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{{Infobox Television
{{Infobox Television
| show_name = Jon & Kate Plus 8
| show_name = Jon & Kate Plus 8
| image = [[File:Jon & Kate Plus Eight logo.svg|200px]]
| image
| caption = Official logo
| show_name_2 = <!-- '''Jon & Kate Plus 8''' -->
| format = [[Reality television]]
| starring = [[#Family|The Gosselin family]]
| composer = David Imhof<br />Scott Pearson
| country = [[Television in the United States|United States]]
| language = [[English language|English]]
| num_seasons = 5
| num_episodes = 116
| list_episodes = List of Jon & Kate Plus 8 episodes
| executive_producer = Bill Hayes
| executive_producer = Bill Hayes
| >{{cite news|url=http://www.phillymag.com/articles/jon_and_kate_gosselin/page1|title=SHOW BIZ: JON + KATE + 8=$$$|publisher=Philadelphia Magazine|first=Jessica|last=Remo|accessdate=2009-03-25}}</ref> In late 2008, the family moved from their [[Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania]] home to a larger residence in [[Lower Heidelberg Township, Pennsylvania]].
| producer = Jennifer Stocks
| editor = Joshua Steadman<br/>Keith Shea<br/>Stacie Schwarz
| location = [[Pennsylvania]], [[United States]]
| runtime = 23 minutes
| company = Figure 8 Films<br/>Advanced Medical Productions
| channel = [[Discovery Health]] (2007)<br/>[[TLC (TV channel)|TLC]] (2008–present)
| first_aired = April 16, 2007
| last_aired =
| status = Filming suspended
| related = ''[[18 Kids and Counting]]''<br/>''[[Table for 12]]''
| website = http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/jon-and-kate/jon-and-kate.html
}}
'''''Jon & Kate Plus 8''''' (also known as '''''Jon & Kate Plus Eight''''' and stylized on the title card as '''''Jon & Kate Plus Ei8ht''''') is a reality television show produced in the United States by Figure 8 Films about the Gosselin family, consisting of parents [[Jon Gosselin|Jon]] and [[Kate Gosselin|Kate]] and their eight children: fraternal twins and sextuplets. The show follows the family through their daily lives, focusing on the challenges of raising multiple children, and the many things they do together like day trips etc. The show originally aired on Discovery Health, but has aired on TLC since season 3. The show was one of the highest rated programs on TLC during its run<ref name="hightratings">{{cite web|url=http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2009/03/jon-and-kate-pl.html?iid=top25-%27Jon+%26+Kate+Plus+8%27+season+finale+scores+series-best+ratings/|title=''Jon & Kate Plus 8'' season finale scores series-best ratings|first=Lynette|last=Rice|work=hollywoodinsider.ew.com|accessdate=2008-03-26}}</ref> and the fifth season premiere was seen by a record 9.8 million viewers, the most watched show of that evening including broadcast television, twice as many viewers as the show’s previous series high.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/05/26/jon-kate-plus-8-premiere-hits-record/19414|title=Jon & Kate Plus 8 Premiere Hits Record|work=tvbythenumbers.com|accessdate=2009-05-26}}</ref> The family originally appeared in two one-hour specials titled ''Surviving Sextuplets and Twins'' and ''Surviving Sextuplets and Twins: One Year Later''.

On September 29, 2009 TLC announced that as of November 2, 2009, the program would undergo a name change, to ''Kate Plus Eight''.<ref name="New Name">{{cite news|title=TLC Introduces Kate Plus Eight|url=http://www.tvguide.com/News/TLC-Introduces-Kate-1010289.aspx|work=TVGuide.com|accessdate=2009-09-29}}</ref> The series will focus on Kate as a single mother raising 8 children. Despite the new title, Jon Gosselin will continue to appear on the show, just less frequently.<ref name="New Name"/> After receiving a cease and desist order from Jon's attorneys on October 1, 2009,<ref>{{cite web |last= Rice |first= Lynette |title= TLC halts production on 'Jon and Kate Plus 8'|url=http://news-briefs.ew.com/2009/10/01/tlc-halts-production-on-jon-and-kate-plus-8/|publisher=EW.com|date=2009-10-01|accessdate=2009-10-02}}</ref> TLC announced that filming the children had been suspended.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rice |first= Lynette|title=TLC Responds to Jon Gosselin|url=http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/jon-and-kate/tlc-responds-to-jon-gosselin.html|publisher=tlc.discovery.com|date=2009-10-07|accessdate=2009-10-02}}</ref>

