Jon and Kate Gosselin handle not one, not two, but eight children in their hit TLC series, “Jon and Kate Plus 8.” But there’s a new family sharing their limelight. Eric and Betty Hayes and their not eight but ten children make up a new TLC series, “Table for 12.” Do the Gosselins stand a chance or will the Hayes’ become the biggest family on cable.

Now in its fourth season and just renewed for a fifth, “Jon and Kate” has viewers who have grown to love watching the family deal with the daily stresses and joys of raising a large number of children.

“Table For 12” just started its first season documenting the astonishing family of 12 that includes sextuplets and two sets of twins.

Being a fan of “Jon and Kate,” it’s hard to watch another family come into the picture, but the Hayes’ seem to have the same likeness factor that Jon and Kate give, if not more, because Kate comes off as rude on occasion. So far, that kind of attitude hasn’t been seen within the Hayes family.

Another show on TLC that showcases yet another large family is “18 Kids and Counting,” featuring the Duggar family. What is the public’s sudden interest in large families?

Is it because, dealing with today’s economic recession, people are intrigued to see how these families are able to support themselves? Or, is the public interested simply because they do not have to take care of that many children and find solace in having a significantly smaller family?

A lot of time is put into taking care of a normal-sized family, and even more with a large family, so viewers are most likely interested in seeing how these families live day-to-day compared to theirs.

Are these families doing these shows just to get publicity and free help? The Gosselins have said that they’re doing the show not for free benefits, but because it’s “what’s best for their kids.”

There’re also rumors of the “Octo-Mom” getting a reality show in order to pay the bills.

For whatever reason they choose to continue, these families are reaping the benefits of putting their families on the airwaves.