Suddenly Amish: Do Fans Think The New TLC Show’s Authentic?

Breaking Amish, on TLC, highlighted folks who wanted to leave their rather quiet life. But the new show, Suddenly Amish, brings people who want to get into the lifestyle for the first time. Described as a “reverse Rumspringa,” is it likely to work out for them? Read on to find out first impressions by potential viewers.

The Cast & Synopsis

The cast involves six people who were never members of any Amish community. Anyway, these outsiders dump their high-tech and performance-driven lives to go and live in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Behind the scenes, it seems that too many people went off back into the “real” world, so Bishop Vernon literally needs some “new blood” in his flock. After all, inbreeding can cause some issues with offspring.

Alongside him, fans will see Sarah and Allen with their four kids, and an Amish guy named James who did something wrong, got shunned, and needs to get back in the community’s good graces.

The six outsiders need to ditch their phones, social media, modern plumbing, and careers, as well as access to modern medical professionals. Obviously, there will be challenges.

The Trailer

The trailer that was carried by E! Newsthree weeks ago showed Kendra, a 33-year-old who made a living on social media with OnlyFans. That’s a switch-up!

Next up was Judah, aged 22. He’s lived a life full of luxury but seeks deeper meaning in life. The singer/rapper might face some issues though, because he’s got a phobia about germs. Hmm…okay.

Next up is Matt. He’s divorced, a dad, and obviously hurting because he’s looking for secure family values. Perhaps he’ll find what he wants in life in Suddenly Amish.

Along with him, fans will see Aaron, who’s about 40. The son of a pastor, he might fit in as he looks for a “spiritual reset.” But, he battles with his hearing. How will that affect him? After all, dumping modern tech and medicine could be a massive disadvantage.

Of the last two, Esmeralda and Billie Jo, it seems that Billie Jo might successfully integrate. After all, she already plays at being Amish by wearing their style of clothing and dreams of life within the real community.

Meanwhile, Esmeralda has a rather glamorous identity, which might be hard to drop. The question on the minds of viewers is whether it will actually work for any of them.

Viewers React 

In the comments section, one person shared an interesting little story. They wrote:

I live in Lancaster County and I told my Amish friends about this show, they thought the concept was funny. One of them was like ‘Taking an English person from the city and trying to make them Amish is like taking a raccoon or a squirrel from the outside, bringing them inside, and expect them to act like a dog or a cat.'” They’ll always end up leaving eventually.

Well, if the real Amish think it won’t work, then possibly there’ll be a failure or two. Meanwhile, it also seems interesting that the lack of technology doesn’t mean no cameras.

As one critic pointed out, “Real Amish communities would not let cameras onto their property. They don’t want technology, they don’t like technology. They’d rather be left alone to live the lives they do.”

Here’s another person who thinks that the show won’t work for real and might not be authentic: “You need to be born into that life you can’t make it happen.”

Will People Tune In?

Some people said they’d never watch the show. Meanwhile, others hope for all the drama that TLC is so well-known for. Overall, the general feeling is it won’t work, and the people participating are just there for five minutes of fame.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below, and come back here often for all your Suddenly Amish news and updates.

The show premieres on TLC and Max on January 13.