Little People, Big Franchise?

The Learning channel, more commonly known as TLC, features shows relatable to modern life. "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition", "Trading Spaces", and "What Not To Wear" are examples of the typical show on TLC. Another typical show is "Little People, Big World". "Little People, Big World" follows the lives of Roloff family, the family includes two parents, who are both dwarves, and three children, only one of whom suffers from dwarfism. It chronicles the triumphs and challenges associated with everday life as a little person. Recently however, the show has branched out. TLC now features "Little Couple", "Little Parents, First Baby", and "Little Parents, Big Pregnancy". And the network has announced the premiere of a new series, "Little Chocalatiers". Despite the number and variety of these television programs, TLC claims they do not represent a growing franchise. The network claimes that the shows educate watchers and teach the simple fact that dwarves are people, too. But does that message still apply if the network itself is exploiting these people for higher viewing numbers? And is the network exploiting them at all?

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