tough pregnancy. On bedrest almost the whole time and in the hospital for about 2 months. Then they were faced with raising and providing for 6 babies as well as 2 preschoolers. Yeah, most parents of multiples get donations from the community but they dry up pretty quick. They decided to let cameras into their home for two 1-hour specials. TLC liked them so much that they gave them a show. The show, and the freebies that followed, allowed Jon and Kate to give the kids the kind of life they'd have if they were only children. Vacations, a nice house, etc... If they were living on just Jon's income they wouldn't have any of that. So I understand how they'd want to do something like a TV show and books to provide for their family.

I can't imagine what the stress of having 8 kids to raise would do to parents - a mother specifically. She is terribly controlling but who wouldn't be? Jon seems to have no real opinions on how to raise the kids so Kate makes the decisions. Same in my house. Not that Steve doesn't share equally in the responsibilities. But I do the research and he lives in a grey area. And he trusts what I think is right. He has had opinions about some things but for the most part it's all me. I think the same is true for the Gosslins - it's just being filmed.

At the end of last season Jon said that he may not want to continue with the show. And he seems to still feel the same way. My husband told me that if we were in that situation he would give me an ultimatum - the show or him. And if I chose the show that would be the end of us. I think that is what has happened with them. The one thing I will say about Kate is that she has gone way to Hollywood. The hair, the nails.....it's too much.

I hope they go through marriage counseling. And if Jon is that unhappy with the show they should stop doing it for the sake of their marriage.

kate is an idiot jon and the kids are way better its rude what she did to her sister in law jodi and her best friend beth what happened to the baby sitter jenny? are they getting a divorce? and mady is completley her what she trains her kids to do=be mean and anoying like her. what will happen next on jon and kateplus eight???????What will happen to the kids . i love collin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
and alexis!!!! u know what is stupid she is making all the kids share rooms execpt for one thats stupid.adiens the best though!!!!!!!

I never comment on anything but I just feel so bad for this family. I also began watching them after the birth fo my second child. I found it inspirational to see how they dealt with everyday issues. However, you can watch them morph from normal couple with unique challenges into overwhelmed couple not focused on family. I agree, if it is all about the kids, close the door. Yes, p-people will follow for a while but if you never give them a comment or anything to show then the public will eventually lose interest. Commit to each other, committ to kids, committ to God's principles and everything else will fall into place. Yes, there won't be as many trips, as much money, as much stuff but the family doesn't need all that. Just each other! Writing books about your kids is not a career. Writing about something else, maybe. They are both a little bit right and a whole lot wrong.

I watched, and it was so sad. I wonder how long their contract with TLC runs, because it seems perfectly clear to me they need to get out and get out now.
I also think both Jon and Kate seem to be in denial about what this is doing and is going to do to their children.

I also wanted to know the elephant in the room. I didn't read much in the tabloids, because I kept hearing from Kate that it wasn't true and I figured I would hear about it on the show. SO, now I have to go hunting to see what the heck is going on. I will admit it was hard to watch, especially after the J & K +8 marathon. Kate seemed...I dunno...it was complicated.

I grew up in a family of 4, two older and two much younger. I ended up helping A LOT- it's normal. Also, my poor mother had moments of complete and total meltdown with just four of us. Has anyone stopped to think how difficult it is to raise 8 children??? I also work at a preschool, in the nursery no less, and spending HALF a day with six infants is exhausting in every possible way. Has anyone stopped to think that maybe they have continued the show for so long because it is very expensive to raise eight kids? I'd be happy for extra income too. The "p people" are sick.

I also watched the episode and have been in this position with swiftly-changing events in my family. However, I always shared the basics of what is happening with the kids.

It will make me sad to watch any more J&K+8 episodes. I do agree that, if they really believe the children are the most important aspect, they should take their lives back by getting out of the public eye (if they can).

A final comment I will make is when they moved into their current residence, that seemed to be a game changer. Now that they have larger financial commitments, they seem to be resigned to doing the show. I'm afraid what both Jon and Kate mean by "I'm here for my kids" really means trying to keep the show and the funds flowing.

The whole family needs counseling and a renewal of the relationships that seemed to make things work. As we who have families all know, it's only more work from here to keep things together. They made their family a business, now they need to take their family back!

