TLC Used to Troll the Heck out of the Duggars in ’19 Kids and Counting’

Jul 18, 2018 4:47 pm

By Chelsea Duff

Back in Season 1 of 19 Kids and Counting, when it was still just 17 Kids and Counting, the Duggars were so new to our screens. We knew very little about them other than it was fascinating to try to watch a family so much bigger than most figure out how to go about day-to-day life. But we did pick up on the fact that, other than all those kids, there were other things that were, uh, different about Jim Bob Duggar's clan. And TLC seemed more than aware of it, too. In fact, back in the olden days, the TV channel used to totally troll the family left and right — and it was hilarious to watch. Check out some of the most awkward moments below when the TLC crew was having more than their share of fun with the family.

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When they showed Jessa trying to figure out the menu at an Italian restaurant.

This family is more the "noodles and butter" sort than fettuccine alfredo.

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When they brought in a "waiter and tantric dancer" to serve the Duggars.

There's just no way that this was a coincidence.

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When they cut to Jill's embarrassed face while the waiter talked about his tantric dancing.

The Duggars aren't even allowed to normal dance, let alone channel their energy throughout their bodies through sensuous moving meditation.

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When they zoomed in on the Duggars' alternately embarrassed and enthralled faces while dealing with the waiter.

Jana tried to make as little eye contact as possible, but Jessa was kind of loving it.

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When they cut to Jill's terrified face.

Girl just could not control herself.

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When they had the waiter try to invite himself to the wedding.

Jana kept her cool, but Jessa basically lost hers entirely.

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When they went on and on about Josh and Anna's wedding — and then put up this little fact bubble.

Josh and the girls were in Florida for ten days and they literally sewed dresses by hand — and you're telling us they still only spent 60 hours prepping? That's one quick turn-around.

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When they showed Jessa and Jinger playing an old-timey ragtime tune on the piano…

Looking just so thrilled to be doing it, of course.

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And then cut to choppy black-and-white footage of the family getting ready for a trip.

That's one editorial way of saying how old-fashioned they are.

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When they joked about the camera crew playing chaperone for Josh and Anna.

And dropped the boom mic down into the shot for full-effect.

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When they captured and aired this incredible side-eye from Jana.

The girl is basically a saint, so it's good to know she has her human moments, too.

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When they showed a whole montage of Josh and Anna exchanging "love yous" back and forth for two minutes.

Including this scene of them standing out in the middle of the street for no discernible reason.

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When they showed the Duggars praying before dinner in public…

As they do.

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And then cut to strangers gawking at them all around the restaurant.

But sure, no judgment here.

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When they asked Michelle if she believes she's reinforcing gender stereotypes in her home.

And she's like, "Huh? No, that's just nature."

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When they asked Jill why she, Jana, Jessa, and Jinger have to do "most of the cooking and cleaning" around the house.

And she briefly looked beyond disappointed with the state of her life before launching into her rehearsed answer that they're just the oldest girls.

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When they asked Jinger to explain why she joked about Josh and Anna having a short engagement.

And then waited for her to hem and haw and not have to say the word "sex" on camera.

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When they asked Jinger what she really thought of chaperoning Josh and Anna.

That eye-roll-arm-throw combo says it all, Jinger.