TV season
2008-09-29
Season one began airing on September 29, 2008 and finished airing on November 10, 2008. The season included ten regular episodes and one special episode: "And Baby Makes 18", which aired on December 22, 2008. The show was known as 17 Kids and Counting for the entirety of this season.
Episode 1
2008-09-29 • 21 min
The Duggars are heading to New York City to be featured on NBC's Today Show as part of Mother's Day. However, Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar have a big secret – Michelle is expecting baby #18, and the Duggars are trying to keep the news a secret until they can surprise the other 17 children on national television.
Episode 2
2008-09-29 • 21 min
The Duggar's visit to New York City continues, as they visit Central Park and Times Square.
Episode 3
2008-10-06 • 20 min
This episode features the Duggars rules about dating and courtship and includes a hidden camera view of oldest son Josh popping the big question to his fiancee Anna on her 20th birthday.
Episode 4
2008-10-06 • 21 min
Josh brings Anna to Arkansas after the engagement in the last episode. The Duggars explain their beliefs about relationships with the opposite sex, where hand holding is a privilege, chaperones always accompany the couple and (in addition to their opposition to premarital sex) saving your first kiss for your wedding day is a must.
Episode 5
2008-10-13 • 20 min
The Bates clan, a fellow mega-family from Tennessee (Gil, Kelly and their 16 children, with another on the way), decide to pay the Duggars a visit to their new Arkansas home. The episode centers around the logistical challenges of nearly 40 people in one house, as well as the similarities and differences between the two families.
Episode 6
2008-10-13 • 21 min
The Bates and Duggars compete in paintball and dare each other to jump out of an airplane.
Episode 7
2008-10-20 • 20 min
The Duggars explain their ways of thriftiness -- they do not use credit cards, only debit cards or cash; they purchase clothing from second hand stores, groceries from Aldi, grow their own vegetables, use firewood (from trees on their property) to heat their home and even have a recipe to make their own laundry detergent.
Episode 8
2008-10-27 • 21 min
Each Duggar has his/her own chores (or jurisdictions, as they call them), which are somewhat gender-specific. However, Jim Bob decides that, on this day, the jurisdictions will switch and the boys will do the cooking, laundry and cleaning, while the girls learn the basics about car repairs.
Episode 9
2008-11-03 • 21 min
The Duggars take a trip to Ohio for Michelle's family reunion. On the way, the family visits the Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky where animatronic dinosaurs roam the earth with Adam and Eve. Prior to the trip Michelle goes in for an ultrasound, whereby the family learns that baby #18 is a girl.
Episode 10
2008-11-10 • 20 min
Jinger successfully passes her driving test. The Duggars also celebrate Michelle's birthday and discuss their upcoming book.
Episode 11
2008-12-22 • 40 min
The family prepares for the arrival of the newest Duggar, Jordyn-Grace Makiya who will be delivered by Caesarean.
Episode 12
2009-01-25 • 21 min
Josh and Anna plan for their upcoming wedding.
Episode 13
2009-01-25 • 44 min
She said yes! Following the most unusual proposal ever seen on TV, there's only one way to end this story, with a most unusual wedding! Watch as the oldest of 18 children, Josh Duggar, prepares to tie the knot with his fiancé Anna Keller.
Episode 14
2009-01-27 • 21 min
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar leave the kids at home for a trip to San Francisco to celebrate 25 years of marriage (not to mention 18 children!) But what exactly will the Duggar children do while mom and dad honor their silver anniversary?
Episode 15
2009-01-27 • 20 min
Think a house with 20 people is a zoo? What about a safari? Watch as Jim Bob and the Duggar children make friends with the animals while volunteering at the Wild Wilderness Safari. Lions, tigers, and...Duggars! Oh my!
Episode 16
2009-02-03 • 21 min
The Duggars don't mind getting dirty in the name of fun and family! Watch as they go to Crater of Diamonds State Park to play in the dirt while digging up diamonds. Will the family strike diamonds or just cubic zirconia?
Episode 17
2009-02-03 • 20 min
It's Christmas with the Duggars! Watch as the Duggars celebrate one of their favorite holidays. Join them as they decorate and ride on a float in the Christmas parade, Duggar style. Will they take first place in the competition?
Episode 18
2009-02-17 • 20 min
The Duggars are on the road again - or should we say in the air! This time the Duggars take a trip to El Salvador for sun, jungle, and service.
Episode 19
2009-02-17 • 20 min
The Duggars are in El Salvador! In this continuation of their trip, the Duggars visit two orphanages to bring aid and presents. Watch as Jim Bob struggles with the Spanish language in an episode that make you laugh and cry.