Sadly,
Bob

Tabloids, paparazzi, celebrity gossip OH MY! I’m disappointed that TLC’s Jon & Kate Plus 8 has gotten to where it’s at now. The “realness” was what really drew me in to the show. I was intrigued at how Jon and Kate maneuvered around the challenges of raising multiple children while trying to live an everyday life. I loved watching how a big family operated when doing something as simple as going to the local park for a picnic. There aren’t many episodes like that any more. I think it’s sad the “realness” is gone. I’m frustrated that Kate is letting the publicity go to her head and she’s straying away from what is real. She’s gone from mommy in shorts and a t-shirt who “quit her job as a nurse to stay home with the kids” to high fashion mom wearing high heels and low riding jeans that show off her bright, red thong! She’s not staying at home anymore. In fact, she’s traveling so much her children are calling her by their babysitter’s name! Taping your kids when they’re little to document it is one thing, but once you start showing up in tabloids, on celebrity gossip shows and you’ve got the “p-people” hiding in the woods at your kid’s fifth birthday party, I think it’s time to take a step back, get back to reality, and get back to your kids.

There was one point at the end when Kate was implying that she "didn't know what to do". This is the part that disgusted me the most and showed her for the attention wh**e she's become. I said to the tv (because I'm clearly insane) "You stupid b**ch, the solution to is shut off the cameras and get your family back on track."

And yeah, it -is- that simple. It's only complicated because they make it that way. It's not about the money, the ratings, or even whatever contract they've signed with TLC. It's about those poor kids and the hell they'll have to endure having to watch their family disintegrate in the public eye.

okay well i understand that everyone is entitled to their own opinion but some of you are really coming down on them. you dont live in their home. you dont know their problems.how can you blame jon or kate? those kids need both their mom and dad, but some of you want them to separate?? all we can do id pray for their family and if things were meant to be then they will all work out.

Please get professional help and try to save your marriage. Remember how happy you were as you both renewed your vows last year. If you really work at your marriage and want to make it work, I pray that it will. You have to make time for each other and respect each other. May God bless this family.

Maybe TLC should let them out of their contract and pay for a marriage consellor so that they can save their family.

Jon needs to read up on Kates' Narcissist personality behavior to get a real understanding what he is up against on their marriage. Both Kate and Mady have NPD and there is a lot to be said on whether it is curable. People with NPD cannot see themselves as having it and deflect everything as other peoples' fault. They only get angry when people try to help modify their behavior as they feel superior to others and will always use others to help them feel superior and belittle those they think are inferior. It appears to be a losing battle for Jon as far as saving the marriage. He needs to move on and be with someone who is not a narcissist for his own protection and well being. I feel sorry for the children involved as they have to live with a mother who is inflicted with NPD. I can see another trainwreck coming as the children become teenagers with a mom that is only into herself. Kate will continue feeling her self importance and feel it is her "duty" to be on the road all of the time as her kids grow up with someone else raising them. In a sense they may be better off without her as she plays out her role with NPD. Most psychologists say there is no cure for NPD (Narcissist personality disorder).

It's pretty simple - they should pull the plug on the TV show & take back their lives. My guess is that the love of freebies & attention has become addictive to them, so they probably won't.

I see a man (Jon) who keeps everything to himself and that's what got him to a place of true resentment and almost hatred towards Kate. I see Kate exhausted trying to keep a family going with as much normality as possible, but forgetting to have a marriage instead of a 9th kid (Jon). I see them not taking time for themselves, for their marriage, and spending all their time involved with the kids. Yes, the kids are important, but the bottom line is they had these kids due to their love for one another, not the other way around. The kids were supposed to be a result of their love, and now they've forgotten that. I hope they will learn to forgive one another and forgive themselves. They have so much within each other, they just need to find it again. They will. Jon and Kate, don't give up on each other or yourselves as individuals. Find that love again.

Sad to watch. Jon appears to be detached and Kate is always the "right" one. I believe that they both want what's best for the children, but if so, leave the show and work on each other. That will make for happy children!

