Andy DehnartJon Gosselin is being dropped from Jon and Kate Plus Eight, and TLC is relaunching the series as Kate Plus Eight on Nov. 2, the network just announced. While Jon will continue to appear, the network is also working on a Kate-centered show instead of just ending the madness now.
A press release said that the series “will adapt to the changing Gosselin family and relaunch” with “a deeper focus on Kate’s role in the family and her journey as a single mother building the next chapter in her life. The change can probably be attributed at least in part to the loss of 62 percent of the show’s viewers since early August.
However, the network said “TLC will continue its exclusive relationship with Jon Gosselin and he will continue to appear on the show, but on a less regular basis.”
TLC president Eileen O’Neill said in a statement, “Given the recent changes in the family dynamics, it only makes sense for us to refresh and recalibrate the program to keep pace with the family. The family has evolved and we are attempting to evolve with it; we feel that Kate’s journey really resonates with our viewers.”
She also revealed that TLC “is in development on a Kate project for 2010,” but offered no additional details. I’d suggest that series could focus on Kate but not the kids, except who would she use as billboards for product placement?