Quack in Trouble #DuckDynasty

Freddy Choyle 

Last month the Robertson family patriarch Phil Robertson opened his mouth and created quite a stir. Phil who's family life and business is the focal point of the popular A&E "reality" show, Duck Dynasty, did not mince words in recent GQ article. The self proclaimed red neck, was brutally honest when asked his thoughts on homosexuality. His less then fuzzy opinions caused the network to suspend Phil from future production. A&E later lifted the suspension after a brief family standoff with the network. At that time Duck Dynasty was the quack of the networks broadcast lineup. Some 12 million viewers tuned into it's August season premiere. However it appears the network may have had a legitimate worry, in Phil's words. 

Duck Dynasty is the exact industry example of what not to pitch to Hollywood Executives. Considering the "reality" shows other networks and A&E themselves normally run, a hillbilly family business with strong Christian over tones is certainly the exception rather then the rule. However it seems even a show, who is clearly pushing a biblical lessons in each show, can still get in hot water with it's fans. 

The show's fifth season marks a drastic reduction in viewers. Loosing nearly half their fan base from their August premiere, the Robertsons are down to about six and half million viewers per week.  Duck Dynasty had been at a slight decline after August but has lost nearly two million viewers a week since returning with new episodes. In fact FOX411 is reporting that A&E is shopping for a new show starring "Christian talent" which is ironic on it's own. 

The Robertsons and A&E's marriage has been far from bliss. After all the show almost never saw the light of day. The two sides argued heavily over, the Robertsons insisting each show end with a family prayer. In the end A&E caved. December's last disagreement after Phil's remarks to GQ could still be an issue for the network. It appears it still is with viewers, which could cost Duck Dynasty to fly off into the sunset. 



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