Guest Author - Sandra Eggers
Little People, Real World follows reality TV family the Roloff’s. Dad Matt and Mom Amy, along with twins Zach and Jeremy, only daughter Molly and youngest Jacob live a mostly normal life on a pumpkin farm just outside Portland, Oregon.
What’s unique about the Roloff family, other than cameras constantly following them around all day, is that Mom and Dad are little people, along with one of the twins. The show follows normal family activities that are complicated with the extra challenges of accomplishing those normal family activities when you’re a little person.
Fans of Little People, Real World have followed the Roloff family for 5 seasons, but now the twins are graduating from high school, and the family dynamic is sure to change. It’s been reported that this sixth season was ended by family patriarch Matt rather than by TLC.
Dad Matt seems to be a bit of an opportunist, so it’s not clear why he would choose to end a good thing. It leads one to wonder if there are immanent health or financial issues looming. In one previous episode there was talk of selling the farm, and the fifth season cliffhanger ended with Matt collapsing.
This reality TV family also has real-world issues to deal with that are sometimes played out in the public spotlight. Dad Matt has two previous DUI arrests, and youngest son Jacob was seriously injured on the farm.
TLC does it’s best to address both good and bad in their family programming, but what you won’t see showcased in any of the episodes is a report on the massive gridlock caused by curious fans visiting the farm during the height of pumpkin season, or the aggressive fans that will trespass on Roloff private property and cause security concerns.
All in all, it seems that Little People, Real World does a pretty good job at portraying the lives and associated challenges of little people. From the physical limitations to the emotional turmoil of daily living, TLC and the Roloff family have given fans great exposure to this world, and hopefully a positive experience for other little people that it has touched.
The sixth season of Little People, Real World will be their last, so if you haven’t tuned in yet, there is still time to enjoy the Roloff family.
