Topline
The “Duck Dynasty” reality television series that launched the Robertson family into stardom more than a decade ago is getting a reboot, with a new series called “Duck Dynasty: The Revival” set to debut this summer.
Duck Dynasty’s Korie Robertson and Willie Robertson.
Copyright 2014 AP. All rights reserved.Key Facts
The show, which will feature the same family as the original “Duck Dynasty” series that first aired from 2012 to 2017, has been ordered for 20, one-hour episodes split across two seasons set to air on cable network A&E.
The episodes will largely feature the next generation of the Robertson family, who were teenagers and younger during the show’s initial debut, and focus on the future of the Duck Commander company, a hunting game call brand created by the family patriarch, Phil Robertson, who drew controversy during the original series.
Phil was not mentioned in A&E’s announcement of the new show and it seems unlikely he’ll appear on air—he’s reportedly been battling several health issues including early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and a blood disorder.
The updated series will star familiar faces like Phil’s brother Uncle Si, Phil’s wife Miss Kay and their son Willie and his wife Korie Robertson, as well as their children John Luke, Sadie, Will, Bella and Rebecca.
The children, now in their 20s and 30s with families of their own , have each established their own social media followings and, in some cases, individual brands since the initial show ended.
In its time on air, a fourth season episode of “Duck Dynasty” became the most-viewed non-fiction telecast in cable TV history with 11.8 million live viewers, and “The Blind,” a Christian biographical drama movie about the life of Phil Robertson, became the highest-grossing release ever for Fathom Events when it premiered last year.
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What Is “duck Dynasty” About?
The original “Duck Dynasty” reality series followed the life of the Robertson family, who found success with their family-operated business, Duck Commander. The business made duck hunting calls from Louisiana cedar trees for decades and ultimately expanded to sell other hunting equipment like face camo, deer calls, fishing lures and accessories and modifications for hunting vehicles. The show was filmed in a sitcom style and each episode was less than 30 minutes long. The men of the main cast—Phil, his brother Si and his sons Jase, Willie and Jep—became instantly recognizable for their long and full beards, and the show followed life on their family homestead in Louisiana. “Duck Dynasty” ran for 11 seasons between 2012 and 2017.
When Is “duck Dynasty” Coming Back?
A&E didn’t give an exact premiere date, but said the show will debut this summer.
Where To Stream “duck Dynasty”
The original “Duck Dynasty” series can be streamed for free on aetv.com, Amazon Prime Video, Tubi, Pluto TV and Philo. It’s also available on Hulu, YouTube TV and Disney+ with a subscription.
The extended Robertson family attends the “Duck Commander Musical” premiere at the Crown Theater at … [+]
Getty ImagesHow Successful Was “duck Dynasty?”
Very. In addition to its initial on-air success, the show launched several spin-off series—like “In the Woods with Phil” and “Jep & Jessica: Growing the Dynasty”—and podcasts. By the end of 2013, its second year on air, “Duck Dynasty” product tie-ins were estimated to have made $400 million in revenue. Sales in Walmart alone accounted for half of that, and Robertson-themed merchandise was also sold in stores like Target and Kohl’s. By November 2012, 1,200 pieces of Robertson paraphernalia were on shelves and, the same year, Universal Music teamed up with A&E to record “Duck The Halls,” an album of holiday music featuring the Robertsons singing songs like “Ragin’ Cajun Redneck Christmas.” George Strait and Allison Krauss featured on the record. The Robertson family’s media franchise also features books, video games and toys, and Hallmark sold a line of greeting cards adorned with the family’s faces and catchphrases.
Tangent
The new generation expanding the Robertson family has also launched their own business ventures. The oldest child, Rebecca Robertson Loflin, founded a clothing store called “Duck and Dressing” with her mom in 2019 and later founded a boutique focused on outfits for mothers and children. John Luke Robertson, the oldest biological son of Willie and Korie, has a coffee roasting business. His little sister, Sadie Carroway Robertson, has more than 5 million Instagram followers and competed on “Dancing with the Stars.” She has sold several books, including a devotional, has several faith-based mobile apps and travels to college campuses nationally to speak with Bible study groups. Bella Robertson Mayo, who was 9 when the show premiered, is also a published author and runs a faith-based women’s organization called cultivate.LA. Will Robertson Jr. runs a YouTube channel.
Phil Robertson of television show “Duck Dynasty” speaks at the annual Conservative Political Action … [+]
AFP via Getty ImagesKey Background
Much of the original “Duck Dynasty” series focused on the Robertsons’ Christian faith. Members of the family have spoken out about religious issues, routinely ended episodes of the series with prayer and have preached nationwide about faith, repentance and baptism. In 2013, Phil Robertson was suspended briefly by A&E after he told GQ he considered homosexuality and promiscuity to be sins. He went on to say, “neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers – they won’t inherit the kingdom of God.” He later released a statement defending his comments, saying it’s his “mission” to spread the Bible’s teachings, including that “women and men are meant to be together.” In the same interview, he also made comments slammed as whitewashing the injustices of the Jim Crow South. Robertson, who grew up in Louisiana, said he “never saw the mistreatment of any black person,” adding, “The blacks worked for the farmers. I hoed cotton with them. I’m with the blacks, because we’re white trash. We’re going across the field…. They’re singing and happy.” Religious groups and some Republican politicians, including Sarah Palin and Mike Huckabee, defended his right to his opinion and others slammed his comments as bigoted and anti-gay. A&E ultimately reversed Robertson’s suspension and he said in a later interview that he doesn’t “hate anybody.”
Surprising Fact
The Robertson family holds a Guinness World Record for the most people duck calling simultaneously. The record of 3,028 people was set at “The Call: Faith, Family & Facial Hair” fundraiser in Fort Myers, Florida in 2014.
Further Reading
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