TLC Considering Dropping Josh Duggar From ‘19 Kids And Counting’

There could be one less kid on “19 Kids and Counting.”

TLC is mulling options on how to proceed with their hit reality series in the wake of the Duggar family's ongoing scandal, including dropping eldest son Josh Duggar from the show, according to TMZ.

The network pulled all airings of the the show off its schedule in response to the outcry over the 27-year-old’s admission that he molested five young girls, including possibly his sisters, when he was a teenager in 2002 and 2003.

Industry sources tell TMZ that the network believes that dropping Josh wouldn’t be a major detriment to the series.

The network’s research is said to have determined that the Duggar daughters have become the show’s “driving force,” with episodes focusing on Jill and Jessa Duggar’s weddings and the birth of Jill’s baby receiving strong ratings.

As for the option of canceling “19 Kids and Counting,” TLC is said to be divided between between concerns over losing major advertisers, since General Mills has already dropped the show, and continued support for the series from its “loyal, evangelical” fanbase.

TLC issued a statement Friday confirming that it had stopped airing “19 Kids and Counting”.

“Effective immediately, TLC has pulled all episodes of ‘19 Kids and Counting’ currently from the air," network officials told the Daily News. "We are deeply saddened and troubled by this heartbreaking situation, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and victims at this difficult time."

Prior to the network's statement, Mama June Shannon told TMZ she was considering suing TLC for axing her family’s show “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo,” but not pulling the plug on the the Duggars’ series.

They knew about this since 2006 …...

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