America’s favorite wholesome mega-family had 19 kids, a hit TV show and Bible verses for every occasion.
But behind the matching outfits was a cult, a cover-up and Josh Duggar the “Tom Cruise of IBLP”).
I rank this #5 on my list of “The Best Religious Cult Documentaries” (I’m up to 14!).
Thanks to writer Anna Brown for first alerting me to this series in her piece “What you need to know about Hobby Lobby, the Christian craft store funding the Duggars, Bill Gothard and IBLP”.
Trailer for “Shiny, Happy People”
Watch “Shiny, Happy People”
You can watch “Shiny, Happy People” on Prime Video here: Amazon Prime
Find all streaming options here: JustWatch
Ratings:
- My Rating: 90/100
- IMDB Rating: 7.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 88/100 (Users); 100/100 (Critics)
Director’s Note: Directed by Olivia Crist and Julia Willoughby Nason, who also did “The Pharmacist”, “LuLaRich” (which I loved and need to write!) and “Fyre Fraud”.
Release Date: June 2, 2023
My Review of “Shiny, Happy People”
The Setup
This 4-part docuseries takes you inside the Duggar family’s world and how their rise to fame was deeply tied to a little-known Christian fundamentalist group: the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP), led by Bill Gothard.
It’s not just a story of one family—it’s about a whole movement that shaped millions, while covering up abuse and silencing victims.
You Can’t Make This Sh*t Up
- Josie Duggar was born at just 25 weeks via emergency C-section, weighing only 1 lb 6 oz—and still made it onto camera.
- Bill Gothard, who preached about ideal family structures, never married or had kids—but still built a curriculum used by 2 million+ Christian families.
- Josh Duggar confessed his sexual abuse to a state trooper—who happened to be Jim Bob’s friend and later turned out to be a convicted child pornographer himself.
More Highlights from the Doc
- IBLP’s “umbrella of authority” teaching put men at the top—God, father, then wife, then children. It gave abusers cover and silenced victims.
- Hobby Lobby’s CEO was reportedly IBLP’s biggest donor—helping spread Gothard’s influence far beyond homeschooling circles.
- Jill Duggar says she was pressured to sign a five-year TLC contract on her wedding day. She didn’t fully understand it—and got no pay.
- The family intended to use a friend’s daughter “as a carrot” to control Josh’s predatory behavior.
- Jinger Duggar Vuolo says she was “crippled with anxiety” trying to follow IBLP’s rules and feared hell for the smallest missteps.
- Josh Duggar was found guilty of possessing child pornography in 2021. He’s now serving a 12.5-year sentence.
- Jim Bob Duggar ran for Arkansas Senate while Josh was awaiting trial, refusing to discuss the charges publicly.
Lesser-Known Details from the Doc
- Children were allegedly forced to sign contracts they didn’t understand—or had contracts signed on their behalf—committing them to TLC filming without pay.
- Even games like Monopoly and Cabbage Patch dolls were banned in the Duggar house, per IBLP’s fear of “ungodly influences.”
- Bill Gothard’s brother, Steve, was accused of sexual abuse while working within the same ministry.
- The Advanced Training Institute (ATI) curriculum included 54 “Wisdom Booklets” and discouraged secular education for girls.
- Jill and Jinger hint at serious mental health tolls—including disconnection from siblings and long-term anxiety.
- Jill Duggar Dillard gives a raw, emotional interview about being used by her parents and TLC.
- Jinger Duggar Vuolo reflects on her fear-based childhood and distancing from her brother Josh and IBLP teachings.
- Christian youth group alumni from “Generation Joshua” speak on how these beliefs influenced U.S. politics.
Wrap Up
This doc could’ve used 30% less Duggar recap and 30% more Gothard dirt—but it’s still essential viewing.
Thanks for reading!
Rob Kelly, Chief Maniac, Daily Doc