TLC: ‘Jon & Kate’ will ‘reflect’ affair accusation

The increasingly anticipated fifth-season premiere of TLC’s Jon & Kate Plus 8 will depict the impact of tabloid accusations that hubby Jon Gosselin is having an affair, network sources said.

“I don’t think the plans are to cover the situation directly but theimpact of it will be reflected in the series,” a spokesperson said. “They’re not shying awayfrom it, but they’re not going to focus on it. They will address the fact there have been some changes in their life and there are things they are dealing with.”

The reality series starring the ultra-fertile couple has its seasonpremiere on May 25 and TLC could see one of its largestaudiences ever.

But the challenge to the show is to retain the family dynamic that has made the series a hit, while remaining authentic to the chaotic reality of the situation.

MTV’s The Hills was criticized for maintaining Lauren Conrad’s “character” as an LA everywoman while ignoring her mounting celebrity status.

Jon & Kate will have moments, such as when the couple go out in public, that will show the couple are now far from anonymous.

Kate Gosselin is scheduled to appear on Larry King tonight after having been interviewed on the Today show this morning, saying she’s “very hesitant” to believe her husband is cheating. Meanwhile Jon has released a statement saying he has showed “poor judgment” during the night he was spotted with a 23-year-old teacher. TLC said both appearances were booked months ago for her book tour.