I watched last nights episode and it really left me hanging!! I want to know if they are really falling out of love. I know that Kate is very verbally abusive to Jon, but I can't imagine the stress level with all those kids. I think she just wants everything to be perfect like a lot of moms. We just don't watch everone else on tv. I hope that there family works out the troubles and can stay together. For people that say they shouldn't have gotten in the public eye. How else would they pay for all those children. It is very hard to pay for just two. I can't imagine having to pay for 8. I just hope that Kate and Jon work it out.

Why do you bother blogging about all of this stupidity on TV, and by stupidity, I mean anything at all remotely connected to so-called "reality" TV? Unbelievable how many people actually waste their time on this schlock.

Oh, and if you're wondering why I bothered to chime it, it was simply to ask this question.

SKK: Thanks for reading. Reality television has become a cultural phenomenon, like it or not, over the past few years, and thus bears comment.

Regardless of all the drama surrounding this, everything will be fine.... or not. It is life and our opinions just don't mean very much.

I do wish them and their children well.

As one of 7 children of a family broken by divorce I know that Jon and Kate need a major wake up call. They are telling themselves what they want to hear about being there for the children. In ten or 15 years when the real results are in with kids on drugs and emotional problems are evident they will know the foolishness of their present thinking.

ok..that's it....I'm not watching anymore. This has turned into nothing but
a money maker. Kate has
changed so much..Jon is
so depressed it makes me
depressed. Cancel the show and concentrate on your family! Kate ..you need
to get off Jon's back..just
past episodes..the man cant even speak without
you interrupting him to tell
him how to speak. You've complained about everything the man does or
doesnt do...geez...lighten up...you need some counseling for your over the top controlling ways.
Ironically enough..you've controlled everything to the
point of losing control of it
all. Give the glamour life up
if you really ...REALLY do
everything for your children.
Sorry but i cant watch the show anymore...it's too
stressful..(sigh)used to bfun

Please I am the mother of multiples and yes its stressful- but you do not go borrowing trouble. The TV show has afforded them a lot of "free" things- My kids watched Saturday and said wow they get all that stuff because their multiples- where is our stuff???
It's disgusting & honestly Kate has treated Jon like he is her oldest child- she speaks to him very disrespectfully. Before you whine about everyone knowing your business- look in the mirror and see who put it out there....

I've been obsessing over this all morning. I watched the premier last night and I am honestly and surprisingly stressed out about this. I loved this show for so long, and now I feel guilty for watching that episode last night. Like I shouldn't be watching someone's marriage fall apart. I think they need to cancel the show, even though so many of us are huge fans, and work on the Gosselins. They should for these kids. They are in over their heads, some more than others, and they need to step back and look at the public scrutiny they are putting THEMSELVES through. I get this is how they make a living. But as "someone" once said, family and happiness is so much more important than tv or ratings.

I could almost BE Kate. I had a half-asian husband and adorable twin girls. But when I wanted "just one more" like she did, I only got one. She got six. After my divorce, I quit watching the show because it would make me angry. I was not half as demanding as Kate, and we only had 3. How come they could make it work and we couldn't? I am now watching the show with renewed enthusiasm....Misery loves company. (BTW, my new husband Matt is a GEM. He even does laundry).

Wow. There are more than a few folks dumping on Jon. I can freely admit (as he has) that his judgment wasn't the best. But he's trying to blow off a little steam given the pressures of the situation between he and Kate. She does it by brow-beating her husband and barking orders (did anyone notice her telling Jon to tell the delivery guys to not scratch the appliances or the doorway as they come into the house? They aren't professional enough to do that without her reminding them?). She seems insecure (remember he mentioned how "country" she was when they met?) and covers it up by going on the attack all of the time. He, unfortunately, is too soft to stand up to Kate and garner some respect. Trust me, I'd have gone to the local bar myself for a few.
The show has excerbated their issues, not created them. Ordering him around would be kind of cute if there wasn't so much at stake. Most of us guys roll our eyes and do what is asked without fussing about it. But if I had to be subjected to that on TV on a weekly basis, I probably wouldn't tolerate it so well.
Is Kate someone who can look at this problem between her and Jon and internalize it enough to understand her responsibility with it? I don't think so. She acknowledges that she has been hard on Jon (as if he deserves it) but she doesn't take it a step further and understand why she is hard on him and, more importantly, what she will do about it.
As for Jon, grow a pair dude. Get it out, let it out. Re-gain your manhood and salvage your marriage. At least make her respect you.
By the way, as Jon and Kate go through this process, the show will become even more popular. We may not like train wrecks, but we always want to know what happened. TLC knows this. The show will go on...