On October 15, 2009, TV Guide reported that TLC has temporarily dropped the renaming of the show due to Jon's cease-and-desist order. If the new series does not go into production, TLC would like to do "a series of specials" instead.<ref name="halt">{{cite web|url=http://www.tvguide.com/News/TLC-Kate-Plus-1010903.aspx|title=TLC: ''Kate Plus Eight'' Not Canceled|work=TVGuide.com|accessdate=2009-10-15}}</ref>

On November 20, 2009, it was announed on TLC that they will air their last episode of ''Jon & Kate Plus Eight'' November 23, 2009.<ref>http://www.usmagazine.com/moviestvmusic/news/what-to-expect-on-the-jon-and-kate-plus-eight-series-finale-20092011</ref><ref>http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2009/11/20/2009-11-20_series_finale_for_jon__kate_plus_8_set_to_air_nov_23_on_tlc.html</ref>
==Family history==
Kate is one of five children; she has three sisters and a brother.<ref name="naptime">{{cite web|url=http://www.orato.com/arts-entertainment/2008/02/05/naptime-musings-jon-amp-kate-plus-8|title=Naptime Musings From Jon & Kate Plus 8|work=orato.com|accessdate=2008-07-03}}</ref> Jon is the middle child of three boys. The couple met on October 5, 1997 at a picnic and they were married on June 12, 1999.

The Gosselins' desire to start a family was met with infertility. Kate underwent medical testing and was diagnosed with [[polycystic ovary syndrome]]. The couple turned to fertility treatments. In February 2000, Kate became pregnant with twins; Cara and Madelyn were born six minutes apart on October 8, 2000.<ref name="Our Story">{{cite web|url=http://sixgosselins.com/Our_Story.html|title=Our Story|work=sixgosselins.com|accessdate=2008-06-14}}</ref>

They began thinking of having another child and, according to Kate, a [[multiracial|biracial]] infant of a teenage girl became available to adopt while Kate was an [[obstetrics]] nurse. They decided not to adopt the baby, but instead returned to fertility treatment.<ref name="Our Story"/> In October 2003, Kate became pregnant again. Five weeks later, (after being hospitalized for over-stimulated ovaries) at the initial ultrasound, the doctor announced that there were six sacs with seven yolks ([[Human embryo|embryos]]). According to Kate, this was emotional news for them. The doctor suggested [[selective reduction]], but the couple was strongly against it.<ref name="Our Story"/>

===Birth===
The sextuplets were born on May 10, 2004 at [[Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center]] in [[Hershey, Pennsylvania]]. All six children were delivered via a [[Caesarean section]] within a span of three minutes with more than fifty doctors, nurses, and other specialists involved. Because the sextuplets were born in Hershey, they were called "[[Hershey's Kisses|Hershey Kisses]]" by the nurses and doctors who delivered them.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.phillymag.com/articles/jon_and_kate_gosselin/page1|title=SHOW BIZ: JON + KATE + 8=$$$|publisher=Philadelphia Magazine|first=Jessica|last=Remo|accessdate=2009-03-25}}</ref> In late 2008, the family moved from their [[Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania]] home to a larger residence in [[Lower Heidelberg Township, Pennsylvania]].


===Separation===
===Separation===

Revision as of 03:16, 23 November 2009

{{Infobox Television | show_name = Jon & Kate Plus 8 | image | executive_producer = Bill Hayes | >Remo, Jessica. "SHOW BIZ: JON + KATE + 8=$$$". Philadelphia Magazine. Retrieved 2009-03-25.</ref> In late 2008, the family moved from their Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania home to a larger residence in Lower Heidelberg Township, Pennsylvania.

Separation

In April 2009, it was reported that Jon was having an affair after he was spotted late one night with various women and leaving with one of them.[1] The couple has denied these allegations, saying the woman Jon left with was just a friend.[2][3] However the woman's brother insists that she was romantically involved with Jon. This is supported by the existence of video and photographs of Jon with Deanna Hummel.[4] Kate has also been accused of having a personal relationship with one of her bodyguards, Steve Neild.[5] Kate has denied the allegations, stating that she requires a bodyguard for protection.[6]

Kate has said these issues will be addressed throughout the fifth season of their show.[7] In the season premiere, the incident was addressed by both Jon and Kate. Throughout the episode, they stated they are devoted to their children and vehemently rejected the cheating allegations, but agreed that they are unsure about where their relationship is headed.

