The TLC reality series Welcome To Plathville makes for a delightful watch for aficionados of shows that revolve around family drama. In this case, the Plath family includes an ultra-conservative couple who lay a wide range of restrictions on their children.
With the family restricted from using mobile phones or getting a traditional education, the fate of Ethan Plath changes forever when he marries Maria. The latter ends up making her husband and his siblings more and more outgoing, much to the dismay of Ethan's parents. The drama that ensues forms the remainder of this ridiculously true story. Here are a few more picks of such family-driven reality shows that would amuse Welcome To Plathville fans.
10 Breaking Amish (2012-2014) - TLC
Anabaptist communities like the Amish and Mennonite groups can often promote values that would not fit under the conventional and modern ways of living. In the context of Breaking Amish, four Amish and one Mennonite adult take a brief break from their family life to move to New York. While getting introduced to a whole new culture, these cast members are equally shocked and amused. As the seasons progress, they have to face the decision of accepting the city life or going back home.
The TLC original garnered a cult fanbase and even paved the way for the spinoff series Return to Amish.
9 Family or Fiancé (2019-) - The Oprah Winfrey Network
The love between romantic partners can transcend into marriage. However, at times, the partners' disapproving families can prove to be a major hurdle for the couple to take the next big step. Family or Fiancé brings together the families of such couples, giving both partners three days to change the mind of their parents and relatives.
To further the discussion, relationships expert Tracy McMillin also offers her unbiased advice on every episode. Ultimately, at the end of the three days, the couple needs to face the choice of choosing the wishes of either their family or their so-called 'soulmate'.
8 Pawn Stars (2009-) - History
The popular History Channel show Pawn Stars stars Rick Harrison and his family while documenting the day-to-day activities at their famed Las Vegas pawn shop. As his customers bring him all sorts of antiquities and memorabilia, Rick relies on different methods of analyzing the value of each item.
When they're not busy at work, the Harrisons usually poke fun at each other and engage in personal conflicts that are played out for comic relief. A notable character in this regard was the late Richard 'Old Man' Harrison, the founder of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop.
7 Alaskan Bush People (2014-) - Discovery Plus
Discovery's Alaskan Bush People is often marketed as a reality show despite bearing evidently scripted elements. It focuses on the Brown family as their patriarch, the natural Billy Brown, desires to live in the Alaskan wilderness. Their adventures and misadventures in survival are then touched upon as the Browns are cut off from modern society.
Despite the over-the-top nature of the family's actions, Alaskan Bush People serves its purpose in offering enough entertainment. With more than 100 episodes, the series has had a 12-season run so far.
6 United Bates Of America (2012) - Hoopla
Living in the hills of Tennessee, a conservative Baptist couple raises a family of 19 children. Their trials and tribulations in dispensing family values and spreading their love for music are what's covered in the show's 8-episode season. Rather than just focusing on the parents, adequate time is given to each child as they strive to develop their individual personalities.
United Bates of America eventually gave way to a longer series Bringing Up Bates that continues chronicling the coming-of-age of the Bates family.
5 90 Day Fiancé (2014-) - TLC
90 Day Fiancé follows a unique concept for a marriage reality show. As the title suggests, a couple is given an ultimatum to marry each other despite geographical constraints.
To elaborate further, the couples chosen for the show include Americans dating people from an overseas territory. When the latter get to finally meet their partner on a K-1 visa, they must decide if they wish to get married or to return back home. The 90-day period goes on to serve as the ultimate testing period for their relationship.
4 The Family Chantel (2019-2020) - FuboTV
90 Day Fiancé alumni Chantel Everett and Pedro Jimeno agreed to spend the rest of their lives together following the events of the aforementioned reality show. However, as Chantel had lied to her parents about Pedro being an international student on a student visa, she must reveal the truth to her unsuspecting family. Boundaries are tested and trust issues are explored as the couple struggles to gain the approval of Chantel's family.
Not only is The Family Chantel a treat for fans of 90 Days Fiance but it also functions as an interesting glimpse at cross-country relationships.
3 Stewarts & Hamiltons (2015) - Apple TV
Daughter of the legendary singer Rod Stewart, Kimberly Stewart strives to make peace between her own family and that of her mother Alana Stewart's ex-husband George Hamilton.
Even though it was canceled after one season, Stewarts & Hamiltons was an interesting subversion of the Hollywood lifestyle as Alana Stewart tries to prevent her children from falling for the temptations that celebrity life has to offer. Meanwhile, Kimberly and her siblings try to find their own identity away from their father's fame.
2 Duck Dynasty (2012-2017) - Tubi TV
Duck Dynasty has turned the Robertson family into mainstream celebrities apart from creating a multi-million dollar franchise that includes merchandise and TV spin-offs. Debuting in 2012, the show was primarily set around the business of the Robertsons as they operate a company called Duck Commander that makes products for duck hunters.
As their sporting empire increased, personalities like the Duck Commander founder Phil Robertson and the matriarch Miss Kay also added to the show's comedic elements. Gaining rave reviews, Duck Dynasty even went on to win the Critics Choice Award for Best Reality Television Series in 2013.
1 Downsized (2010-2011) - The Roku Channel
After an economic crash, the Bruces have no other option but to save their money as much as they can. This leads to several new changes in their daily life such as reduced shower time and lesser takeout food. Will they be able to regain the American dream they once had? This is the central question that the show wishes to address.
Apart from providing tips regarding financial responsibility, Downsized also offers a relatable and grounded look at a family surviving together. This is a drastic change from the usual glamor of family reality television.
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