Looking back, it seems like TLC cut and ran from the family before getting enough of the details. I have heard conflicting stories of what went down, but it seems like June's involvement with this man had more to do with her middle child seeking an interaction with her birth father and less about her dating him. But the family was uncharacteristically evasive early on when it came to explaining this story and, as a result, both they and the network let the tabloids and the media define this situation.
On the other hand, it was probably a good thing for the family (and the children, in particular) to separate from the reality TV show. Alana spent half of her life in front of cameras and it was clear from several of her media events that she really didn't want to be there much of the time.
So the family has been out of the public eye for most of the past 1 1/2 years (with the exception of her music video "Movin Up!" and her parents' appearance on the most recent "Marriage Boot Camp" season).
My son is hosting a sleep-over at our home tonight, which means that I won't be able to watch this episode of "Where Are They Now." But I really want to see it!
My family thinks I'm odd for my fascination with Honey Boo Boo, her family, and her program. But I really found them fun to watch and have continued to find them accessible to fans -- particularly her uncle, Lee "Uncle Poodle" Thompson and his fiance Alan. I bristle when people make fun of her weight and her antics and I really want to see what she's like when she's not performing -- at least, not performing like she needed to do for the reality TV shows that she was on before as opposed to sitting through a simple interview.
Hopefully I won't have too long to wait to see this program. My plan is to check in again after watching this episode of "Where Are They Now" and offer my reaction.
You can watch the promo video here.