When TLC first launched, it was an abbreviation for "The Learning Channel," with its programming geared toward educating its audiences. However, the network began rebranding in the '90s to include more reality series dedicated to showcasing different ways of living.
Since then, TLC has firmly grounded itself as a network for reality shows. However, not all of them have been met with positive reviews. In its dedication to following a variety of families going about their everyday lives, TLC has opened itself up to criticism both about the nature of the network and the shows its programs.
19 Kids And Counting (2008 - 2015) - Josh Dugger's Criminal Charges
When 19 Kids and Counting started, it was simply a series about a wholesome, conservative, religious family who believed in having a large family. However, as the show continued to air, the Duggar's wholesome image was tarnished again and again.
While critics always had a problem with some of the family's modest views and interesting parenting habits, like "blanket time," the real controversy arose when the world learned that eldest son Josh Duggar had molested five girls, including his sisters, in his teen years, as reported by USA Today. While the show was initially canceled, the older siblings did get a spin-off. However, that too was canceled recently after Josh was arrested for receiving and possessing child pornography (In Touch Weekly). Luckily, there are plenty of other multi-child TLC reality shows to watch similar to 19 Kids and Counting, but without the dark back story.
Breaking Amish (2012 - 2014) - Rumors That The Show Is Staged
Breaking Amish began airing on TLC in September 2012 and aired four more seasons under four other names. The series followed five young Amish individuals who moved to New York City to experience the non-Amish way of living. By the end of the season, they would then decide if they wanted to stay or return to their hometowns.
The show branded itself as following these young adults as they left their homes for the first time, but that proved to be a false claim. Fans began investigating and discovered that one cast member had an arrest record and two others had a child together, despite claiming they had just met. And those are just some of the secrets producers were keeping from fans of the show.
Gypsy Sisters (2013 - 2015) - Cast Member Charged With Felony Fraud
Gypsy Sisters started as a spin-off to TLC's series My Big Fat American Gypsy. But instead of following new Romanichal women in each episode, Gypsy Sisters focused on the Stanley family as they navigate their everyday life in West Virginia.
While the series was definitely entertaining, it also was quite controversial due to JoAnn Wells', the youngest sister's, legal trouble. During the show's final season, news broke out that JoAnn was involved in a defrauding scam (TMZ), which led to her pleading guilty to felony fraud. Though JoAnn didn't go to jail, she did face some hefty fines and probation, which ultimately led to the cancelation of the series.
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo (2012 - 2014) - Mama June's Relationships With Sex Offenders
It seems ironic that TLC would give a spin-off to an already controversial show, but that's exactly how Honey Boo Boo and her family got their own show. The series, which followed the everyday lives of the Shannon family, ran for two seasons on TLC before getting canceled. Though the family claimed to be open with cameras, many secrets have come to light after Here Comes Honey Boo Boo's cancelation.
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo was controversial from the start, with many worrying that the show was exploiting youngest daughter Alana. However, the real controversy arose when news broke that Mama June has had relationships with convicted child molesters, as reported by CNN. Not only that, but it was more than once -- one of whom even molested her eldest daughter as a child.
Jon & Kate Plus 8 (2007 - 2009) - Abuse & Exploitation Rumors
Jon & Kate Plus 8 started as a wholesome enough show about the Gosselin family, which was comprised of a set of twin girls and sextuplets. The family had previously aired specials with Discovery Health Channel, so it only made sense TLC would grant them their own show.
But the show earned controversy when Kate was filmed spanking one of her children. It's not a secret that Jon & Kate Plus 8 earned the couple abuse allegations, from the physical to the verbal, as fans worried about the way Kate spoke to and treated her husband Jon and her children. Things only got worse for the show when Kate and Jon divorced, with Jon claiming that Kate was exploiting their children by continuing to film.
Sister Wives (2010 - ) - Polygamist Lifestyle & Catfishing Scandal
When TLC set out to follow a polygamist family on their network with the show Sister Wives, they had to assume some controversy would arise. However, things got out of hand quicker than anyone had expected.
At the end of season one, not only was the Brown family criticized by the general public online but they were also being investigated by the authorities in Utah because of their polygamist lifestyle. Forced to flee, the family relocated to Nevada, where they continued to live their life. But the family faced further controversy when first wife, Meri, became involved in a catfishing scam after she divorced Kody (In Touch Weekly).
Toddlers & Tiaras (2009 - 2016) - Child Exploitation / Endangerment
By far TLC's biggest controversial show from the start was the series, Toddlers & Tiaras. The show aimed at showcasing the world of child beauty pageants but it was quickly revealed that it was about more than just bedazzled dresses and children in wigs.
The biggest claims against the show were that the child participants were being exploited and sometimes even endangered, as reported by The List. While some girls opted for more natural looks, most of the young girls were forced to excessively tan and change their appearance. The series also earned criticism for allowing the young children to dress provocatively and for the way the mothers and coaches treated the young girls.