‘Suddenly Amish’ Cast: Meet the 6 New TLC Stars Going on a Life-Changing Journey (PHOTOS)
Six non-Amish individuals are taking a rare journey to discover a whole new lifestyle in TLC’s new series Suddenly Amish, which premieres on Tuesday, January 13. The show follows the six cast members as they spend time in a traditional Amish community in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, leaving their modern lifestyles behind them.
During their time in Lancaster, the visitors will spend time contemplating whether they want to fully convert to an Amish lifestyle. It’s rare that outsiders are let into the Amish world, but this new experiment came about after local Bishop Vernon decided it would be a “radical experiment” to help with the shrinking Amish population. He and a progressive portion of the community are hoping this new approach will solve the population’s existential crisis.
However, the process won’t be easy, as the six individuals will be forced to give up modern conveniences including technology, electricity, and indoor toilets. They’ll also have to follow the strict rules and routines of Amish culture, which will push them outside of their comfort zones.
Per a press release from TLC, “Romantic entanglements, culture clashes, emotional breakthroughs and tough choices take center stage as each individual decides whether or not the Amish lifestyle is truly the path they seek.”
They’ll be led by Amish hosts who will help guide them through this experience. Scroll down to meet the six cast members and the people who will help welcomed them into Amish life.
Suddenly Amish, Premiere, Tuesday, January 13, 10/9c, TLC
Matt
Matt is a 34-year-old newly-divorced dad from Texas with a rugged yet vulnerable side. He is looking for a spiritual reset and to rebuild his life on stronger values.
Kendra
Kendra, 33, is a former dancer and content creator from California who is seeking to shed body image issues and find a more purposeful path.
Aaron
Aaron, 40 years old from Michigan, is a pastor’s son who is dedicated to his principles and drawn to the devotion of Amish life, but has a hearing disability that requires modern technology to manage.
Judah
A 22-year-old from Missouri, Judah is a bougie young rapper with a taste for luxury and craves real belonging beneath all the swagger. His secret germ-phobia makes the idea of barns, mud, and anything less than spotless a whole new challenge.
Esme
From Texas, 25-year-old Esmerelda wants the stability of a traditional family life that she never had growing up, but has so deeply intertwined her identity with glamour that she doesn’t know how to separate them.
Billie Jo
Billie Jo, 44, hails from New York and is a lifelong aficionado of Amish culture. She already dresses in traditional clothing, and the chance to officially join the Amish is a dream come true.
Bishop Vernon
Bishop Vernon is a a strict and respected leader in the Amish community who is determined to grow his community while balancing tradition with his bold and unorthodox approach.
James
James is a self-proclaimed rebel who is determined to get back into the good graces of his Amish community after being shunned. He wrestles with temptation, tradition and redemption.
Emma
Emma is James’ cousin who recently returned to Amish life. She offers support while navigating her own complex relationships and boundaries.
Allen
Allen serves as a seasoned mentor to the participants in this experience. He and his wife, Sarah, are parents to four adopted children.
Sarah
Sarah is a mother of four who serves as a mentor alongside her husband, Allen.
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B
I think Ismarelda is beautiful with or without makeup
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B
First of all, I am very obsessed with this show. Finally a real reality TV show. I want to understand how the girl Kendra was so disrespectful that she even thought she could be entitled to come wearing street clothes and skimpy street clothes at that to the Amish. Shout out to my Lancaster family. By the way, I love the fact that they chose the Lancaster Amish community. I love them already because my family did grow up there and I am so wonderfully surprised to see them welcome in the English and outside people into their culture. I love that. I'm going to love the show Big Time. Aaron I trying but will have to overcome the modern device for his medical device. I do feel there is room for that even in the Amish world and even in Lancaster Amish world. But at least he is up front about it and the rest of his intentions are pure so I love that he is trying. And I love his backstory of really trying to be a pure religious person and really needing to find his place in modern world. The Amish world might really be for him and of course he's very handsome. So the young girls will be glad to line up to get him as a husband. The others we will have to wait and see how they fit in.
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B
I was using voice text. So I missed a few key words. I was trying to say Aaron is trying to fit in and his intentions are closer to pure and I hope they can allow his modern medical device help him find a suitable solution.
I still wonder how these younger people just feel so entitled all the time that they don't do a lick of research to be respectful before coming into a closed culture. That just shows modern society is selfish. I hope this show really tells them and shows them how to get over themselves. And I really hope that the Lancaster Amish especially start to thrive. They really are a good community
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G
I am both surprised and pleased at Allen's language command; intelligence; reasoning; compassion. Indicates a higher level of education than I was expecting. Yes, show is scripted for viewers so somewhat fictionalized.
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S
I'm from Lancaster PA and have plenty of Amish friends. This show is fake. Y'all are dumb.
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E
How can anyone believe this show is real. It is completely scripted and an insult to true Amish people.
This is as fake as they come. Do some research on the " real" Amish people on the show and what real Amish life is .
Are people really that gullable?
Apparently you are.
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