It Seems That TLC’s “Breaking Amish” Is Fake—Like Rebecca’s Teeth


Remember when I suggested that perhaps something stinks in Amish suburbia, that something just didn’t sit right with TLC’s Breaking Amish? Well, it seems that my instincts were correct. A Facebook page called Breaking Amish the Truth was launched to “peacefully & respectfully document misleading information in TLC’s “Amish Breaking” and pass on accurate portrayals of Amish and Mennonites.” And hoo boy does it document lies, lies, and more lies.

Exhibit A: Rebecca and Abe, who say that they meet for the very first time on Breaking Amish, have met before—and they have a baby. (And Rebecca had her own teeth!)

Breaking Amish Rebeca Abe baby It Seems That TLCs Breaking Amish Is Fake—Like Rebeccas Teeth

Exhibit B: Sabrina had a marriage license in 2009. And also appears to have clothing other than her Mennonite dresses.

 It Seems That TLCs Breaking Amish Is Fake—Like Rebeccas Teeth

Exhibit C: Jeremiah has a MySpace page, on which he shares many, many photos of him engaging in many, many non-Amish-related activities. Also, he might be divorced and he might be the father of at least three children.

Jeremiah myspace breaking amish It Seems That TLCs Breaking Amish Is Fake—Like Rebeccas Teeth

Exhibit D: Kate has submitted photos to modeling sites, even though Amish are not allowed to take photos of themselves. Interesting.

 It Seems That TLCs Breaking Amish Is Fake—Like Rebeccas Teeth

Well, it seems that none of these Amish and Mennonite men and women are breaking away from anything for the very first time, as TLC and the show’s production company, Hot Snakes Media, would have liked us to believe.

So what the fresh heck is actually going on here? Is this all complete and total fiction? Is any of this true? Or is it all as fake as Rebecca’s teeth?

TLC has issued the following statement, in an attempt to clear the air and dispel the rumors. “There is a lot of information floating around about the group featured on Breaking Amish. Much of it is not true, but some of it is — and is addressed in upcoming episodes.”

Okay. WHAT?!

So what TLC is essentially saying is that yes, indeed, they have been flat-out lying to us on some things, but you know what we viewers should do? We should keep watching the show so we can find out the truth. You see what they did there? They just scored themselves some more eyeballs on their fake show.

Well played, TLC, well played.

Read More: My So-Called Amish Life – A Review of TLC’s ‘Breaking Amish’

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About Ali Martell

When Ali isn't writing her Seinfeld-esque drivel over at her personal site, Cheaper Than Therapy, or writing about fashion on her YummyMummyClub.ca blog From Hemlines to Heels, she is giving Buffy the Vampire Slayer a chance, laughing maniacally at the absurdity of 50 Shades of Grey, and trying to stop the world from wearing leggings as pants.



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  • Tyskkvinna

    Did anybody *really* think that a TLC show about the Amish (and specifically Amish in non-Amish turf) would be truthful? I can perhaps POSSIBLY buy the idea that a small group would allow a documentary group on their farms and whatnot for the attempt at a positive portrayal of their life – if they care what the rest of the world thinks and I am inclined to say they do not – but letting them loose in the big city? They’ve got to be loose canons before TLC ever found them.

    • alimartell

      I guess I’m just a little at shocked at how completely and totally false it is, and how much is being covered up.

    • http://www.facebook.com/maria.bullard.56 Rose Maria

      I was skeptical about that too. How strict the Amish people are I mean they would never let “English” materialistic items on their property. Some parts seem real like how Rebecca said she had a child and the producer was asking her about her daughter like they were clueless. Now im really skeptical about Long Island Medium. Thats another story. When I saw the promo, how the boy was crying and the woman brought the picture out that said My name is… i was like wow!

  • http://highlyirritable.wordpress.com/ Jeni

    Hold on a goddamn minute here. Are you telling me that TLC lacks – LACKS – integrity?
    I swear to god if you tell me the “Honey Boo Boo” gang is a real family…
    My world is crumbling. Well, at least I have “Hoarders” to cling to.

    • http://www.sweetney.com Sweetney

      Jeni wins internets.

  • Jayme

    What the hell? Damn you TLC for making me believe this glorious made up world of Amish kids breaking away from their crazy rules.

    Someone hold me.

  • issascrazyworld

    It’s not like I believe all TLC shows are real. I mean, they’ve gone majorly downhill in the past however many years. However this one has seemed just way over the top since day one. Even for TLC. Hi the Amish NEVER let cameras in. Somehow I doubt video cameras aren’t included in that. There is a reason we only see the Amish in movies made with Tim Allen…

    I watched the first episode, mostly out of curiosity. I haven’t seen any more. It’s ridiculous. Had they done a show with Amish teens who go on uh that R word (Rump something) they’d of had me as a viewer. That would have held my attention. Amish teens gone wild!!!! before going home because the real world is too effing crazy! I’d of watched that. Amish people intrigue me in a way. Maybe because I’ve never seen one before. 30 year old liars? Eh. If I wanted to see that I’d watch Real Housewives of Hogwarts. Or Survivor.

    • alimartell

      Yes. I would really love to know about the REAL Amish community and what Rumspringa is actually like.

