Key Takeaways:
- The new TLC series "Suddenly Amish" follows six "English" individuals as they immerse themselves in an Amish community in Lancaster County.
- The show explores the challenges and cultural clashes that arise as the participants adapt to the Amish lifestyle and consider converting.
- The series features a diverse cast of characters, including a former dancer, a rapper, and a pastor’s son, as they navigate the strict rules and traditions of the Amish community.
- The show is not the first reality TV series to focus on Plain communities, with previous shows like "Amish Mafia" and "Breaking Amish" having aired on other networks.
- The series aims to provide a unique perspective on the Amish lifestyle and the challenges of adapting to a new and unfamiliar way of life.
Introduction to Suddenly Amish
The TLC network is set to premiere a new reality TV series, "Suddenly Amish," which follows six individuals from diverse backgrounds as they leave their modern lives behind and immerse themselves in an Amish community in Lancaster County. The show, which airs at 10 pm, promises to deliver a unique and fascinating look at the challenges and cultural clashes that arise when individuals from the "English" world attempt to adapt to the strict rules and traditions of the Amish lifestyle. The participants, who are contemplating the possibility of converting to the Amish faith, must navigate the drastically different routines and culture defined by faith, discipline, simplicity, and community.
Meet the Cast
The cast of "Suddenly Amish" is a diverse and intriguing group of individuals, each with their own unique background and motivations for joining the Amish community. There’s Kendra, a 33-year-old former dancer and content creator from California; Judah, a 22-year-old rapper from Missouri with a taste for luxury and a germaphobe; Matt, a 34-year-old newly divorced dad from Texas; Aaron, a 40-year-old pastor’s son from Michigan with a hearing disability; Esmerelda, a 25-year-old from Texas who has deeply intertwined her identity with glamour; and Billie Jo, a 44-year-old from New York who already dresses in traditional Amish clothing due to her interest in the sect. The hosts, who are listed on the TLC website with first names and descriptions only, are described as a progressive group of Amish individuals who are taking a new approach by inviting outsiders to adapt to Amish norms.
The Amish Hosts
The Amish hosts, who are tasked with guiding the participants through the challenges of Amish life, are an interesting and complex group of individuals. There’s Bishop Vernon, a strict and respected leader; Allen and Sarah, parents to four adopted children; James, a self-proclaimed rebel trying to get back into the good graces of his community after being shunned; and Emma, James’ cousin who recently returned to Amish life. The hosts are tasked with teaching the participants the ways of the Amish, from giving up technology and electricity to adopting traditional Amish clothing and customs. As the participants navigate the challenges of Amish life, they will have to confront their own biases and assumptions about the Amish lifestyle and decide whether or not it is truly the path they seek.
Reality TV and the Amish
"Suddenly Amish" is not the first reality TV series to focus on Plain communities. The Discovery Channel’s "Amish Mafia" ran from 2012-2015 and was marketed as a show that would provide a glimpse into the inner workings of the Amish and Mennonite communities. However, the show was largely scripted and fake, and was widely criticized for its inaccurate portrayal of Amish life. TLC’s "Breaking Amish," which ran from 2012-2014, followed members and ex-members of the Amish and Mennonite communities as they navigated the challenges of "English" life. Other shows, such as "Vanilla Ice Goes Amish," which aired on the DIY network in 2013, have also explored the Amish lifestyle and culture.
Conclusion
"Suddenly Amish" promises to provide a unique and fascinating look at the challenges and cultural clashes that arise when individuals from the "English" world attempt to adapt to the strict rules and traditions of the Amish lifestyle. With its diverse cast of characters and complex Amish hosts, the show is sure to deliver a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the Amish lifestyle and culture. As the participants navigate the challenges of Amish life, they will have to confront their own biases and assumptions about the Amish lifestyle and decide whether or not it is truly the path they seek. Will they be able to adapt to the simple, traditional way of life, or will they ultimately decide that the Amish lifestyle is not for them? Tune in to "Suddenly Amish" to find out.