TLC's new ratings release for "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo" have hit new highs and they are now calling the Thompson family "America's favorite family."
The spin-off of Toddlers and Tiaras has created a lot of controversy during the short time it's been on the air. The self-proclaimed "red neck" family has presented a side of America with which most people cannot relate. It is also something a lot of people don't want to see.
The reality show is getting more popular, however. The Georgia pageant brood's third week premiere on Wednesday night delivered 2.3 million viewers, a new season high.
At the center of all the controversy is the toddler with attitude, Alana Thompson. The six-year-old definitely has spirit, but some feel her actions and words are inappropriate for someone her age.
On this week's show, which led ratings to hit a new all time high, featured Alana getting all dramatic as she was forced to part ways with her beloved pet pig, Glitzy.
Meanwhile, Honey Boo Boo's mother, June has come under scrutiny after her colorful past was revealed to the media. In 2008, June was arrested for contempt of court, a charge she says originated from a child support issue with her mom. (June's 18-year-old daughter, Anna, was largely raised by June's mother.) She also faced an unrelated theft charge that "had nothing to do with family," says June. Both charges were subsequently dismissed.
June has also faced insults over her parenting skills after she was filmed giving Alana a mix of Mountain Dew and Red Bull that the family dubbed "go-go juice" in a controversial episode of Toddlers and Tiaras.
A video of Alana dancing on a bar also surfaced online - and drew the attention of child protection authorities in Georgia, who investigated the family. No charges were ever filed.
