Duck Dynasty is about to return to our screens simply days after the dying of household patriarch Phil Robertson on the age of 79.
The eagerly awaited Duck Dynasty: The Revival lands on A&E on June 1. The collection was filmed earlier than Phil’s passing and can function the household addressing his well being battles after being recognized with Alzheimer’s.
It’s been eight years for the reason that Robertson clan’s actuality present was on air with new episodes. The revival catches up with Willie and Korie who’re going through as much as being empty nesters (though most of their grownup youngsters and grandchildren aren’t far-off). Followers will probably be pleased to know they’ll see many acquainted faces together with beloved staples resembling Uncle Si.
The unique actuality present’s run was a smash, operating for 11 seasons and drawing upwards of 11 million viewers. Even earlier than the brand new present hits the airwaves it has already been greenlit for Season 2. Through the years, the Duck Commander empire has expanded past searching to incorporate merchandise, a museum, podcasts and extra. Right here Willie and Korie open up about their TV return, parental well being struggles, and the long run, in an interview that happened earlier than Phil Robertson’s dying.
What went into your choice to come back again with a brand new present? Was there any trepidation?
Willie Robertson: The reality is, we weren’t actively seeking to return to tv. However, when the chance got here, it simply felt like the correct timing in our lives to inform this subsequent chapter of our household’s story. Life has modified rather a lot for the reason that unique present ended. Our children are grown, we have now grandkids now, and we’re all strolling by thrilling new seasons. All of us mentioned it as a household, prayed about it and all felt a peace about opening our lives once more. It positively wasn’t a call we made evenly. We’ve skilled it earlier than, so we all know that inviting movie crews into your properties can include its challenges, however finally, we felt like we nonetheless have a narrative to inform that may not solely entertain TV viewers, however hopefully additionally encourage them by watching an actual household do life collectively. As dad and mom, it was encouraging that all of them mentioned sure to doing this once more; affirmation that we didn’t spoil them by placing our household on tv throughout their teen years!
Bryan Tarnowski
Was there any member of the household that wanted a little bit convincing to be a part of the present?
Korie Robertson: I can inform you who didn’t want any convincing. That’s Uncle Si! I feel he’s been prepared since we wrapped the final season. Significantly, it’s a lot enjoyable to get to spend time filming with him. He retains us all laughing! There was one second the place we had a household assembly and I feel Willie scared everybody telling them how arduous it might be. I acquired a name from every of the youngsters after that saying they wanted to speak and give it some thought some extra. Willie mentioned that like a great coach he simply wanted to verify they have been all dedicated. Doing one thing like this, you’re all in it collectively so everybody must be all in!
What do you assume makes this present stand out in comparison with the unique? What did you’re taking from the previous expertise?
Willie: This present displays the place we are actually. Loads has modified in our lives and particularly within the lives of our youngsters. The present remains to be lighthearted and humorous, however we really feel prefer it’s deeper in a number of methods. Again then, it was elevating children and constructing a enterprise. This time round, it’s navigating grownup youngsters, grandparenting, and operating a enterprise that has expanded into a number of different areas over the previous a number of years. One factor we realized from the unique is that folks join most with authenticity. That’s what we hope to share this time round as effectively.
How would you describe your relationship? What’s the key to the success of your marriage?
Korie: Greater than something, we’d say we’re greatest mates. For 33 years, we’ve actually loved doing life collectively. We snicker rather a lot, we forgive shortly, and we preserve our religion on the heart. That’s been the important thing. Our religion retains us grounded and provides us the grace to maintain selecting one another every single day. And we’ve realized to not sweat the small stuff.
There’s a pleasant second you two share within the kitchen relating to Phil’s Alzheimer’s prognosis. How a lot will viewers see with regard to how the household is working by this?
Korie: Phil’s prognosis has been a tough actuality for the entire household and for many who have felt like they’re a part of our household by the present. You might even see glimpses of us processing it as a household, however even in arduous instances we do it with laughter and a number of gratitude. We simply select to lean on our religion and on one another, and we hope that selecting to be open with this tough a part of our journey can encourage others strolling by related challenges.
Any new characters you’re excited for viewers to fulfill?
Willie: The grandkids for certain. They completely steal the present. It’s been so enjoyable seeing this subsequent era develop up, and viewers will get to know them higher. There are additionally plenty of new faces across the Duck Commander Warehouse that I feel you’re going to come back to know and love.
What sort of adventures or hassle are we getting this season? I feel I noticed a scene the place legislation enforcement might or will not be concerned.
Korie: Nicely, let’s simply say life as a Robertson isn’t boring, particularly round Willie! He’s all the time as much as one thing! He had a little bit of a misunderstanding with a final minute pop-up enterprise he had. You’ll have to observe to see how that performs out! However apart from Willie’s legislation run-in, the present has been capable of seize plenty of our loopy household adventures from pranks on the workplace to household attempting to turn out to be extra “self-sustainable” by getting chickens, to Bigfoot searching!
What are you able to say about every of your respective journeys this season as you handle enterprise, household, and household enterprise?
Korie: For Willie, it’s been about determining hand off duty to the subsequent era whereas nonetheless defending the guts of the enterprise that Phil constructed from the bottom up and Willie’s labored so arduous to develop to what it’s as we speak. For me, it’s balancing being a mother, a grandmother, and a enterprise chief. It seems like my arms are in all of it and that may positively include its challenges. We’re each studying to belief God extra deeply as we juggle all of the items of household and enterprise.
What are among the greatest challenges the household faces this season?
Willie: You talked about Phil’s Alzheimer’s prognosis, but in addition Miss Kay’s well being has declined considerably for the reason that time we started filming. We’re grateful that she acquired to be part of the early episodes so viewers will get to see her a little bit bit all through this season. She simply radiates grandmotherly love and makes everybody smile! We additionally cope with large challenges like infertility, and small life moments like a grandkid studying journey a motorcycle. Issues each household goes by, and we attempt to convey you alongside on our journey and deal with all of it with humor and coronary heart.
What does it imply so that you can see the present renewed for Season 2? Any hopes for that season that we received’t see within the first one?
Korie: It’s actually humbling to know that our household experiences have linked with so many individuals. We by no means take that without any consideration. We’re simply beginning to movie for Season 2, so who is aware of what we’ll get into! We plan on doing a little bit touring in order that will probably be enjoyable, and I do know Willie has plans to convey Jase in to coach the boys from Duckboys to Duckmen! Keep tuned!
Duck Dynasty: The Revival premiere, June 1, 9/8c, A&E