Update: Heene Family Pitched Reality Show to TLC
Credit: ABC.com
Are the Gosselins more compelling than the Heenes?
TLC thought so.
The cable network that airs Jon and Kate Plus Eight passed on a reality show centered around the family -- currently making headlines over the short but frantic disappearance of Falcon, 6, after the accidental launch of a home-made helium balloon.
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TMZ reports that Richard Heene unsuccessfully shopped around a show starring his quirky family to TV production companies as well as several networks, including TLC. A rep for TLC confirms to Usmagazine.com, "They approached us months ago and we passed."
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Featured in an episode of Wife Swap, the Heenes -- parents Richard and Mayumi plus Falcon and brothers Bradford, 8, and Rayo, 7 -- are described as "science-obsessed" and "storm-chasing" on ABC's site.
"They devote their time to scientific experiments that include looking for extraterrestrials," their bio reads, "and building a research-gathering flying saucer to send into the eye of the storm."
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After young Falcon was found safe and hiding in his family's attic yesterday, Fort Collins, Colorado Sheriff Jim Alderden said it was "inconceivable" that the boy had been coached by his parents, and that the incident was a "real event."
In a live interview with CNN this morning, Falcon said "we did this for a show." His father later retorted to NBC's Meredith Viera, "I am not selling anything. I am not advertising anything."
Tell Us What You Think
10Don't blame it on the kid - it's not his fault he has not idea what's right from wrong; he had no chance with those kind of parents, an idiot father and a stupid mother who just goes along with everything the idiot father says. The CHILD should not be blamed for having parents like that.
Anyone notice how this kid just has the biggest grin on his face while the family was interviewed on CNN ? He's not sorry for costing the state of Colorado money...The family send the Police and Law Enforcement on a wild goose chase. They should be locked up and fined for this Balloon Hoax
Another ugly family.. on tv being "fame hungry".
This is just what TLC needs. Another loser family who's famous for no reason. seriously TLC isn't the learning channel anymore. its the the loser channel.
This is just what TLC needs. Another loser family who's famous for no reason. seriously TLC isn't the learning channel anymore. its the the loser channel.
who cares.
They should have wife-swapped with Kate and Jon, except Balloon Mom is probably too old for Jon's taste. Kate and Balloon Dad would make a great, money-grubbing, lying couple.
Mr. Heene is a liar! The boy told the truth, Mr. Heene wanted attention so that someone out there may be interested in his stuff. Free advertisement for him. The children should be at school, why are they at home on a weekday.
why didn't kate gosselin marry this guy? both money hungry fame jerks who will use their kids for exploitation. Jon and this asian chick would just make their own asain babies and sit there smiling saying, "uhhhhh"
Nutters! What a bunch of losers!!