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The Duggar family is back with a new TLC special, Counting On: A New Life. While fans finally get a glimpse into what Jim Bob, Michelle, and their 19 kids are up to in 2021, everyone’s curious about who’s courting and prepping for marriage. And A New Life failed to answer huge questions fans and critics alike still have.

New ‘Counting On’ special, ‘A New Life,’ focused on Duggar family values

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar of the Duggar family from TLC's 'Counting On' talking to a large crowd at a stop on their bus tour
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar make a stop on their ‘Values Bus Tour’ in 2013 | Matt McClain/ The Washington Post

Counting On is a favorite show for Duggar family fans, but the special might’ve slipped under the radar. While the Duggar family Instagram, as well as Jessa, Jinger, and Joy-Anna Duggar (just to name a few), typically advertise new episodes of the show, none of the Duggars advertised for the special until it was on TV. And fans who caught the new Counting On episode may have been surprised by what the special entailed.

The special detailed how the Duggars celebrate Easter, but they also sat down to talk about their deep faith and religious ways. It’s well-known the Duggars are devout independent Baptists, as they mention their faith frequently. But this special seemed particularly Christ-centered, which isn’t always the case.

Jim Bob and Michelle sat down with Joseph and Kendra Duggar, Jessa and Ben Seewald, and John-David and Abbie Duggar. Jim Bob talked about his budding relationship with Jesus that began at 7 years old, and his wife and children chimed in with their personal stories. The episode continued on with the birth of Kendra and Joseph’s third child.

Are any of the Duggars in a courtship? The special didn’t touch on it

This isn’t the first time fans heard about a Duggar Easter celebration on Counting On. The Duggar family puts plenty of personal touches on their holidays, and the days are frequently featured on the show. What fans really wanted to hear about were the courtship and marriage rumors. Unfortunately, the special didn’t deliver.

As of March 2021, there are two rumored courtships within the Duggar family. Fans are convinced Jed Duggar will tie the knot on April 3, 2021, despite the lack of transparency from the Duggars. A leaked wedding invitation says Jed and Katey Nakatsu are set to walk down the aisle, and those close to Jed have also confirmed this is the case.

Jana Duggar is also rumored to be courting a man named Stephen Wissman. Fans have long awaited any news on courtship for Jana, as she’s 31 years old and still living with her parents. But she didn’t mention anything about a potential courtship. Instead, she got screen time talking about Kendra having her baby.

Is ‘Counting On’ coming back on TV?

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Jed Duggar and the Duggar Family Haven’t Updated Instagram Despite Marriage Rumors

Does this new Counting On special mean the Duggar family is coming back to TV for a whole new season? So far, that doesn’t seem to be the case. TLC lists this special as still being a part of season 11. Season 12 has yet to be announced.

Perhaps the Duggars are being so secretive about weddings and courtships for a possible season 12, though. Justin Duggar wed Claire Spivey in February 2021, and fans would love to see more of that courtship and wedding in a new season. And, of course, we’d all love Jed’s mystery wedding and Jana’s hidden courtship formally revealed on the small screen.

We’ll have to wait and see what the Duggars decide going forward!

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