TLC is starting a new show called Suddenly Amish. The first short video (trailer) has made many people argue if the show is real or fake. The show will start on January 13. It is about six people who are not Amish (“English” people). They leave their modern lives to go live with an Amish group in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The show promises that they will change their lives. However, many fans of TLC and people who study culture say there is one clear sign that the show is probably more drama than real life. TLC has had this problem before with other Amish shows.
The Authenticity Debate: Why Viewers Are Skeptical
The main reason people doubt the show is because of a key Amish belief: the need to avoid Hochmut (being proud) and focus on Demut (being humble). Because of this, Amish people usually do not want to pose for pictures or be filmed for a TV show. They believe this makes people focus too much on themselves, which goes against their community values.
But the trailer clearly shows people who are meant to be real Amish community members. This includes the “Amish Hosts” named Bishop Vernon, and the couple Allen and Sarah. For many viewers, especially those who know about the strict Old Order Amish, seeing these people on a flashy reality show is a major problem. Critics online say this is the “tell-tale sign” that the Amish parts are either being played by actors or that the people are from a different, less-strict Amish group (New Order Amish). This would not be the traditional, simple life the show promises.
Examining Amish Rules on Filming and Photography
The rules about filming and media are very different among the many Amish groups in the USA.
- Traditional View (Old Order): Most strict Amish groups say it is forbidden for members to pose for photos or be filmed. They say this is against the Bible’s rule about “graven images” and their principle against pride. They want to be remembered for their lives, not their looks.
- The Nuance: Some less-strict groups, or people who haven’t officially joined the church yet (not baptized), might allow photos if they are not posed and just taken naturally. Also, some groups that deal with tourists (like in Lancaster) have become a little more okay with respectful filming, as long as people don’t show faces too closely or go onto private property.
TLC has made other controversial shows like Breaking Amish before. Those shows were heavily criticized for making up stories and lying about the cast’s pasts. Because of this, viewers are watching this new show very carefully. They think TLC often cares more about drama than being culturally correct. They suspect the Amish people are either specially found or are former Amish people.
Meet the Modern Participants Seeking Transformation
The main part of the show is following six non-Amish people from different states who want to change their modern lives for the stable, simple faith of the Amish community. They have different reasons for joining:
- Kendra (33, California): A former online content creator and dancer. She wants to stop worrying about her body image and find meaning in life.
- Judah (22, Missouri): A young rapper. He is looking for a feeling of belonging in a community often seen as all the same.
- Matt (34, Texas): A father who recently got divorced. He wants a fresh start for his spirit and a return to strong values.
- Aaron (40, Michigan): A pastor’s son who is drawn to the strong devotion of the Amish. He has a hearing problem and needs modern technology to hear.
- Esmerelda (25, Texas): She is looking for a traditional, stable family life but finds it hard to give up her fancy, high-fashion lifestyle.
- Billie Jo (44, New York): A big fan of Amish culture who wants to officially convert to the religion.
These people must have a very intense change, giving up things like electricity, cars, jewelry, and cell phones. TLC says the show will document how “very different ways of living can affect and change everyday people.” The TV network clearly hopes that the clash of cultures and the personal drama will get high ratings, just like its other successful, yet criticized, reality TV projects.
Conclusion: Will Suddenly Amish Be Real or Reality TV?
As the start date for Suddenly Amish gets closer, the argument over its truth is likely to continue. TLC might have found some people or former members of less-strict Amish or Mennonite groups to be on the show. However, most TV critics believe that dramatic events will be exaggerated or re-enacted to fit the needs of television.
For viewers everywhere, the real question is whether the show can tell an interesting story of personal change while showing the Amish life in a respectful and believable way, or if it will simply become another example in the long-running argument about how “real” TLC’s reality programs actually are.
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources concerning reality television production and cultural practices. Readers should cross-check updates from official news outlets and maintain a critical perspective when viewing reality programming.