Chris Fraticelli/TLCIs tonight's episode of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo the last episode ever?!
The TLC breakout hit series centering on former Toddlers and Tiaras star Alana Thompson (aka Honey Boo Boo) and her family, has courted its fair share of controversy since its debut. Still, there's no denying that America has become a bit obsessed with the family and their self-proclaimed "redneck" ways.
Alana's mother June Shannon (aka Mama) chatted with Ryan Seacrest on his radio show today about the family's life now that the show has entered the pop culture zeitgeist. Plus, she reveals when the show will end.
When Seacrest asked if she would let Alana quit the pageant circuit, June reveals that the decision to continue with the pageants, as well as the show, is entirely up to the 6-year-old child.
"Yes, when Alana says she doesn't want to do any more TV, 'I don't want to do any more pageants,' then we're done," June says. "We go back to our regular life like we are now. We live a normal life. Sugar Bear still works seven days a week. The kids still go to school, and we still live our life normally. Nothing has really like changed since the show."
As for the reaction she's been getting from viewers, June explains it's been mostly positive. "A lot of our fan base tell us that when they have a bad day they can be able to watch our show and be able to get a good laugh. I actually laugh at the show too, because it is kind of funny, because we know that it was fun filming it," she says." And it's just all about having fun and making memories. A lot of people say that they can relate to us."
As for her parenting style, June says, "I am a parent, first and foremost. That's how it is. I'm also their best friend and able to like come in with other situations. We have fun. We do act crazy a little bit, but we know when to be like serious. But if you're not having fun with your kids and making memories, that's what it is all about at the end of the day, man." (What a Tim Riggins approach to life, June has! She must be a Friday Night Lights fan.)
The family has been filmed doing a variety of activities (from bobbing for pigs' feet to extreme couponing), and June says there isn't really anything she wouldn't let TLC's cameras film. "I'm pretty much open to everybody. I'm pretty much open to them filming, as long as it isn't anything crazy."
So does June have any plans to marry Alana's father, Sugar Bear? "Maybe one day. The m-word scares me. That word kind of scares me a little bit," she admits.
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo airs tonight at 10 p.m. on TLC.