On June 22, 2009, legal proceedings were initiated in Pennsylvania to dissolve the ten-year marriage of Jon and Kate Gosselin.[8][9] The episode announcing their separation became the most watched episode of the series, with 10.6 million viewers.[10][11] Since the announcement of Jon and Kate's separation, the show has experienced a decrease in ratings.[citation needed]

Rebranding

TLC has announced that Jon & Kate Plus 8 will adapt to the changing Gosselin family and relaunch in November under the new title Kate Plus Eight. The program will continue to film the family's lives but will now include a deeper focus on Kate's role in the family and her role as a single mother. TLC will continue its exclusive relationship with Jon Gosselin[citation needed] and he will continue to appear on the show, but on a less regular basis. Jon has since publicly apologized for socializing with women so soon after his separation from wife Kate.[12] He has also halted the couple's divorce proceedings in an effort "to regain control over the future of our family".[13]

On September 29, 2009, lawyers for Jon Gosselin delivered letters to TLC demanding that they cease and desist production and bar production crews from the couple's Pennsylvania property.[14]

Family

Parents

  • Katie "Kate" Irene (née Kreider) - (1975-03-28) March 28, 1975 (age 49)[15]
  • Jonathan "Jon" Keith - (1977-04-01) April 1, 1977 (age 47)[15]

Twins - born (2000-10-08) October 8, 2000 (age 23)[15] - in birth order:

  • Cara Nicole
  • Madelyn "Mady" Kate

Sextuplets - born (2004-05-10) May 10, 2004 (age 20)[15] - in birth order:

  • Alexis Faith
  • Hannah Joy
  • Aaden Jonathan
  • Collin Thomas
  • Leah Hope
  • Joel Kevin

Episodes

Four seasons have aired and the fifth season began airing May 25, 2009 and was on hiatus from July 6, 2009 through August 3, 2009.

Production

Between the specials and the series, permanent light fixtures were installed in the Gosselins' second home to make filming easier and prevent the kids from tripping over the wires and cables from temporary lighting. Jon & Kate Plus 8 was filmed three days a week, with one day set aside for the interview sessions where Jon, Kate and occasionally the children, discuss the events which take place in each episode. In the house that the family lived in before their move in late 2008, the "interview corner" was located in the basement, and was transformed from the playroom when needed. It was painted green, unlike the rest of the playroom. In their new house, the interview set was reproduced and constructed in an unfinished area of the basement. At the end of season four's finale, Jon and Kate said they would be making a new set for season five.

Jon and Kate also work closely with producers to decide what themes will be presented in each episode. Jon and Kate have remarked that over the years the production crew has become part of the family.[16]

Multimedia

Kate Gosselin has written two books, one called Multiple Blessings (co-authored with Jon Gosselin which was released November 1, 2008; it entered the list of New York Times best-sellers a week after its release. Kate, Jon and Beth Carson co-authored the book[17] The other, Eight Little Faces, was released in April 2009.

The Gosselins are managed by Media Motion International in Los Angeles.[18]

DVD releases

Title Region 1 Region 2 Discs
Jon & Kate Plus 8: Seasons 1 & 2 September 9, 2008[19] 2008[citation needed] 2
Jon & Kate Plus 8: Season 3 February 3, 2009[20] 2009[citation needed] 4
Jon & Kate Plus 8: Season 4, Volume 1 - The Wedding May 5, 2009[21] TBA 3[21]
Jon & Kate Plus 8: Season 4, Volume 2 - The Big Move July 21, 2009[22] TBA 2[22]
Jon & Kate Plus 8: Season 5 - Big Changes January 12, 2010[23][24] TBA 2[24]

Criticism

Criticism has been raised regarding Kate's intentions of continuing with the show, as well as whether or not the children are being exploited or may be under emotional distress.[25] According to lawyer Gloria Allred:

Every state does regulate to protect the health, the safety and welfare of little child performers [...] And these little ones are only eight years old and five years old, they can’t protect themselves, so the state has to be sure that they are safe in their workplace.[25]

In the case of the show, the children's workplace is their home. At this point there are no clear laws in Pennsylvania (where the Gosselins reside) regarding a child's appearance on a reality show.[26] However, Pennsylvania law permits kids who are at least seven years old to work in the entertainment industry, as long as certain guidelines are followed and a permit is obtained. For example, children may not work after 11:30 p.m. under most circumstances, or perform in any location that serves alcohol.[26]

