A&E‘s ’Duck Dynasty’ Has Been Renewed: So Why Is It So Popular? (See for Yourself)
- Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:26am by
Liz Klimas
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The Robertson family may follow the basic story line of a typical rags-to-riches tale, but their life-changing money maker isn’t anything close to what you might expect these days, like the latest app to hit iPhones or the new “set it and forget it” on the home shopping channel. The Louisiana family started a small operation — Duck Commander — of duck call devices and decoys in 1973.
Founded by the father and now successfully operated by the son, Duck Commander has made the family multimillionaires. So what makes this now wealthy family so special that they’ve landed a second season on the A&E Network for their increasingly popular reality show “Duck Dynasty”? It isn’t that they have the well-polished look or extremely lavish lifestyles of many other reality families marketed on cable networks.
Perhaps the appeal of the family is, as the show’s website describes: “they operate a thriving business while staying true to their family values and lifestyle.“ The business employs both family and ”half their neighborhood.”
Or, perhaps it’s as A&E’s Executive Vice President of Programming David McKillop says: “There is truly no one else like the Robertsons in the TV landscape.” Although there are other reality TV shows highlighting Southerners, McKillop describes the Robertsons as having a “unique brand of Southern schooling.”
Or, maybe some family members said it best themselves to ABC News before their initial season began to run:
“I’ve seen enough train wrecks on TV, on these shows, It will be nice to see a family that sits down and has a meal together,” [Duck Commander CEO] Willie [Robertson] said.
“In the end, it’s all about love, family and putting family first,” Korie, [Willie's wife,] added.
Whatever the reason, the show finished up its first season as the most-viewed cable TV show that night with 2.6 million viewers– 1.5 million of them in the adults 25-54 and 18-49 age demographic. Although its pilot season only had 14 episodes, its new contract is for 26.
Some of the reality cast involves Willie, CEO of Duck Commander and “resident prankster;” the original Duck Commander, Phil, also the patriarch of the family who is according to A&E “a living legend in Louisiana;” Kay, who married Phil at 16, and, like many a Southern matriarch, truly has the final say on many familial matters; and Uncle Si who plays an integral role making the duck calls. Other cast members, including the wives that married into the family, are on the show as well.
The Monroe Louisiana News-Star reports Willie saying the family is “pumped” to “make more TV magic.”
“Even here in L.A. we’re getting recognized,” Willie said to the News-Star of his family’s trips to Los Angeles for filming. “We were eating in the hotel restaurant (CUT, a Wolfgang Puck eatery) and the chef was a huge fan. The waiter came to us and said, ‘I don’t know if we have duck on the menu.’ We got a tour of the kitchen.”
Here‘s a clip describing Willie’s entrepreneurial spirit:
Watch the family describe how they make their “hand-tuned and tested” duck callers:
This clip compiles a slew of “Duck Dynasty” quotes and moments:
The half hour episodes are expected to begin airing again on A&E in late 2012. If you need to catch up before the show starts up again, full episodes of “Duck Dynasty” can be found here.
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Comments (79)
LeadNotFollow
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 1:25pm…
Now this is what “Made In America” truly is. God bless them.
They employ their own family members and folks from their neighborhood.
SpeckChaser
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 6:02pmI got to meet Phil when he preached a sermon at a local church. It was cool to hear Bible verses followed by a widgon and other duck calls then some more Bible verses. His sermons can be seen on YouTube as well.
Report Post »MadeintheUSA2
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:58pmI love this show! Uncle Si, Jase, Willie, Phil, Ms Kaye. OMGoodness!!! Even if some of it staged, so what…this family is a wonderful example and I wish them all the best.
Report Post »SUNTZU
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:37pmEvery girls crazy bout a
Report Post »Short ,Fat Man
My kinda people,got to luvem.
u-all com bac now,hear
dmerwin
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 5:34pmI love the way they talk, very deliberate, funny as hell!
Report Post »CrawfishFestival2
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 1:21pmWest Monroe, Louisiana!
Report Post »GoodStuff
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 1:11pmIt’s only the best show on TV.
Plus, you never hear “bleeps” for for cussing, because these guys don’t cuss. That alone makes in 100 times better than any other reality show on the tube.
Report Post »JESUSFREAK702
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 1:08pmFantastic show. I only wish I could grow a beard like them.
Report Post »Magicsmom
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 12:51pmLove this show!
Report Post »Saving_the_Republic.com
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 12:32pmWHY!!? Its epic, its awesome and raw truth most of the time!!! They are funny to watch but tons of life lessons, strong on family, faith, and proof of what hard work will get you.
Phil Robertson is a WISE MAN!! Listen to him when he speaks.. I tell my nephews to “listen to Uncle Phil”.
Report Post »HanginChad
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 12:24pmI have known this family for years now and can assure you that what you see on TV is how they are in real life.
Good, decent, down to earth, God fearing folks who put God and family first, making a living doing the things that they love.
Report Post »Charlie Echo
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 12:37pmI am so glad to hear this show has been renewed. My wife and I watch it and laugh at their antics. I also appreciate the fact of being about love, family and supporting each other with their values that are missing in most of TV today. The grandchildren saying thank you, please and yes sir … Great role models for all to see. Shows how to work, play, argue (with reason) and wind up remaining the same. Down to earth, good people. I LIKE THE SHOW!!! One of my new favorites!!
Report Post »Titainiumman
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 12:19pmLove the show,Something i can watch with my grandchildren.
Report Post »Ravenheart77
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 12:00pmThis show is so scripted but I like it anyway. It’s a lot of fun.
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 12:32pmI’ve thought that it was about as scripted as Amos & Andy, but it is funnier. It’s a hoot to see that their wealth has only affected them in a very few ways.
