Viewers Describe The Number 1 Documentary On Prime Video As “Deeply disturbing” and “A must-watch”
The number one documentary series on Prime Video is a terrifying foray into the secrets that lurk beneath the surface. Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets is not only the most-viewed documentary series on the streamer this week, it’s the most-viewed series overall.
The series purports to be an explosive look at the Duggar Family, the once cable television phenomenon of Arkansas House of Representatives member Jim Bob Duggar his wife, Michelle, and their horde of children, originally 17, though 19 by the time their series, 19 Kids and Counting, capped. Check out the trailer for the docuseries below:
The TLC series and a subsequent spin-off were cancelled alongside allegations that the Duggars’ oldest child, Josh, had regularly abused the other children. While no charges were made in that original case (Josh was instead sent to a faith-based camp), he was later arrested and convicted in 2021 on child pornography charges. Beyond the Duggars themselves, Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets casts a wider net to probe the Institute in Basic Life Principles, a Christian organization founded by Bill Gothard (himself accused of sexual abuse and misconduct) whose mission parallels with increasingly regressive and fraught political battles around the country.
Shiny Happy People is an urgent, at times harrowing watch, one that insightfully interrogates the organization’s roots and the hold they have on ostensibly normal families around the country. It recontextualizes both the show and the church’s culture writ large, ably demonstrating how easily pernicious ideals take hold as those in power regularly abuse their authority. Check out what fans are saying about the disturbing, “must-watch” series below:
What do you think? Have you had a chance to check out Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets yet? Let me know over on Twitter @Chadiscollins.
Categorized:News
