On Tuesday, the world was treated to TLC’s latest instalment of Amish-related television, Suddenly Amish. In a refreshing turn from the Breaking Amish franchise, the show seems to show authentic Amish people who have lived their lives in the community. The premise of the programme is to take six non-Amish, or “English” as the Amish describe everyone who is not part of their Anabaptist faith, and introduce them into their way of life.
The six participants, Matt, Kendra, Aaron, Judah, Esmerelda and Billie Jo, all have their reasons for wanting to embrace the Amish lifestyle. Matt is a recently divorced father looking for a spiritual reset. Kendra, a dancer and content creator who has previously performed on OnlyFans, was recently baptised and is searching for “something more”. Judah, a 22-year-old rapper, feels called by God to live a more off-grid lifestyle. Esmerelda, from a Hispanic background, wants to embrace the traditional gender roles and way of life found in Amish communities. Aaron, the son of a pastor, is seeking understanding with the Amish. Billie Jo is an Amish-phile who already dresses Amish and tries to incorporate their ways of life into her own.
