jonandkategosselin

According to the New York Daily News, Jon and Kate Gosselin have decided to go in media blackout mode as they figure out their divorce. On the show's page on the TLC web site, the couple released a statement that mentions why they've stopped talking to the media:

"During this very difficult time we will be working to focus solely on the needs of our family. This includes no longer commenting publicly or reacting to media stories and speculation. Our goal is to do the very best for our children and that will be done as privately as possible."

They've even gone so far as to file their divorce in a court that will keep their records sealed. Unfortunately, it all feels like a bunch of "too little too late" moves. If they're trying to protect the children, why did Kate and Jon spend the last four months talking to magazines like People for months on end? Why did they announce their split in front of 10.6 million gawkers (including me)? Why in the hell did they even start their show to begin with?

A few days ago, we mentioned that TLC was heavily promoting tonight's episode of Jon & Kate Plus 8, pushing the fact that the couple will make a "special announcement" about their crumbling relationship. My colleague Mike Pascua speculated on what was going to happen, but the good folks at Radar Online (who I wrote for occasionally in their pre-Enquirer-owned days) have already latched on to what the announcement is likely going to be.

And, to be honest, it's about the least surprising news you could think of. More after the jump.

I tried, I really did, to watch the new season on TLC, but a few weeks into the new season and I'm bailing. Unlike Maureen Ryan, I was a fan of Jon & Kate before their faces were splashed across US Weekly and People. Now, episodes devoted to the kids birthday parties are painfully awkward to watch.

There was a brief mention in the season opener where Jon & Kate acknowledged that they were going through "some problems", but while the show can go on pretending they're one big happy family that lives for elaborate birthday parties and trips to the zoo, the rest of us can't. Now, I'm wondering, are once loyal fans also jumping ship on this show?