![Image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BYTFkNzRhNjUtZjk1Ni00ZjRiLWExNTgtYmNhNTI1NmQ3ZGM5XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTE0MzQwMjgz._V1_QL75_UX500_CR0,26,500,281_.jpg)
For many TV viewers, TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting was a feel-good look at the day-to-day life of an unusually large Arkansas family. But dad Jim Bob Duggar and his wife Michelle Duggar saw their reality show as something much more. They believed appearing on television was a way to spread the word about their ultra-conservative Christian ideology, which was grounded in the teachings of a man named Bill Gothard.
A new docuseries, Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets (out June 2 on Prime Video) draws back the curtain on both the Duggars and the inner workings of Gothard’s Institute in Basic Life Principles. In recent years, both the Duggars and Gothard have fallen from grace following sex abuse scandals. But that hasn’t stopped Jim Bob Duggar from positioning himself as Gothard’s successor. His behavior is like that of a cult leader, a former family friend says.
A new docuseries, Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets (out June 2 on Prime Video) draws back the curtain on both the Duggars and the inner workings of Gothard’s Institute in Basic Life Principles. In recent years, both the Duggars and Gothard have fallen from grace following sex abuse scandals. But that hasn’t stopped Jim Bob Duggar from positioning himself as Gothard’s successor. His behavior is like that of a cult leader, a former family friend says.
- 6/2/2023
- by Megan Elliott
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.