      • phinneas8052

        Devil’s Playground is a documentary about Rumspringa. It’s pretty good.

        • alimartell

          Thank you! I will go find it!

  • Nat

    I’m so disappointed… I was really looking forward to watching this show and now to know it’s not real… what a shame… I have a different perspective of TLC :(

  • jan

    This does not look like Rebecca. Rebecca has blonde hair and straight eyebrows. And no teeth!

    • alimartell

      every source I have read says that it’s, indeed, her. I’d love to know the story about the teeth, though. When she lost them or had them removed. Mystery!

      • jan

        Wow, I know… since I posted, I saw a pic of her (in a bikini) that shows the same brown hair and blonde roots. The teeth have got to be a story… I’ll hate myself, but I must tune in!

  • http://twitter.com/_anthonybey ?????cé’? ????

    ; that’s not rebecca …

  • JD Piche

    If the Quality Television that THE LEARNING CHANNEL is putting out isnt real, then, like what does that say about other stuff kids are taught? like Math? Numbers arent Real Maaan. Algebra is just a trick, by the man to keep kids down with fake ‘educating’ – Next thing you’re going to say is Honey Boo Boo is actually an alien. but i say unto you, Fie! Fie Upon You! Honey Boo Boo is the epitome of America.

  • http://www.facebook.com/abbyfacekilla Abby Cobb

    There was the Devil’s Playground too. Filmed where I used to live. Really what most people don’t understand is rumspringa become psycho drug addicted teens and then around 18-21 decide to join. I think this movie is free on Hulu btw.
    http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0293088/

  • Vicky

    Abe and Rebecca r from the same town…

  • paula

    Bummer……

  • Linda Zaveson

    10 bucks Secret Princes has a few skeletons too.

  • Latinainvermont

    it seems nobody notice that on the 2nd episode they were at a restaurant having chinesse food…rebecca was eating her stuff with “chinesse sticks” like a pro…
    really? I stoped watching this show at that “gotcha momment”

  • tiffy

    not to sure about this show any more , but how do you explain Rebecca’s teeth ????

  • Scarlett

    Wow!! TLC<<<THE LYING CHANNEL… How Sad.. & This Stupid A** Show w these Stupid People that r Full of Cr**… It's all a Huge Lie, They All Know Eachother, and Soo much more.. These Jerks r Laughing All the Way to the Bank, Get s Real Life U Idiots & a Real Show..Losers..what a waste of our lives, soo much more important things, Like Our Country, that's Failing, Lies, Lies & more Lies, TLC*ShAMe On U..

  • all of tv is fake

    Next they’ll figure out the roloffs aren’t really little people

  • Vicki

    While I do agree that this show is fake, not such a huge surprise, there are many different sects of Amish and Mennonites. Some sects are more flexible than others regarding modern world technologies. We had an Amish welder make a gate for our cabin and he sent his sons over to put on a new roof. The sons drove in their own truck, wore English clothes and used power tools. The level of separation from the modern world depends on the sect and the people themselves.

  • Johnny Nightrider

    Breaking Amish.Jeremiah said he was divorced in the show,but Rebecca and Abe and all that is a lie cause they have a child together.I like Sons Of Guns thats a good show and it ain’t a bunch of lies just good T.V.

  • Johnny Nightrider

    To Jan; that is Rebecca when she had teeth before they we’re pulled out for having bad teeth or gums or both and hair can be colored and eyebrows changed.That is Rebecca.I thought it was real also but most of it seems to be bogus and fake as reports come out.

  • jackie

    i watched the show for the first time ever today and it says that the show that aired in canada on november 4th 2012 was filmed in 2010. just so you know

  • Shari

    Abe is a hot head, & Rebecca is the one who 1st said she had a baby-not us ‘jealous people’

  • Shari

    The final show was insulting to the viewers..they act like we know nothing..it’s just like any other religion..some people follow the rules ALL the time, others don’t, some use it when it’s convienent.

  • vegaslasv

    Duh stop watching these shows and help making these people rich

  • vegaslasv

    We r all being lied too by All of them. Stop watching and helping them make money….duh…Fake…

  • vegaslasv

    What how gonna leave message with these crazy passwords

  • vegaslasv

    TLC or the people.in this reality show lied to us?????

  • vegaslasv

    Just also curious how people feel when these reality stars make lots lots of money off u all watching and also buying there stuff? Only wondering cuz i saw and know people that are upset about this.

  • vegaslasv

    Just also curious how people feel when they r lied to and these people made and make money????

  • vegaslasv

    Wow how do u all really think?? It looks so fake.

  • vegaslasv

    I don’t understand how any of them got angry with the Host Journalist, when they r the ones that totally lied. All of us peeps r lost….why be mad when we all did our Homework and it Looks like you all lied…u all went on the reality show and ur mad at all of us???????????

  • vegaslasv

    Oh yes also I thought Amish people were not aloud to be on camera or in vehicles but, I think Abes Mother was a lot…how? And so many other stuff and lies and they all get Mad about it…that makes no sense….right!!!!!

  • vegaslasv

    Hey wait a minute how did these fake or old Amish find this show…

  • mandarin334