"Jon & Kate Plus 8" Continues Ratings Roll

LOS ANGELES — The new season of "Jon & Kate Plus 8" continues to attract a big audience after its splashy debut last week.

Two episodes of the reality series aired Monday, one drawing 5.9 million viewers and the other 5.5 million. According to Nielsen Media Research figures released Tuesday, they were the most-watched basic cable programs of the night.

The episodes fell short of the 9.8 million viewers that watched last week's premiere. But they bested the show's past average audience of fewer than 3 million viewers.

"Jon & Kate Plus 8" was already TLC's most popular show. But viewer interest has been boosted by media coverage of Jon and Kate Gosselin's marital woes.

Comments

[Elizabeth Harrington 2]

Why does the fact that the parents receive generous compensation (used to house, cloth, and send the family on elaborate outings) evidence of 'greed' or exploitation? Not only was my family poor, but both of my parents worked and I never got to see them. Due to their schedules they missed countless recitals, tournaments, and award ceremonies. It's outrageous that it's acceptable to struggle, but greedy to succeed. How dare they secure their families financial future!

So many commenters are so very concerned for these kids--yeah right. Concern for a child's well-being translates into helping out needy children *you know* not remarking on their morally inferior parents.

[Samlas]

I don't like this show at all.. Kate is an unbearable charachter and Jon is a wuss.

[ohiomark]

Anyone who watches this "reality" show is contributing to the exploitation of those kids and feeding the ego of the Mom who can't seem to get enough of the publicity.

[MamacitaOfLove]

Stop watching the show. The children are like animals at the zoo....

[bluegirl424]

Exactly. Animals at the zoo. Go away Gossellins.

[JRsNana]

Stop telling everyone what to do. My take is that these people found what they felt was the best way to take care of their children. Ok, you don't agree with that. Fine. Are these children abused? Are they clean? Well-fed? Wear clean clothes? Get medical attention? Sleep under a roof without leaks in it? Sleep in a warm bed with nice clean sheets and a blanket? Have someone around to kiss their boo-boos? The answer to every one of those questions is yes. Just stop telling everyone what YOU THINK they should be doing with their free time you control freak.

[tomasedison]

Its all about the green lettuce - nothing else matters in life.

[Roman777]

Kill Your Television!

[RJPasadena]

So sad...why do people love watching train wrecks?

[otop016]

So sad...why do people feel compelled to post comments about 'train wreck' reality programming so others think they're incredibly enlightened and above it all?

[hilaritee]

so i'm guessing that you watch the show...

[JRsNana]

Because it's a great way to feel better about only having one child. Because I think the kids are cute. Because I fu&^ing feel like it you sanctimonious wretch!

[MamacitaOfLove]

You contribute to their exploitation when you watch.

[LoRiseAntlers]

My.my,aren't you just a little touchy about the fact you like to watch two parasites exploit their kids for profit?

[Halfwit]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!