Lifetime and TLC super-size 'Dance Moms' and '19 Kids and Counting'

“Dance Moms” and “19 Kids and Counting” are two reality TV shows that are as different as night and day. However, on March 19, they have something in common. Both series are airing super-sized editions for a double dose of controversial Abby Lee Miller and the wholesome Duggar family from Arkansas. Here’s the scoop on both.

“Dance Moms” on Lifetime
For the March 19 edition of “Dance Moms,” Lifetime has super-sized the episode to two hours. It’s titled “The Apple of Her Eye” and shows how strict teacher, Abby Lee Miller, prepares her dancers for a strenuous group routine that pays tribute to Rosa Parks. Meanwhile, Mackenzie becomes an Internet sensation with her makeup tutorials.

Duggars JapanDuggars Japan

“Dance Moms” is Lifetime’s newest hit TV series that revolves around controversial dance studio owner, Abby Lee Miller, her young students, and their always-present moms. Viewers often criticize Miller’s strict, no-nonsense approach, but many of her students have moved on from her dance studio to perform professionally. Plus, many win scholarships to major events all across the country. Miller defended her strict approach on “The View” and said, “I’m not some fly by night teacher.”

The “Dance Moms” cast includes head instructor Abby Lee Miller, dancers Maddie and Mackenzie Ziegler, Chloe Lukasiak, Brooke and Paige Hyland, Nia Frazier and Kendall Vertes; plus moms Melissa, Christi, Kelly, Holly and Jill. New episodes air every Tuesday night at 8 p.m. EST on Lifetime.

Fans are excited about Tuesday’s two-hour episode and are talking about it on Facebook. Below are a few posts from March 19.

• “Cannot wait. Getting all my housework done today so I can sit and enjoy tonight.” – Beth Haun
• “Can’t wait! Love this show!” – Joan Kane
• “Two hours of Pretty Little Liars or Dance Moms. Tough decision.” – Katalina Bravo

“19 Kids and Counting” on TLC
The super-sized Duggar family from Arkansas is back in action with a one-hour, super-sized episode of “19 Kids and Counting." Tuesday’s show is titled “Duggars Do Asia: Kyoto, Japan” and highlights the Duggars taking part in a Master Goldfish Catcher competition. Later, they make their way to Kyoto, the second stop on their overseas adventure. It airs from 9-10 p.m. EST and PST on TLC.

The super-sized Duggar family includes mom Michelle, dad Jim Bob, plus children Joshua, Jana, John-David, Jill, Jessa, Jinger, Joseph, Josiah, Joy-Anna, Jeremiah, Jedidiah, Jason, James, Justin, Jackson, Johannah, Jennifer, Jordyn and Josie. The family resides debt-free in Arkansas and has a huge following of devoted fans. Below is what a few of them have to say about the new season of “19 Kids and Counting," as posted on Facebook on Tuesday.

• “Can’t wait! Love the Duggars!” – Javeta Acker
• “People say the Duggars are too shut off from the world. They have seen and experienced more culture than most Americans ever do.” – Shirley Kase
• “Something to look forward to on a Tuesday night. Yay!” – Erika Matilla

The third and final episode of the Duggars’ trip to Asia is called “Duggars Do Asia: Beijing, China.” It airs on Tuesday, March 26 and highlights sightseeing tours to Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall of China and a local village.

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