22 Kids and Counting fans were delighted to learn the new series would be airing this month, but the latest episode saw many complaining about a key feature of the show.
The Channel 5 docu-series has fascinated viewers for years as it follows Sue and Noel Radford and their extraordinary lives bringing up 22 children.
However, with the latest instalments seeing plenty of unexpected drama, some have come to believe the new episodes are "scripted".
Several complaints flooded in during the weekend's episode as fans begged for the show to "go back" to how it used to be.
The episode saw Noel, 53, making a "selfish" admission as he gave some thought to his future. During a hike with fellow parents his age, Noel started comparing his life with those of his peers whose children have already flown the nest, leaving them to enjoy more free time.
He went on to admit he felt as though his "wings are clipped" in an unexpected confession.
"Seeing my mates enjoy themselves is a real wake-up call. If I wait until all of my kids have flown the nest, I'll just be too old to do the things that I want to do," he continued.
He even pitched the idea of moving the entire family to Australia, which left wife Sue, 49, concerned he may be suffering a "midlife crisis".
Elsewhere, Chloe Radford was in tears as her brother Luke failed to tell her he was planning to leave the family pie business the two run together with their dad.
However, not everyone believed the events in the show were authentic, and social media was filled with criticisms about the "scripted" feel of the instalment.
22 Kids and Counting fans complained the show feels 'scripted'
Channel 5
After the family's official Instagram account posted a clip from the episode after it aired, one fan said in the comments: "Tonights felt very Scripted Shame because normally amazing !!"
"Same as last wk scripted not the same as it used to be," another complained.
Responding, someone else penned: "Last series was too - moving to America, Noel 'retiring' and handing over the business etc - all too staged/scripted by the producers."
"I have always loved your show but it is now very scripted and made up just to create a good episode. I'm sure the producers are behind this but I think you should keep the integrity of the show," a fourth posted.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
22 Kids and Counting star Luke left sister Chloe in tears as he shared plans to leave the family business
Channel 5
"Totally scripted please go back to how the first shows were," another pleaded.
"Didn’t watch it all.. Too staged for me…" someone else wrote, while another added: "I am finding the 22 kids and couting very Scripted and not like their own u tube channel and the producers are ruining the show making it so unbelievable don't like watching it anymore."
However, others were full of praise following the episode, with one writing: "Love the series. Seemed a bit scripted this evening for some reason. Still worth a watch."
"Highlight of my Sunday this is," another enthused.
GB News has approached Channel 5 for a comment.
