Duck Commander patriarch Phil Robertson won’t be returning to television in the upcoming Duck Dynasty spinoff.
“Quack! Quack! We’re back!” The Robertson family announced Wednesday (January 22) that they are returning to television this summer with a Duck Dynasty spinoff called Duck Dynasty: The Revival.
The show will focus on the next generation of the Robertson family, led by Willie and Korie. The unscripted series will follow Willie and Korie and their adult children: John Luke, Sadie, Will, Bella, and Rebecca. According to a press release from A&E, Miss Kay and Uncle Si will also make appearances, but there is no mention of Phil, the founder of Duck Commander and star of the original series.
Sadie Robertson seemed to confirm the news through an Instagram Story.
Phil Robertson’s Health Issues
In early December, Phil’s sons, Jase and Al, revealed that their father had been diagnosed with dementia and was battling a blood disorder.
Two weeks later, Willie Robertson told Fox News that Phil is “battling many different things at the same time.
“He’s got a blood disorder, and then he’s got the mental issues … and probably some ministrokes because of his blood,” Willie said. “And so, it could be some stroke stuff happening, that has happened. So, we’re still checking on all that. But then he also has a back issue; he’s fractured his back, and that’s where the pain’s at. So, he’s kind of battling many different things at the same time.”
Phil Robertson took an indefinite hiatus from his podcast, Unashamed, amid his health struggles but appeared in pictures alongside his family just before Christmas. The entire Robertson crew gathered to celebrate Miss Kay’s birthday, and her daughter-in-law, Missy, shared photos of the gathering.
Phil is seen seated next to his wife and surrounded by family for some of the photos.
Missy said at the time that Phil and Kay were both doing better and enjoyed spending time with family.
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Phil’s family hasn’t shared an update on his health in the month since, but it’s clear that his health issues are likely going to keep him from returning to the grueling schedule of filming. But, fans are hoping for an occasional appearance from the beloved leader of the Duck Dynasty family.
When will Duck Dynasty: The Revival premiere?
The original Duck Dynasty ended in 2017 after 11 seasons and 131 episodes. When it concluded, it was the most-watched non-fiction cable show in television history.
The Robertson family recently sat down together for an episode of Sadie’s WHOA That’s Good Podcast to talk about their new show. In the 45-minute podcast episode, the family discusses what they are looking forward to with the spinoff and what they hope viewers will take away.
“We want it to feel authentic and we want it to feel homey,” Korie said. Sadie added that their hope is that people see the light of God through their show and that it fills their homes with joy.
The family has committed to two seasons. Season 1 is expected to premiere on A&E early in the summer of 2025. It will also be available to stream on a major streaming service that is yet to be announced.
Watch the Robertson clan talk about their new show in the video below.