By Anya
Perhaps I am feeling unusually wistful right now. The beginning of summer means we are almost half-way through the year. Add to that all the graduations that are occurring and it is hard not to reflect on the passage of time.
Does it seem so long ago that we were discussing the Gosselin divorce papers being filed, Jon’s infamous trip to St. Tropez or the biggest non-story of the year: Kate swatting at Leah’s behind? It doesn’t to me, but these events all happened one year ago. Sigh.
So what is happening in June 2010 in the Gosselin universe? Thankfully, it appears things are a bit more mellow, although the family continues to be a topic of intense interest.
Jon Spends Father’s Day with the Kids in the Poconos
Jon and his girlfriend, Ellen, took all eight kids to the Poconos for a day of fun on Sunday. I don’t know much about the Poconos, but it looks beautiful. Has anyone been there?
Concentrating on the positive, I think it is wonderful that Jon is once again living close to the kids. His new girlfriend, while young, seems a bit more mature than some of his previous flings. There have been rumors in the tabloids that Kate is still concerned about Jon’s behavior and might be pursuing full custody, however, ETonline.com, one of the more reliable gossip sources out there, claims to have spoken to sources that dispute this.
I am keeping my fingers crossed that Kate and Jon put aside their differences and continue working on co-parenting as effectively as possible.
It’s not the first time, but new rumors started flying anew last week that Kate might be in line to appear in a celebrity dating show. It’s not clear whether this would involve Kate appearing on ABC’s “The Bachelorette” or perhaps a new show would be created for her. It appears ABC is completely on board. ABC entertainment president Steve McPherson says that he would “absolutely” be interested in casting Kate Gosselin as the next ‘Bachelorette.’
While Gosselin is still under contract with TLC, they were more than willing to lend her out to appear on ‘Dancing with the Stars.” The Gosselin camp was supposedly shooting down the show rumors last week, but Kate doesn’t outright deny anything in the clip below.
Do you think it’s possible to do a tasteful dating show? I think there is definitely a big difference between ABC’s Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise and what is put out by the likes of VH1. I find the premise of these shows a bit absurd, but I also think this could be an interesting vehicle for Kate. I have an open mind at this point – what do you think?
At first, the idea of a dating show did not sound good to me at all. But I think if it were done very tastefully, it might be okay. If they did something light-hearted, that kids could watch (no hot tubs, or Dating Game-style double-entendres) that might work. Maybe they could start up a series about somewhat older, divorced moms trying to date, and Kate could give them pointers on what to do (and what not to do). I think she’d have a blast with that.
I don’t know – maybe it’s because I’ve always prided myself on drawing the line at “reality” dating shows – but I don’t like the idea. I mean, I don’t think those things are real at all, and while I’ll accept a certain level of unreality on reality shows, those that are mostly or entirely fake are distasteful to me. I’d like to see Kate stick to projects with less manufactured drama.
I don’t think it is tasteful doing a dating show unless it is called Men of a Certain Age and it is not reality.
I posted before I was done. Sorry about that. I think a dating reality show with Kate Goselin would probably draw in big numbers. Probably every week.
I would be more interested in seeing Kate in the current show, Twist of Kate, that they have in the works but it probably will not be as popular as a dating show.
I hope Jon and the kids had a great time in the Poconos and they created some good memories that the children will cherish.
Pam-I think a dating show would be a terrible idea, and I’d be very surprised if Kate agreed to it. I think she’d be very careful about introducing someone new into her and her kids’ lives, and I think for her to let her guard down and be able to trust and love someone after Jon’s betrayals (and, the issue of infidelity aside, there are quite a few) is going to be a difficult process for her.
I’ve been in the Poconos. It’s a lovely area and a tourist attraction. Unless the paps followed them on the rather long drive from home, I wonder if someone gave them the headsup on where Jon was taking the kids and Ellen.
BTW, ZiggyFlo posted this link on her blog: Those photos weren’t pap shots taken without Jon’s consent. They were on 450 acres of private land that was closed that day except for them.
I agree with Pam, I think with Kate it would draw in numbers. I don’t see her in a Bachelorette type style show. Personally, I think the Bachelor/Bachelorette has long jumped the shark.
PeggyP brought up a good point about Kate being guarded and careful about introducing someone new into the kids’ lives. I never thought about that until I read PeggyP’s post. Now, I’m not so sure if it’d be a good idea. Yes, I believe from ABC’s (or whatever network) pov it would, but not sure about the family’s. But, I think Kate has made some great decisions where the kids and her are concerned and it would be one she’d have to make if the opportunity presented itself.
Theresa, good points.
Jennie, I can see your POV about a reality show with manufactured drama not being your cup of tea. I think Kate has prided herself on being involved in projects that are more “real” than many of the reality shows out there. I think it is part of what has made her successful.
If (a big if) she were to do it, I’d like to see it done in a light-hearted and fun fashion. I like the concept of introducing her to a couple of different guys a week vs. 25 guys that she has to give a rose to (do the bachelorettes give out roses or is that just the bachelors?!) Kind of take her out of her comfort zone, i.e. the way “Twist of Kate” is supposed to do.
I do understand that anything involving “dating” has ramifications for the kids, however, so she would need to give the idea a lot of thought.
Thanks for the link to ZiggyFlo’s blog. 450 acres to themselves? Sweet. The kids must have loved it.
If they just do a “getting back into dating after however many years” kind of thing, rather than “omg, they’re gonna be in love forever”, then it wouldn’t be so dramatic. And the kids wouldn’t have to be involved in any way, unless she did actually meet someone she liked. And even then, it would be on her own timetable. I think those Bachelor-type shows involving people with kids are not a good idea.
The trouble with a dating show is that it can only last for so long. They’ve got to find something she can do long-term.
Anya I like your idea if Kate would do any type of dating show. Kate is probaly getting to the point where she might be entertaining the thought of dating again. But I am not sure she is there yet. My fortune ball says if she does do anything it won’t be until this Jan or June of 2011. I think she wants to get thru this summer and see how the fall goes with the kids and school. Things seem to be calming down with Jon and I think she wants make sure there is not any more drama and upheaval before she thinks about dating.
Even though I watch “The Bachelor/Bachelorette” I consider this type of show a little on the reality trash side of television. And lets face it- it has a horrible record of producing successful relationships. But I am oh so sure that it would bring in some ridiculous ratings! I’m not sure Kate would be able to find a man that was in it for the right reasons. I’m sure she does get lonely & I’m sure she knows how difficult it is going to be for her to find a good man. It’s difficult enough for non-celebrity people.
How about the news that Jake and Vienna are no more? Saw her on Entertainment Tonight last night. She seemed to let it all spill. She’s so young, she still has time to meet the true love of her life. He always came off to me as to be a fake. Fake Jake.
Not a fan of the Bachelor/Bachelorette format. I think it’s on the sleazier side of things.
I think a dating show is a baaaaddd idea. There would be just too much criticism and I think she would be best to AVOID at all costs.