Jon & Kate are allegedly adults who knew what they were getting into with having their own reality TV show. I don't feel sorry for them in the least - only the children. What kind of normal upbringing will these young children have now??? Their parents were willing to exploit their situation to make money. It's one thing to document your children's lives on film for personal reasons but to publicize it for personal gain and the world to see??? Time to call a good therapist.

its always funny to hear bloggers give their "high and mighty" opinions about REALITY SHOWS!

do yourself and your career a favor and talk about stuff that matters - not criticize and trash a family that was suckered in by a media crush due to a happy accident of conception -

http://www.usmagazine.com/news/critics-pan-season-five-premiere-of-jon-and-kate-plus-eight-2009265

Both of them deserve what they get. If I were Jon I would have left her looooong ago. She needs an attitude adjustment. I feel sorry for the kids but if they get out of it now it'll be forgotten about in a year. Run both of you while you can. I will never watch that crap show again.

Enough already! Who are we to judge what these people do and how they do it. My heart goes out to the entire family. They are obviously in a great deal of pain. They too have hearts and feelings.
In general, why is it so wrong for a woman to want to better herself and her family? Are women just here to be a wife and mother? I thought those ideas were long gone. I guess I was mistaken. So should a woman give up her dreams and her ambitions so that her husband can feel better about himself? I think not. A marriage is based on team work, support for each other.

I will not comment on their situation as all the posts pretty much says it all. I just found it ironic that Kate delivers all 8 kids to the party while Jon drives up in a sports car. I like Jon but feel sorry for him. Married at 22 and by age 30 has 8 kids. Plus, Kate admonishes Jon for interrupting her but she interrupts him several times.

jon what the hell is wrong with u talkin about u brought a new car thats why u want to go on without ur family so u can think bout urself u damn fool........ u will never find a good lady like kate ass KATE KEEP ON MOVING SIS U DID UR PART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With eight children you must be organized, and demanding sometimes controlling her problem is she don't know when to stop and not treat Jon as one of the children. I do feel for Jon because when you no longer feel like the man the house and orders are always being barked to you, you began to feel distant and withdrawn. Kate must learn that she must let Jon feel as though he's the man of the castle or her marriage is over because he will start looking for that companionship elsewhere and someone who make him feel like the king. There's no doubt it takes two to raise 8 children but Kate need to stop acting as though she can do it all and let him be a MAN. Jon need to act like a MAN and demand such but I'm sure that's difficult with camera's in their faces. I feel their marriage is savable with couseling and cancelling of the show.

The media needs to stop scrutinizing them and let them do what they do. They are doing a hell of job if you ask me. The paparazzi are disgusting human beings with no lives and who get satisfaction out of being pushy and rude. They should use their photography for something useful rather than stalking people who ACTUALLY HAVE LIVES and CAREERS. Its sad.

As for Jon and Kate, I feel bad that the media is screwing them over and writing horrible articles like the one above. Its sad that we cant just watch this family grow up, laugh and play on TV like we did the first few seasons, now the media and magazines like to #$%* with everything all over again. Leave people alone!

My parents divorced and I have to say, if she's really "doing it for her kids" as she says she is, then she should realize that the publicity of this show is destroying her marriage, and that will damage her children. No matter their age, divorce is powerfully shattering to children, and if they can avoid it they should do whatever it takes.

It seems pretty clear to me that Jon is having a lot of trouble coping with the fame. If she gives a damn about her vows she should consider her husband.

And Jon pretty clearly has some thinking to do as well. All of it, off camera.

I commented earlier and I just want to say something else. Jon is a whiner. I am tired of him. Kate is controlling, but she has to be because her husband is a wimp. Maybe Kate doesn't have respect for her husband but he certainly doesn't have respect for her. He can't be hurting too badly to buy a new sports car. Get over it Jon and get a hobby and grow some balls. Kate--stay home. I just don't see what other books you could possibly write now. Enjoy your kids--they are growing up fast. In order for these 2 to work it out, they need Christian marriage counseling and as much as I hate to see them go, stop filming their show. I love it, but their marriage and family are more important than anything else.

