About a year ago, the husband and I were watching television and trying desperately to find something decent to watch. In today’s TV world, that’s pretty dang tricky. We happened upon an episode of Duck Dynasty. Thinking, “Oh great, another reality show,” we found ourselves laughing and feeling pretty uplifted as we watched it. We rarely watch reality shows, because let’s be honest, most are C.R.A.P. But this one was different.
We watched this show for the rest of the season. Each episode was fun, cheesy, and positive. What makes this show stand out from all the rest of reality TV is the high standards and morals the Robertson family has. America could truly benefit from this family for these reasons alone: family comes first, there is a strong work ethic, they are spiritually grounded, and they have Silas “Si” Robertson.
Don’t let the beards (they didn’t always have them), duck calls or camouflage fool you. Phil Robertson, the Patriarch, is an educated man who received a Bachelor’s in Physical Education and a Masters Degree in Education.[1] “I kinda liked ol’ Shakespeare and them guys, you know,” Robertson said. “I went back and got my master’s just in case. I thought, if I ever needed it, I’d have the sheepskin to show people no matter how dumb I looked, actually I was about half intelligent. I got the degree to let ‘em know I wasn’t as dumb as I acted.”[2] Will, the CEO of Duck Commander, has a degree in business and got his father’s duck call business to where it is.
Duck Dynasty shows a family that works together and plays together. They don’t use crude language, but instill life lessons in their children and grandchildren. They don’t bully or put someone down. They joke around light heartedly, play A LOT, and encourage one another. The women don’t dress provocatively and they all seem to have very good relationships amongst each other.
The cherry on top of this great series is that each episodes ends with a family dinner and a word of prayer. The Robertson’s are very spiritual people and put God first. Maybe you don’t believe in God, maybe you think it’s hokie, but in a world where the family unit and spirituality are dwindling, it is nice to see a large happy family paying their respects to the Almighty.
You might wonder, how could a show like this ever be popular? Well ask the 11.8 million viewers who turned in for the season 4-season premiere. This is cable’s top must-watch nonfiction show to date.[3] “That’s a fact, Jack!”–Si Robertson
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LB,
Thanks for the synopsis, but I still couldn’t tell what the premise of the show was. The dress, the beards and the general portraits for me don’t say signal very much. Because of the scruffiness I tend to think about old ZZTOP videos. Visually, think of a show like “Top Chef” to imagine the opposite example discernible clues.
In terms of communication for most reality shows, interviews, testimonials, and a lot of reflection tend to be the documentary rule. Yet, for me, the premise has to grab you. After watching the clip below I got a better idea of what was in store for the family.
After re-watching your clip I can see why audiences might be interested in this family.
I like that philosophy on contentment. It’s so true! Love it!
With small children running around the house, I understand why you would prefer having programming that your children can walk in on. In general I like a Christian spiritual foundation to entertainment programming. Yet I’m not sure that MANY OF THESE programs have succeeded at incorporating this tone given the dogmatic nature of scripture based story telling.
How does “Duck Dynasty” reach a balance?
I think the success of DD is the fact that the morals and standards they portray are characteristics that we would ALL love to have people live by, regardless of religion. Kindness, family, service, setting and maintaining high standards can be lived by anyone despite class, race, socio-economic status. I am currently reading Phil’s book, so when I finish it, I can give you a better idea of why they are the way they are and why they agreed to a reality show.
Plus, Si is one funny son-of-a-gun. He’s that random, funny uncle you had or wish you had.
SI, OMG!!! LB, what are you watching?????
(Oh crap, …… I feel it coming.)
Where and when is this show on?
A&E on Wednesday at 10 (central?) Honestly, I think you might find it worth while. You’re not going to learn anything spectacular, but it’s a nice, happy, fun, show to watch and let your brain just have a good time.
You can youtube Si on Duck dynasty and get more of his quarky quotes and randomness. I’ve watched several interviews and these gentlemen are genuine. 🙂
Hahaha! Great post and article LB. I’ve not watched the show for much of the reasons you’ve discussed. One it being cable and two reality TV. but I have heard of it. Given your endorsement I might be more inclined to check it out. I do like their high standards and respect they hold for themselves and family. The fact that its so popular with viewers today? Suggest to me people don’t mind being empowered, respected and spiritually uplifted by their entertainment. Do u think Duck will influence other reality shows to follow suit?
OB,
I would definitely suggest watching at least two or three episodes to get a feel for the tone of the show. It’s worth that much of your time I promise. I feel that it is a good starting point for many families who may need a knock in the head of “hey, yeah, maybe we should stop treating each other like crap and learn how to respect one another.”
I have read many different blogs/reviews of this show and the comments are always amazingly wonderful. folks just can’t seem to get enough of the Robertson’s. Then you read any comments related to any Kardashian and people want to chuck their computers and TVs out the window.
CR,
I don’t know if other shows will follow suit, but it is a start. The Robertson family is just like every other family with scuttles, arguments, etc…but they handle things better than most and have a “focal point” that always pulls them back to what is truly important.
LB- Please forgive me for being…….Well me! But I have to ask.
Do they actually show them killing Ducks on the show?
Yes and no. Yes, you do get to see them go out (often) and you see them shoot, but you don’t see carnage. However, there are times when you see Phil teaching his grandchildren how to skin a squirrel, etc…it’s more about the goings on of the family.
