Why Do Plath Adult Kids Remain on ‘Welcome to Plathville’?

Welcome To Plathville Season 6 is fully underway on TLC, generating much debate among fans about why the adult children of Kim and Barry Plath continue to stay on the show.

This season features a plethora of dramatic storylines that give it the feel of a real-life soap opera. Notably, Ethan and Olivia Plath are back on the dating scene, and Micah Plath’s girlfriend prefers to remain off-camera. This is just the tip of the iceberg as far as the drama this season has to offer, including ongoing tension between Ethan and his mother, Kim Plath, who is now seen with her new partner, Ken Palmer. Additionally, there are substantial follow-up storylines concerning Ethan and Olivia’s split.

However, the intense drama has led many viewers to call out the show for being “fake.” TLC has a reputation for enhancing and exaggerating storylines for dramatic effect, and fans believe Welcome To Plathville is no exception. Over time, viewers of TLC shows have learned to suspend disbelief, choosing to watch for entertainment rather than authenticity. Despite this, a common sentiment among fans is that Welcome To Plathville is overly contrived, making a big deal out of trivial issues.

A recurring question among fans is why the adult children – Ethan, Micah, Moriah, and others – continue to film Welcome To Plathville. For comparison, in the case of shows like Little People, Big World, the adult children eventually stepped away from the spotlight. So, why do the Plath children stick around?

There are several theories. Some fans suggest the Plath family is attempting to “reinvent” their image. However, the theory that seems most plausible is the financial benefit. It’s believed that the financial rewards from TLC are a significant factor. Given their sheltered upbringing, it could be argued that the Plath children may not be well-prepared for traditional careers. Thus, continuous TLC paychecks provide a stable source of income.

Based on figures from other reality shows, TLC families generally receive ten percent of the production budget, equating to between $25,000 to $40,000 per episode. Even with a large family to divide it among, this remains a substantial income. Therefore, continuing with the show makes financial sense as long as the opportunity exists.

For all the latest updates on Welcome To Plathville, stay tuned for more.

Source: TV Shows Ace, TLC