The “Great National Drama” Is Over

The “Great National Drama”jon that absorbed America back in May finally petered out last week, with TLC airing its final episode of “Jon and Kate Plus Eight” (which had briefly become “Kate Plus Eight”).

My, how the annoying have fallen …

After all, almost 10 million people – including our founding editor – tuned in for the big season premiere back in May, although the show’s viewership plummeted quickly from there.

By the third week in June, the show was down to 3 million viewers, while more recent episodes this fall attracted between 1 and 2 million.

Around 4.3 million people watched the finale, according to Nielsen ratings.

Of course, the end of the show is obviously not the end of Jon and Kate as a tabloid phenomenon.  These two petty prima donnas have demonstrated remarkable staying power on gossip websites and the cover of gossip mags at our local checkout aisle.

Plus, there’s always Kate in a bikini (here and here), for which our founding editor has developed an affinity in spite of her misplaced navel.

So while Jon and Kate may not be the “Great National Drama” any longer, don’t expect to get a reprieve from them anytime soon …

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