Are u kidding me? They skin a Squirrel? Really? They don’t eat the Squirrels do they?
They live off the land OB! hahaha!!! You don’t really see much to be honest. But Miss Kay (the Matriarch) talks about fried frogs legs, fried squirrel. They eat what they hunt. They don’t mount it on a wall.
OK, so what u are saying they are true organic farmers? What about veggies? U can survive on just veggies??? 🙂
I’m sorry LB its just better if I’m ignorant about things like hunting otherwise my mind just gets going. Hahaha! But I have nothing against people who consume meat.
haha! I get it! Yes they eat veggies and sweets. They just dont go to their local grocer for their protein. 🙂
the duck calls are great but it’s the part after it that is wonderful, and straight from the horses mouth:
Just some good old humor and conversation.
You really do get what you see on the show.
Jason “jase” Robertson, on the far left, gives a great explanation as to why all their kids come across as respectful. Hollywood could learn a lesson or two.
O.K. sign me up.
Unknown facts:
Something I didn’t put in the article, but truly deserves attention, is the focus on Phil’s title as Patriarch. You know who is in charge by how he leads and how others speak and treat him. He is physically and spiritually present for his wife, children, and grandchildren. He is confident in his role as a man.
Can you really say that about any other man on reality TV?
In Hollywood, I would say there are some other great Patriarchs in the households. Who do you think stands out as a strong patriarch in Hollyweird?
LB,
I would agree that those dynamics in relationship to real men do sound unique.
Other than all of these clips, I have to admit, I still have not seen the actual show. So it’s hard to comment on how any of this sounds in action, real time, or how it would make me or anyone in the audience feel while or after seeing it.
Either way, seems like you’ve found a gem.
Thanks CR. Considering how trashy and depressing television is these days, it’s nice to have something of merit on the boob tube.
Watch an episode on youtube, when you have a free moment, and get back to me. 🙂 I get what you are saying though. You do have to really watch a full episode or two. The nice thing is, it’s not like you have to start from the beginning. Each episode is new and different.
Well that’s a bonus! I like that!
“In Hollywood, I would say there are some other great Patriarchs in the households. Who do you think stands out as a strong patriarch in Hollyweird?”
Are u talking in film or TV and in front or behind the camera?
Hi Everyone!
Sorry, I’m late. Let me get caught up.
Hi OB! I actually got here early AND remembered to even show up! haha!
Hi LB!
How are u? I’ve been watching your videos. I will have to come back and watching them later. Anyway, great research u organized for the discussion.
Oh you are welcome. I got carried away with the videos. Sorry! 🙂
No need to apologize. I like it and the topic u chose. Just give me a minute to get over myself. Perhaps, I should watch more videos before being too critical of the show. I mean Game of Thrones is a complete blood bath and I watch that. Just give me a minute to collect myself. Hahaha!
OB and CR,
What shows like the Kardashians, Desperate housewives of some frivolous city teach the younger generations about relationships, family, and education?
U got me? I don’t watch any television so I can’t even begin to tell u. Don’t get me wrong if u can get beyond the skinning of Squirrels. The show does have its appealing attributes like the ones u mentioned.
OB,
I don’t hunt. I’m not interested in hunting. I dislike beards. This is not a show I would have said “sign me up!” when just looking at pics. I got suckered in by Uncle Si and the gang and the truthfulness Phil speaks. I love the love for family and the funny hijinks that go on. Even the Robertsons admit they never thought it would work. But here they are, the most popular show on cable.
Gotcha! The facial hair doesn’t bother me actually. But I do need to watch more of the show. I guess for me watching a reality show that show killing animals and eating them is different than say a fictional film or show for me. I have a weak stomach.
OB, there really is hardly any animal killing or eating. It’s about the people and their relationships. I PROMISE!!!
OK! 🙂
LB, LB, LB,
O.K. I’ll admit it; I wrote off reality shows a while ago because I got sick of the ones that presented so much…
• stupid
• selfish
• narcissistic
• greedy
• jealous
• self-hating
• angry
• abusive
• materialistic
content. And let’s not even forget about the voyeurism, and there are a more than a few shows that are classist, racist and sexist (with and COMPLETELY without irony). Watching those shows was like taking a trip to a popular outhouse to get a huge fresh breath of air.
Though I have yet to see the actual show, I am very appreciative for your generosity.
Unfortunately all the characteristics you mentioned are criteria for reality tv. However it seems with DD we are seeing a lot of Americans show what they want more of
OB and CR,
What quality program characteristics would you like to see ore of on TV?
LB,
I’m sorry, but most of what I’m wanting I’m getting on cable or PBS.
• Still catching up on “Game of Thrones.”
• Favorite recent TV show was “Downton Abbey.”
• I write an article next week on “United States of Tara”
I want to watch each of those. Started USoT, but the language got a little too much after a while. Can’t get GoT or DA on Netflix. 😦 boooooo!!!
What is it about these shows you enjoy?
Really great article LB! Unfortunately I have to go. Thanks a lot!!!! 🙂
Your welcome! Like to share good stuff with good folk. 🙂
Ah! U too are good folk and thanks for sharing.
I too have to go but thank u for the great discussion and topic.
Goodnight