If I were one of Jon & Kate's grown children, I would ask Kate why she was so hard on dad? And ask Jon, why he chose himself over his children? It's clear to me both Jon & Kate have good intentions but good intentions don't always result in good actions.

Jon and Kate have killed the goose that laid the golden egg. I hope that these two can put it back together for the sake of their EIGHT children!

After watching the show over the past several seasons, its clear that Kate has let the fame go to her head. She was always demanding, but as time goes on you can plainly see her going from Mom and Wife to Mistress Big-Shot. Although I wouldn't justify any guy cheating on his wife, I can easily see why he would cheat on her if he did. Who wants to go thru their life chained to a manipulative, miserable, controlling egomaniac like Kate?

All this garbage Kate is spewing about Jon "suddenly not wanting the spotlight anymore". Well, Kate, from my vantage point on the show its ALWAYS looked like he was uncomfortable with the cameras. The "kids calling me the babysitters name" was also classic. Newsflash for ya Katie: Stop jetting around like some Hollywood star and go back to being a mom again, and while you're at it - if you want to save your marriage - start letting Jon be a Dad again and start treating him like your HUSBAND and not just one of your hired help.

It is time to pull the plug on the show and get things settled for the children's sake. I watched the show regularly but did not watch the premiere for this season.

Related Movies/Shows:
In Treatment: Season 3 (Gabriel Byrne and the 8 kids each with their own 1/2 hour)
8 is ENOUGH - Jon gets snipped
The Bodyguard - Hidden camera action of Kate and her body guard (Late night Cinemax)
Up All Night - Jon's exploits in the Reading PA bar scene
Big Brother Season 27: All of the scenes that didn't make it on to TLC
Fear Factor - Kate locked in a box with bugs or Jon being forced to do a television show that follows his every step (oh wait we already have that)
3 Brides for 3 Brothers - The boys marry women just like their mommy
Confessions of a pre-teen Drama Queen - Mady in the lead role
How to speak to a husband (if you really have to) - An adaptation of Ann Colter's book, replacing the word liberal with husband.

It seems to me that we all have a lot to say about a family on TV. Producers pick the parts they want us to see so the actors are portrayed the way that will make the most money. With that being said, when is it a bad thing for a mother to go out and work and support her family and the father to stay home? When did it become okay to bash someone else when we have not walked in their shoes? I am a divorced parent and I feel very sorry for all people involved. It is a long, lonely, angry road and I wish them all well. I hope they are able to work it out and make the best of what they have-a beautiful family.

My god who cares?John & Kate are both to blame. Kate for being a maniacal dictator and little John for not being a man and taking the abuse. As is usually the case, the kids will suffer, get their own spin off show, and all wind up in rehab one day. One big happy disfunctional family. When is the show going of the air?

The show as painfully awkward (but got me through my hour on the treadmill!). To me this is a perfect example of what happens when you thrust celebrity at ordinary people. They were inexperienced and like anyone who's 'ordinary' they simply got hung up in the perks. They claim they're doing it for their kids, but if they truly take a moment to step back they'd realize that the best thing for their kids is to stop the show and fix their family---no argument. The problem is Jon clearly said he didn't want to do the show this season, Kate blatantly disregarded his wishes, and you can't claim they had a contract to honor because they mentioned in the season finale about TLC being willing to work with their contract (Jon is by no means innocent; he lets Kate walk over him instead of holding his own. Yes, he fusses and yells back but he never puts her in her place and like any person who's weak we take advantage of that as Kate has). Kate is hung up on the celebrity and seems to secretly enjoy the p-people as it makes her feel like she really is some star, but the reality is she can't walk into an after-Oscar party without being kicked out! So don't kid yourself, Kate! I've watched about 98% of all the episodes since they first did their special back on Discovery Channel, and it's really sad to see how they've evolved/deteriorated through the years. Like all of us naive reality-show watchers we all thought they were going to make it and we'd be watching they show until the kids were sent off to college, but I guess we all need to wake up.

