Losing a cash cow is, well, costly. Canceling 19 Kids and Counting cost TLC over $19 million, Discovery Communications CFO Andy Warren noted in the company’s second-quarter earnings report conference call on Wednesday, Aug. 5.
Warren explained that due to “higher restructuring and other charges this year of $19 million primarily due to content impairment charges from canceling TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting,” the company was at $24 million total in charges.
TLC’s decision to axe the network’s widely popular reality series came following Josh Duggar’s molestation scandal, in which he admitted to inappropriately touching five girls, including sisters Jill and Jessa Duggar.
"After thoughtful consideration, TLC and the Duggar family have decided to not move forward with 19 Kids and Counting,” the network announced on July 16 , adding that "the recent attention around the Duggars has sparked a critical and important conversation about child protection.”
In the network’s official statement, they announced they were partnering with two child-protection organizations to raise awareness about child sexual abuse.
TLC similarly pulled the plug on Here Comes Honey Boo Boo following the family’s own sexual abuse scandal.
