1. Large Family Size: The Duggars gained attention due to the size of their family. With 19 children, they were one of the largest families in the United States at the time, which sparked curiosity among viewers.
2. Conservative Values and Lifestyle: The Duggars are known for their strict adherence to conservative Christian values and lifestyle choices. Their emphasis on modesty, home-schooling, and gender roles resonated with certain religious and socially conservative audiences.
3. Reality TV Format: "19 Kids and Counting" offered viewers an intimate look into the daily lives of the Duggar family, providing entertainment through both heartwarming and dramatic moments. The show explored their unique family dynamics, sibling relationships, and challenges of raising a large family.
4. Controversies and Scandals: The Duggar family faced several controversies during the course of their fame, including allegations of abuse and mishandling of sexual assault cases involving Josh Duggar, the eldest son. These controversies generated significant media coverage and added to the public's interest in the family.
5. Spin-Off Shows and Media Appearances: The success of "19 Kids and Counting" led to several spin-off shows, including "Counting On" and specials focusing on individual Duggar family members. Their appearances on other TV programs, such as talk shows and documentaries, also contributed to their broader recognition.
6. Social Media Presence: The Duggars are active on social media platforms, sharing updates, photos, and videos of their family life with their followers. Their online presence has allowed them to maintain a connection with their fans and expand their reach beyond television viewers.
In summary, the Duggar family gained fame through their reality TV series, large family size, conservative values, controversies, spin-off shows, media appearances, and active social media presence, making them a well-known and frequently discussed topic among the general public.