TLC has become home to the bizarre
It's obvious TLC no longer stands for The Learning Channel, instead it seems to be a channel, that has at least seven different types of programs:
1. Gypsys - Gypsy Sisters, My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, etc
2. Midgets - Little Couple, Little People Big World, etc
3. Eating Disorders - My 600lb Life, My 600 lb Mom, etc
4. Physical Deformities - Boy With Bloody Tears, The Eight-Limbed Boy, etc
5. Religious Families - 19 Kids & Counting, The Amish, etc
6. Exploited People - My Secret Addiction, Extreme Couponing/Cheapskates, Hoarders - Buried Alive, etc
7. Marriage Shows - Say Yes to the Dress, Big Bliss, etc
These shows are all reality shows. Some seem to be scripted. The really interesting thing about shows like: 19 Kids & Counting and Little People Big World, is that even though these families open their homes to TV, we the viewers, don't get the real story about them. For instance their homophobic and/or racist beliefs and teachings, are always kept under wraps. So many people hold these families up, as great role models, and outright refuse to acknowledge these families disturbing views. This has added a new twist to reality shows, the exaltation of people/families, whose beliefs, would take away the rights of many people in the country. Hatred disguised as faith.
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The show, Who Do You Think You Are?, is on occasionally. And I too, loved to watch Stacy and Clinton, together and apart.
Over the years, TLC has had a few interesting documentaries, such as:
The Man Whose Arms Exploded
Supersize She
The World's Strongest Boy
These shows originally aired in 2004-05. Since then they've gone off the rails. A&E has followed the same lazy, cheap programming path. 
I don't think I know the show you wrote about, but living in Canada we see everything you do. Such as Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, etc. Unfortunately, the rest of the world sees it too! 