I have watched this for several years. I used to enjoy it but a couple years ago there was an episode when one of the children got gum on a toy he loved after a half hearted effort to get it iff she announced to the sobbing child that she was throwing it away.
The she got on the phone to her sister in law who had watched her kids repeatedly for free and barked at her don't give gum to my kids. It was massively uncaring and rude. I have not been able to watch her since without feeling I was watching barely simmering rage. She is dismissive of her husband repeatedly interupting him when he attempts to talk and chiding him if he interupts her.. He isn't perfect but she is even less so. She is openly unkind. The children are obviously suffering. The affection has been fading for the last couple years as the show quit paying attention to the kids and it became more, what can we get because of the kids. Every show was a game of what can we get, from puppies to hair transplants to free play classes where the gym for kids was opened just for them. What I found amazing is that both parents see the whole thing as the other person's fault. They both prattle on about how they are there for the children, but obviously not to the extent of climbing down off their high horse and attempting to work it out. They both seem to see the whole thing as some sort of whirlwind from outside that has rent them asunder when it is obvious they are shoving each other away. They need to get off of TV, quit trolling for the freebees, accept that the kids are way more important than they are. It is depressing and I don't plan on watching anymore.

you know wat is funny is that in the end of season 4 jon continued to state that basically he doesnt want his life on t.v anymore, most likley kate dragged him into the 5th season but what a way to start it. they continue to talk bout how both of them are here for "their kids" it seems to me that neither of them want to work it out for themselves.

The sad truth is- Kate Gosselin values money more than her children and family.
She is a greedy, egotistical, arrogant narcissist.
Unfortunately, the sextuplets have been part of the huge fraud masterminded by Kate herself.
Anyone who thinks he or she knows this woman better than her (ex)family members and (ex)friends is as delusional as Kate.
The truth is being revealed and it is not pretty.

I'm going to be the first to take a guess: The "elephant in the room" has got to be that young teacher that Jon was photographed with. The photos of this girl hanging around in a married man's yard in a bikini tell it all. If it wasn't physical adultery, it may be"adultery of the heart", and that's the unspoken issue that made the show so uncomfortable to watch. The only regret I heard Jon articulate was an ambiguous reference to people who had negative reprocussions as a result of the media storm (I can't remember word for word)...that immediately called to my mind that I had read that the young teacher may lose her job because parents of the children she teaches are worried about her character.

That sports car, and the young teacher inside of it, are why Kate suffers and why the show was absolutly uncomfortable to watch.

If airing your dirty laundry out on national television is close to "REAL" reality, I wonder what reality you and I are living in? This speaks for itself the "UNREALITY" of their lives and how fame and fortune and the love of money and success comes between what is right usually ALWAYS! When filming a television show means is more important that doing what is right and making sure your family is intact, sets the ball in motion for disaster. I've watched this show and enjoyed it, but now I think it needs to be boycotted. This is the only way this family will ever be able to focus on what is important! Family is more important than fame, fortune and money anyday. Families last and have value, the other is just a smoke screen.

Jon and Kate Plus 8 rates high as the most disturbing show I have seen on TV. Kate is a woman who has no self-control. She seems to believe that she was put on this earth to dominate and abuse anyone who is unlucky enough to cross her path. What Kate wants Kate gets! The novelty of having twins quickly wore off. Kate then bullied her husband into trying just one more time knowing that the possibility of multiples was a very real. Kate had a vision. She knew she would never become famous on her own merit. The poor woman needs to go back to school to learn something as simple as proper grammar. From the day the sextuplets became a reality, Kate began her plan to use these children to provide a life of luxury for herself. Do not be blinded by her comment, "It's all for the kids.” In Kate's pursuit of money and fame she has lied to the viewing public, she has bullied and abused her husband, she has yelled and in my opinion abused her children, she has pushed grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins out of her children's lives. Now it seems her next project is to push Jon out of her life so that she does not have to share the lime light with the other half of the partnership that produced the children. Even the sextuplet’s 5th birthday party was a joke. Who was the centre of attention? Kate. She barked out orders and demands to the paparazzi but also to the invited guests, whether they were adults or children. Did anyone notice Kate’s blatant lie about the family’s use of the word paparazzi? She claimed no one was allowed to use that word yet while driving to the party, Kate herself tossed that very word around in front of the children. Did anyone notice that most guests arrived with 6 birthday presents under their arms? Kate, who now lives in a 1.1 million dollar house did not have the good manners to make sure that each guest did not feel obligated to buy six gifts; one for each of the six sextuplets. Remember, the guests at the party were not relatives but basically strangers whose only connection to the sextuplets was that they attended the same school.
When this marriage is dissolved, I hope that Jon will fight for and get full custody of these children. I hope that he then re-introduces these children to family members who have been so cruelly pushed aside by Kate. Once she no longer has to pretend to be “hands on” with her children, the Diva can then pack her bags and go to Tinsel Town. If she is lucky, Kate will land a role in the movie world, a role that would include bullhorns, whips and much shouting and screaming.

