I loathe loathe loathe Kate. She's become a monster I think as a result of the fame going to her head. Is all about her her her.
Watched a few episodes and googled and found web site that really opened my eyes to the show. The kids, until recently, weren't paid a dime for their "work". Every milestone is manipulated and filmed. Every tantrum and embarrassing ailment. Missing loads of school.
Think, from what I've read, the child labour laws in Pennsylvania are in the process of being tightened up, precisely because of the furore surrounding the gosselins.
Last I read, looks like the series is quietly being cancelled. Jon refused permission to film last year, but then seemed to change his mind (£££?). But it seems he might have refused again. Have to say I think it's the best thing for the kids. Why should they grow up in the spotlight, with paparazzi dogging their every movement?
I also because incredibly keen on deadliest catch in the early days of ds2 - glued to sofa feeding and watching back to back episodes. Became damn knowledgeable about opillio crab vs king crab seasons 
At least the men participating in that series are adults, capable of making their own decisions regarding filming (i.e. the third Hansen brother rarely in shot, prefers not to be shown to same extent as Edgar and Sig).
Though I read (god I spend too much time on internet) that the Hillstrands have had major falling out with the tv company.