Shiny Happy People

Synopsis

A limited docuseries exposing the truth beneath the wholesome Americana surface of reality tv’s favorite mega-family, The Duggars, and the radical organization behind them: The Institute in Basic Life Principles. As details of the family and their scandals unfold, we realize they’re part of an insidious, much larger threat already in motion, with democracy itself in peril.

First Air Date: 2023-06-01

Last Air Date: 2025-07-23

Number of Seasons: 2

Number of Episodes: 7

Networks: Prime Video

View Technical Specifications on IMDb

Top Cast

Amy King as Self - Cousin of the Duggars
Dillon King as Self - Amy’s Husband
Jill Dillard as Self - Member of the Duggar Family
Derick Dillard as Self - Jill’s Husband
Jen Sutphin as Self - YouTube Creator, Fundie Fridays
Kristin Kobes Du Mez as Self - Author; Professor, Calvin University
Josh Pease as Self - Pastor, Journalist
Brooke Arnold as Self - Ex-IBLP
Bill Gothard as Self (archive footage)
Jeff Sharlet as N/A

Seasons

Duggar Family Secrets (2023)

A limited docuseries exposing the truth beneath the wholesome Americana surface of reality tv's favorite mega-family, The Duggars, and the radical organization behind them: The Institute in Basic Life Principles. As details of the family and their scandals unfold, we realize they’re part of an insidious, much larger threat already in motion, with democracy itself in peril.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: Meet the Duggars (2023-06-01)

The shiny facade of America's favorite giant family, and the ministry that guided their conservative values, is shattered, revealing a troubling reality underneath.
Ep. 2: Growing Up Gothard (2023-06-01)

As IBLP's homeschooling empire grows, it becomes clear that patriarchal, abusive authority is at the core of Bill Gothard and Jim Bob Duggar's power.
Ep. 3: Under Authority (2023-06-01)

Bill Gothard and Jim Bob Duggar grow their shared vision into an international empire on the backs of young people. Unpaid labor, abuse, and threats of retaliation build, until Gothard is finally cut down inside of his own organization. But the roots he put down are now spreading everywhere...
Ep. 4: Arrows Activated (2023-06-01)

Despite Gothard's demise and Josh Duggars disturbing new crimes, the movement goes on. Fundamentalists have consolidated political power nationwide to reshape society in their own image.