Austin Recaps Kate and Kendra's Celebrity Wife Swap

Alrighty kids, so I’ve been anxiously waiting for this night to come for weeks now. The night that my favorite reality star of all time FINALLY returned to my TV screen and DVR line up. That’s right; I’m talking about the one and only Kate Gosselin swapping lives with Kendra Wilkinson for #CelebrityWifeswap. I was so excited that I even tuned into #TheView today to get an early Kate fix and a sneak peak at tonight’s episode. Obviously it was worth the time; Kate and I are virtually the same person. Except for the whole I’m a single dude with zero children thing. We could get married guys! #ItCouldHappen #TeamKEight

Okay, onto my recap of tonight’s show.

The show opens with basic introductions of the two well known TV families. Soon both Kate and Kendra are saying good-bye to their lives, and heading to their new homes.

When Kate arrives at Kendra’s house, she is shocked to read the manual and find that life for Kendra is so simple, with her husband Hank and nanny Rosa doing all the work. Life for Kendra seems to be just as it was during her days in the Playboy mansion. Albeit quite a bit cleaner...in more ways than one!

The Gosselin Family 

Meanwhile in Pennsylvania, Kendra is shocked to find that she is in the Gosselin home. Her shock level is cranked up a bit more when she reads Kate’s manual. Everything is scheduled down to the second. Something we all know Kendra isn't used to! 

It’s time for the moms to meet their new families. Kate is introduced to Little Hank, Hank, and Rosa. While Kendra is introduced to a friend of the family and the infamous eight – Mady, Cara, Leah, Alexis, Hannah, Joel, Aidan, and Collin. Things go well and the swap is off to a great start.

For the next few days, Kate spends her time living the Kendra lifestyle. With all of her free time, Kate is left to lounge by the pool and sleep in. Hank spends his time catering to her and taking care of the needs of the house. Kate then hits the club with two of Kendra’s friends. A place she may have stepped foot in once before. Although, she downed those shots like a true champ! SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS EVERYBODDDDDYYYY. She definitely did Kendra proud!

While Kate is enjoying the single married mother of one life in LA, Kendra is running on empty in Pennsylvania. She’s doing a great job! But, things are a little tough for her to get used to. There’s just so much structure, and so many people. Once she got used to everything and the kids warmed up to her, things went great. You could tell Kendra was a bit overwhelmed, but she gave it her best shot. I think this part of the week definitely helped prepare her for the rules change, more so than with usual swaps.

Once the time came to switch the rules, Kate decides that Little Hank needs to spend more time at home and less time at school. Something I agree with! He’s too young. A few afternoons a week is more than enough for him. He doesn't need to be there all day everyday. She also wants Hank to relax and let her focus on the duties of wife, mother, and housekeeper. Kate has also decided to give Rosa a little time off. Mama Kate is back in action! Little Hank has an EXTREMELY cute moment here when he tells Kate “You know care me!” adorable right?

Back with the eight, Kendra is ready to cut loose. You can tell that she’s really excited to show the kids what life without a schedule is like. From here on out, the kids load up in the big blue bus and hit the clubs the girls and boys are swapping  roles, there are no more chores after dinner, and there will be picnics in the basement involving tacos. Something I found to be an odd food choice for the picnic, but it is what it is. Things are getting wild up in the Gosselin house, ya’ll! The kids are excited, but you can tell they’re a bit reserved when it comes to just letting loose, as to be expected with any major schedule change. I would be the same way! Seeing as how I am the male equivalent of Kate, remember?  

Things with Kate’s rule change went great! Little Hank started learning his role, and what he could do to help out such as picking up his toys, and how to feed himself at the dinner table. He also learned what it was like to stay home instead of being rushed off to school bright and early every morning. You could tell that big Hank was a bit more apprehensive about things. He likes taking care of the house and catering to Kendra. All in all, I think the change in rules was a success here.

The Baskett Family

Kendra’s rule change was just as successful. She showed the kids spontaneity, something they aren't too used to experiencing these days. They loved the picnic fiesta in the basement, despite one of the little girls straight up trampling one of the others tacos, things were a success. Towards the end of the switch, Kendra took the kids to an arcade for a little fun. You could tell they really enjoyed it! It was reminiscent of the good old Gosselin days. But time get away from Kendra quickly, after briefly losing and then finding Aidan,  she needed to load up the big blue bus and get the kids home and in bed. To me, this was the moment when Kendra really realized how important the schedule was for these kids.

Last but not least, the moms pack up and head home. Before they are reunited with their children, they must first sit down and meet with one another. This was possibly the most important moment in the show. Kate was very passionate about the changes she wants to see Kendra make to her home life. Most importantly, Kendra realized that she does need to spend more time with her son. Kendra was equally as passionate about getting Kate to be more spontaneous with the kids. Something Kate admittedly says she has lost along the way. All in all, this swap was great for both of these ladies! They both took away valuable lessons that they can apply to their lives. Kendra learned the value of family and Kate continued to learn the lesson of loosening up. 

Of all the #CelebrityWifeswap episodes I’ve seen, this was by far my favorite. It just felt authentic to me. It was an amazing pairing on ABC’s part, and it reminded me why I love both of these ladies and their shows.

Did you watch? Tweet us your thoughts @AustHansWorld.