I have been watching them for some time and it is obvious that their marriage is in trouble. They appear to be so disconnected from one another. I think they should stop the show for now and get into marriage counseling ASAP. If Jon is cheating on Kate, it is not right. I do think that Kate is hard on Jon and her treatment of him may have caused him to maybe just feel as though he does not want to be in this union anymore. That does not make okay for him to cheat if he is, but I think that Kate may need to evaluate herself to see if she may have caused some of these feelings that Jon is obviously having. I know for myself, if my spouse was to speak to me the way she has with Jon, I would feel so bad. It is truly embarrassing to have someone yell at you like you are a child in front of people, and she has yelled at him in front of the camera for the whole world to see. I feel for her as well because I think that she truly feels that she is not appreciated at times and do not know how to express her feelings constructively. I really hope that they can work out their problems. It is so sad and I feel for their children. I also think that they should keep the topic of the show on the children. I think that they have made some statements that they should not have on television for season five and should probably keep those statements for therapy sessions to work on their marriage. They also need to understand that they decided to put their family on television. Unfortunately there are pros and cons. The pro-is that they get paid which helps them to provide for their family and enables them to do things that they probably would not be able to do with eight children. The con - they have made their lives public and with that comes the good and bad exposure. You cannot have one without the other. I really hope that they can work their through their problems.

Kate, there you go again blaming the plubic,Iwhen you said I'am not going to let them take me down....Kate you take yourself down..YOU , have no class !!!!!!!!!!

I watch the show all the time. I joke with my wife to be about having that many kids, she says NO WAY! As for the show I too am sadden that the media put a dent in their relationship! John trying his best to be a father, and Kate is just brushing him off all the time. Thankfully during the second week show they sat next to each other more then once and twice! Now this 100th episode suppose to bring them all together! Lets see how that goes! As for the investigation of profiting off the kids over working on camera. Bogus, its a reality show. If thats the case then go after all the shows that have multiples like 18 kids and counting! Why pick on just John and Kate? This is America! America is turning to be a scandalous country with the media and everything else twisting this and that! If any of you agree with me, I will leave a blog space in my website for replies from everyone! Or just e-mail me. Thanks!

god bless you

i am praying for you

It pains me to watch Jon and Kate put their kids through such a sad and hard time in all of their lives. They need to get away from television and just focus on each other, family comes first! I think that after this episode it's time to cut the show, for not only Jon and Kate's sake, but for their kids. We can only hope for the best and hope Jon and Kate will make mature decisions that effect the WHOLE family positively. I hope everything works out... Best of luck.

The Learning Channel...that's just it. What are we leaning? That a couple with 8 kids can be bought. That's what we've learned. This show needs to end.

I agree with sadfan and bri ricketts. The whole situation is sad, but I am sooo tired of people bashing the wife/mother in these situations. I like Kate. I think she is honest about her feelings. You have to remember that the show is edited, and her snapping is more entertaining that her being calm and pleasant. If she was such an awful person, her kids wouldn't be so wonderful. Jon? Grow up. Be a man. Be a father. Kate will be fine either way. I feel sorry for the kids.

I also wondered if this "mess" enacted on television is a marketing ploy by the network to keep the show on top in ratings. Dirty laundry sells. I also wonder where the Children's Protective Service is. Are child labor laws being violated? I also agree that the children are being exploited.