Kate defends her position that the children are happy and healthy, and not in any danger. In addition, Jon has stated that they are "in talks" regarding ensuring the children's happiness,[25] and that there is no truth to any reports that the children have been hurt by the series.[27] TLC released a statement saying that the network "fully complies with all applicable laws and regulations" to produce the show. The statement also said that "for an extended period of time, we have been engaged in cooperative discussions and supplied all requested information to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry".[26]

References

  1. ^ "Jon and Kate plus 8 - and a date?". vancouversun.com. Retrieved 2009-05-06.
  2. ^ "Jon Gosselin Says Other Woman is Just a Friend". theinsider.com. Retrieved 2009-07-02.
  3. ^ "Friends Defend Jon Gosselin as a Faithful Husband". people.com. Retrieved 2009-05-06.
  4. ^ "EXCLUSIVE: Jon & Kate Dad's Three-Month Affair Confirmed". usmagazine.com. Retrieved 2009-05-05.
  5. ^ "Jon and Kate Plus 8: Who's Cheating on Whom?". Vancouver Sun.
  6. ^ "Kate Gosselin "Horrified", Denies Cheating on Jon". NY Post. May 12, 2009.
  7. ^ "Jon & Kate Mom: There's "Added Tension and Stress Between The Two of Us"". tvguide.com. Retrieved 2009-05-06.
  8. ^ "Jon and Kate Plus 8: The Announcement". tlc.discovery.com. Retrieved 2009-06-18.
  9. ^ "Jon & Kate Plus 8 Show News: Split". tv.yahoo.com.
  10. ^ "Jon & Kate Plus 8 Separation Episode is Most-Watched in Series History". broadcastingcable.com. Retrieved 2009-06-23.
  11. ^ "Ratings: Jon & Kate 's Split Is a Record-Breaking Hit, and More". tvguide.com. Retrieved 2009-06-23.
  12. ^ "Gosselin Apologizes, Tries to Halt Divorce, But a New Kate Plus 8 Moves On". www.popeater.ca. Retrieved 2009-09-29. {{cite web}}: Text "dl1" ignored (help); Text "http%3A%2F%2Fwww.popeater.com%2F2009%2F09%2F29%2Fjon-gosselin-halts-divorce-kate-gosselin%2F" ignored (help); Text "link3" ignored (help); Text "main" ignored (help)
  13. ^ "Shocker - Jon & Kate Plus 8 Become "Kate Plus 8"". mccoyslist.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2009-09-29.
  14. ^ "Jon Gosselin Trying to Kill "Kate Plus 8"?". CBS News. Retrieved 2009-10-01.
  15. ^ a b c d "The Gosselins". TLC Discovery.
  16. ^ Woo, Michelle. "JUST THE 10 OF US". KoreAmJournal.com. Retrieved 2008-08-07.
  17. ^ "Multiple Blessings, Kate Gosselin, Books". Barnes & Nobles. Retrieved 2009-07-03.
  18. ^ "Welcome to Media Motion International". mediamotionintl.com. Retrieved 2008-07-03.
  19. ^ "Jon & Kate Plus 8 Seasons 1 & 2". TVShowsOnDVD.com. Retrieved 07-10-2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  20. ^ "Jon & Kate Plus 8: Season 3". TVShowsOnDVD.com. Retrieved 07-10-2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  21. ^ a b "Jon & Kate Plus 8: Season 4, Volume 1 - The Wedding". TVShowsOnDVD.com. Retrieved 07-10-2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  22. ^ a b "Jon & Kate Plus 8: Season 4, Volume 2 - The Big Move". TVShowsOnDVD.com. Retrieved 07-10-2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  23. ^ "Jon & Kate Plus 8: Season 5 - Big Changes". TVShowsOnDVD.com. Retrieved 10-29-2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  24. ^ a b "Package Art and New Details for Season 5: Big Changes on DVD". TVShowsOnDVD.com. Retrieved 2009-11-05.
  25. ^ a b c ""Jon And Kate" 8 Being Exploited?". cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2009-05-21.
  26. ^ a b c "Pa. labor officials probing Jon & Kate complaint". news.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2009-05-29.
  27. ^ "Report: Jon Gosselin says his 8 kids are happy". news.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2009-06-23.