Report Post »Geddon
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:52amOne of the very few show I can let my children watch and not have to worry about the content. By the way did you know Phil played football for Louisiana Tech as a quarterback? His backup was Terry Bradshaw! He left his senior season to start is duck call business.
Report Post »Saving_the_Republic.com
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 12:33pmNO he left playing ball b/c it interfered with duck hunting season!!!
Report Post »skypilot77
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:41amIts on like donkey kong. Jack!
This is great. More Si-ence Fiction
I haven’t laughed so hard with a group of people on TV, ever.
Report Post »tugdiver
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:22amA vet that is talented beyond belief, A family that loves each other, no divorces, they eat and pray together?? Whats not to love? I know some people want the single parent with tattoo ridden children but this is such a nice break. You know they don’t ask anything of the government and expect nothing of the government.
Report Post »fobama
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:20amFYI the father, Phil is a minister
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3oiUfKjJWg
Report Post »Heb4Seven
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 4:40pmExcellent link….Really enjoyed that!! Thanks for sharing it.
Report Post »Mahakala
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:17amBest show on TV hands down. But hey, what do I know Jack?
Report Post »this1can
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:10amThis is a great show, I would love to hang out with these guys and drink tea and eat some frog legs and have some laughs. this is the way to live life. Love/Pray
Report Post »DouglasD777
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:25amTea? Tea? Really, tea!
Report Post »CPT_GCF
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:35amSweet Tea, baby! It’s a southern thing… and we’re proud of it.
Report Post »DouglasD777
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:44amI agree!. It just sounded funny when I first read it. Tea “and crumpets” came to mind, unfortunately, not a tall ice cold glass of sweet tea. Beer and frog legs has a much better mental image for me, especially with these guys.
Report Post »DouglasD777
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 12:39amForgive me, forgive me, forgive me! My comments were made before watching any of the episodes. Tea and squirrel, haven’t gotten to frog legs yet, is the way to go. Not sure if A&E was trying to make fun of Rednecks or not, I am sure they have shown the basics of America, and pissed off PETA. Can’t wait til our new 100,000 sq-ft Cabela’s opens up here in Rogers Ar, hope they have Duck Commander duck calls and DVDs. I get it! Riiiiiibbbbbiiiitttt, Riiiiiibbbiiiiiiiiiitt, I’m in heaven!
Report Post »heyjim55
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:54amI like the show and the people, there has been a lot Louisiana bayou shows made and as much as I enjoy them I wonder how long will it be before some Leftists start trying to put those folks out of business. Maybe to much exposure I hate to see their way of life get challenged by activists or the White House, lets not forget the Left hates the south . I hope Louisiana is well represented with conservatives , libertarians and Republicans they will eventually need everyone of them.
Report Post »skiz
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 2:14pmI would not advise the left to mess with these good people! First and foremost God is on their side because they are on God’s side. And secondly city folk can get lost in the bayou easily! At the end of every episode the sit down together, ask God to bless their meal and talk about the days events. That is the way our family does and all families should do!
Report Post »ascpgh
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 8:04amAgreed x10.
These are folks that the self-elevated, the elected class and their boot-strappers from the DC to Boston metroplex or the LA area ought to be afraid of. They shoot straight, from the shoulder and from the mouth. They have no difficulty telling you what they said about something ten years ago because it was true then and easy to remember now, and if you had a problem with it then or now they’d be happy to have you address them about it right there.
This is a place where the labrador retriever will ride home from the hunt in the cab, other hunters in the bed, because the dog worked harder and is respected for that.
Report Post »vobk2002
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:53amThis is one of the few shows on TV that I make sure my family takes time to watch together. It is based in Christ and great family morals. They are not afraid to get dirty. They live off the land, and are a great example to anyone who watches. Good job guys. Keep it up.
Report Post »fobama
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:51amHey, you know what Hey, this is a dam fine show right here jack, hey I love it, hey they love the lord, an hey, its all about gun, family, an God, hey cant beat that….
Report Post »skiz
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 7:41amHey, I’ll tell you what. Fine folks. Hey, dont forget it.
Report Post »lfoa
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:47amModern day “Beverly Hillbillies”….
Report Post »drattastic
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 12:36pmObviously you haven’t watched ,these people are red necks and proud of it but they aren’t stupid .Well most of them aren’t anyway.
Report Post »Jeffrey777
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:45amMy dad bought me one of their duck calls back in the 80′s. Wish i still had it.
Report Post »rfycom
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:44amI love these guys.
Report Post »raisingkidsforthetruth
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:41amHEY I actually really enjoy this show! It makes me laugh but in the end it is a very christian hearted show where their family and their faith and good ole values are important. The love for each other their community and the land is refreshing. And our family has a good time watching them have fun too!
Report Post »Ghengas
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:37amBest show on tv
Report Post »HorseCrazy
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:36amAmerica loves country folks thats the bottom line. some people like to laugh at us all but still cannot take your eyes off of us. God bless country folks.
Report Post »shakedowncrews
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 4:55pmI laugh at city folk a lot more, truth be told. I‘ve literally met folk in the city who can’t tell you what direction the sun rises and sets, “From the North?” they said. Dumb as sticks but they will say the rednecks are dumb. Who else but city slickers can say things with a straight face like “I hate hunters. You should get your meat from the market so no animals have to die.”
You think I’m kidding? Think again.
Report Post »Tractorboy
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 7:32amWe like to refer to them as Cidyits. Love the show, think I’m going to buy a hat or something to support them.
Report Post »dsm
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:35amNot mentioned, but they also pray before they start to eat.
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