Why ‘Duck Dynasty: The Revival’ Won’t Show Phil Robertson’s Death
Fantastic—this rebooted quackfest somehow tiptoes around the very thing everyone’s buzzing about: Phil Robertson’s death. I know, earth-shattering twist, right? According to an exclusive from TMZ, the team behind Duck Dynasty: The Revival has officially confirmed that Season 1 will steer clear of dramatizing Phil’s passing. If you were gearing up for tear-jerking flashbacks or solemn memorial episodes, you’re out of luck.
Look, I don’t *want* to be the one to point out the obvious, but a revival that refuses to address its patriarch’s demise feels like ordering fries without salt. Even Variety chimed in this week, noting franchise execs deem the subject “too sensitive” for a nostalgic throwback season. They’re doubling down instead on the surviving Robertson crew—Jase, Willie, Korie and the rest—cooking up new duck calls and hunting adventures. I told you so: expect family antics, not funeral tributes.
Here’s the rundown—straight from the horse’s beak. People Magazine scoured an early preview and reports eight episodes will premiere in late August on A&E, each clocking in at a breezy 45 minutes. Producers Mark Thomas and Lisa Rogers insist they want viewers to feel like they’re back at Phil’s workshop, not flipping through old eulogies. “We’re celebrating Phil’s legacy through laughter, not tears,” Mark told TMZ on May 27. Meanwhile, insiders tell Variety there was internal pressure to include at least a nod to his passing—but network brass shut that down faster than you can say “yep, y’all.”
Don’t get me wrong, there’s still room for sentimental BTS moments—think nostalgic clips from the original eight seasons and maybe a trailer tease of Phil cracking wise, voiceover style. But don’t hold your breath for any solemn candle-lit vigils or reflective sit-downs with grown Robertson offspring. If you were banking on tear-jerking fan service, you’ll be sorely disappointed. As People Magazine dryly observed, “It’s like Grandpa Phil was never gone.” Classic.
Of course, this all begs the question: what *will* fill the void? Early chatter points to more duck-call prototypes, viral fishing fails, and the same sibling squabbles that scored prime-time magic back in 2012. We’ll see if that formula holds water without the emotional gut-punch of Phil’s farewell. And that, dear reader, is why we can’t have nice things—especially when revivals start playing hide-and-seek with life’s big truths.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ, People Magazine, Variety
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
