Plot Synopsis

KATE PLUS 8 is a one-hour reality series that follows now single-mom Kate Gosselin and her loveable brood of eight children -- after Kate's divorce from Jon. Besides the fact this series didn't include Jon, KATE PLUS 8 has a different vibe than its predecessor, JON AND KATE PLUS 8. With Jon, the series primarily focused on the household, and typical issues that arise in an average American family -- all made more dramatic with so many children. The Gosselin family took special vacations, but those trips didn't dominate the storylines. Meanwhile, this series followed Kate and the kids, with many episodes showing them on big trips to Alaska, New Zealand, Australia, Washington DC, and more. When KATE PLUS 8 premiered in June 2010, the little ones turned six in a special birthday episode.

On Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at 9pm ET/PT, TLC premiered the first of five consecutive KATE PLUS EIGHT specials, featuring a family trip to New England, house renovations, and the twins' 14th birthday. In the first two one-hour specials, Kate prepares her brood for a trip through New England to do some exploring and sightseeing. First stop is Plymouth, MA, for an all-day immersion into the lives of pilgrims complete with costumes and a homemade dinner. After a fun-filled day living back in time, the family travels to Maine for some beach adventures including collecting crabs, checking traps for lobsters, rowing, and paddle boarding. The other specials follow the family as they celebrate the twins' birthday and undergo an extensive and stressful home renovation. The family also sets up a yard sale to raise money for a local animal shelter, which perfectly aligns with the birthday celebration of their beloved dog, Shoka.

Season 4 of KATE PLUS 8 premiered on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at 9pm ET/PT on TLC, immediately following an all-day marathon (6am-9pm) of encore episodes. In the new season, school's out for the summer, and Kate has some surprise activities planned for the kids including a family beach trip to Florida. Kate also gets back in the dating game, but not without checking in with the kids first. Cara and Mady are high-school bound, so Kate worries the girls might be losing interest in her big summer plans. Despite their growing pains, the family continues to support each other every step of the way. The family trip to Florida is highlighted by a first time jaunt to a water park, a panic room activity that calls for teamwork and communication in order to make it out of the room on time, deep sea fishing that proves to be a challenge for some of the kids, and a home cooked meal for the entire family by Cara and Mady. Back home, Kate wants to resurrect one-on-one time with everyone, and sets up a spa day with the girls and a magic show with the boys. She also goes antique shopping with Cara and Mady, and puts together a culinary challenge where the older girls create their own teams with their younger siblings. Home improvement is at the top of Kate's list this summer, which includes building a new deck that inspires Kate to throw a summer party for her family and friends. After summer, back-to-school shopping is a challenge for Kate, Mady and Cara because with no uniforms, finding the perfect first day outfit is harder than they had anticipated. Kate wants to finally start dating again, so with the kids in mind, she makes sure everyone supports this next step. But even with the kids on board, Kate's unsure of how her blind date will turn out.

On Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at 10pm ET/PT, TLC premiered a new season of KATE PLUS 8, one week after the "10-Year Anniversary" special. Throughout the season, Kate and the kids are in for even more celebrations. The sextuplets turn twelve, and Kate plans an epic boys vs. girls scavenger hunt in their town. It's a race to the finish to see which team gets first place. The sextuplets aren't the only ones with birthdays, though -- Mady and Cara turn sixteen, and Kate has her hands full with two teenage daughters that will soon be driving. In the midst of all the birthday excitement, Kate plans a few exciting trips for the family to New Orleans, the Poconos and the beach for their summer vacation. From helping with hurricane relief in New Orleans to tubing in the Poconos, there's plenty of family fun with hilarious and cringe-worthy moments. To cap off the season, Kate and the kids host a family game night full of trivia from their ten years on television. While no one wants to be on Kate's team, the family enjoys a night full of not-so-friendly competition.

After a six-month break, KATE PLUS 8 returned with the first of three new episodes on Monday, July 10, 2017 at 10pm ET/PT on TLC. This three-episode run features a few of the most exciting Gosselin get-togethers of the year, including a very special sextuplet birthday bash. In the summer premiere, "A Haunting at the Gosselins," the Gosselins invite their friends over for a Halloween party as the kids try to convert the old family barn into a haunted house. Complete with creepy foods, a bonfire and a bunch of hand-made costumes, plenty of energy and teamwork is required from the whole family. With stress levels reaching an all-time high, will everything be done in time for the party?
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On Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at 10pm ET/PT, TLC premiered "College Bound," a new one-hour special. Kate finds a way to combine Mady and Cara's college tours with a fun vacation for the family. Flash forward a year later and Kate gets ready for the twins to leave the nest and start college.