Well Jon doesn't want to be on Jon and Kate plus 8 because of exposure but he can go to OCC and let them built him a motorcycle ? Oh sorry different kind of exposure , exposure to what I can get for free

I've been watching the show since the beginning and I love the show or I did. One of my big problems is I don't see any other family members. Children need their grandparents. And I would like to see the nanny on their show. I never see Kate take time to correct the children when they hit each other she'll holler cut it out but that's it. Where is their protection from their siblings? Is Kate afraid of having to pay a family member for being on the show. Stop being a diva Kate cut out the picky crap you're making people sick go back the way you were. Jon has made mistakes but so has Kate. Get professional help now.

I say right on Jon! Go have a good time with someone who appreciates you and doesn't have such a god awful hair do. I better 90% of males agree you should go for it! :-)

I don't see why not people cannot let the show go on and let jon and kate deal with their own issues. I honestly do not think kate is that bad to jon, or any one else. She deserves to look nice, after having 8 kids and i don't blame her for being aggravated with the papparazi. People need to but out and let them work on it themselves. THe show is a good one.....keep it going jon and kate and kiddos! :)

Well guys its time to face the truth. Everyone STOP WATCHING THE SHOW IT WILL MAKE JON FEEL BETTER and it will give them a normal life. Jeez its not that hard.

Sincerley
Bobby

Rarely watch but everytime I do I see Kate berating, demeaning Jon in front of the children and others. She teaching the children that it's OK to disrespect their father. The Emeril episode illustrates clearly how she disrespects Jon - even Emeril seemed uncomfortable with the cheap shots she was taking at Jon. Kate needs to watch the show if she can without cringing. She needs counseling first, then they need couple counseling...it's difficult to watch.t

Well, I did watch and I enjoy the show. I have always rooted for them, they seem straight up and trying to raise so many kids, it must be hard. It was sad to watch this last episode, there is a lot of tension and it was uncomfortable. I think both Jon and Kate are trying to put the best face on it, it is all about the kids, I am here for the kids, etc. Tell you what Kate, if you would tell Jon that you were there for him, I bet it would make a difference. If he is with another woman, I bet she is saying that kind of thing to him. It is almost never about the other woman being younger or looking better, it is how the other woman makes you feel. Good luck either way, I am still rooting for you guys.
Take care,
Mark

C'mon Kate! You can't denigrate your man like you did and not expect a retaliation of some sort. You are lucky if he didn't cheat. As it stands you should beg him for forgiveness. There are more sins than just adultery. All sin is sin and you as a Christian should know that. What happened to forgiveness? What happened to "for better or for worse?" C'mon Kate let's see your true Christianity. It's now being put to the big test. Let's see you come through and show people, all of us, that you are a true Christian and willing to humble yourself and ask for forgiveness and change. And Jon, although you have been attacked, the way to deal with it was not to cheat - emotionally or physically - which we don't really know but I know men do go physical very quickly. You could have shown your Christianity too and gone for Christian counselling. The whole thing is giving such a bad name to Christianity. Think of your kids and think of your God. And stop thinking of yourselves.

Jon is a whinebutt.. and, lazy. Somebody has to earn $$$$ for those kids or otherwise we, the taxpayer, will be paying for them. It appears Jon is too lazy and self centered to do his share.

I seem to remember in the earlier shows how neither one expected that they would have such a large family. Jon was a carefree bachelor with a girlfriend when he met Kate who initiated a meeting. The next day the girlfriend was gone and the two became a couple. I suspect that Kate missed having a baby around the house as their twins became 3 yrs. old. She pushed for just one more baby and the rest is history. The earlier shows showed a playful couple who could tease and seemed to love each other and their children. Sometimes Jon would speak up when Kate got too pushy. They both had responsibilities where children and house were concerned. They worked as a team with Kate as the organizer.
As time went on it seemed that Jon wanted more time to spend enjoying the kids while Kate became more demanding. And now with all the free trips and special privileges that regular folks will never see, the attitude of both of them have changed for the worse. It seems that the couple relationship has gotten lost in the demands of TV celebrity hype. Watching a once loving couple become the sullen, belligerent people who bear little resemblance to the parents of multiples that we enjoyed seasons ago is painful to view. Whether it was all a carefully crafted lie or a sad relationship meltdown, the children will be sacrificed on the altar of so-called fame. It would be a kindness to all to bow out of the public glare of criticism, deserved or not, and bring their family together with forgiveness and love. They need major help to adjust their attitudes before they are another casualty.

jon...call me. i will make you the