Why Jase and Jep Skipped the Duck Dynasty Revival – Sadie Robertson Explains All
It has been eight years since Duck Dynasty left our screens, but the Robertson family is back with Duck Family Treasure: The Revival, which premiered on June 1st on A&E. The revival has sparked curiosity among fans, especially about the noticeable absence of some original cast members—particularly Jase and Jep Robertson. In a recent interview, Sadie Robertson Huff opened up about the real reasons behind their absence and shared insights into her family’s evolving journey.
A New Chapter for the Robertson Family
The Duck Dynasty revival highlights not only the family’s famous duck call business but also their personal growth over the years. Many of the Robertson kids have married, started families, and taken on new responsibilities. However, the revival also comes with a bittersweet tone following the heartbreaking passing of Phil Robertson, the family patriarch.
Sadie shared, “It’s been a really tough journey. Seeing my grandfather battle Alzheimer’s was hard. When I saw him recently, though he struggles to speak, he looked at me and said, ‘Full strength ahead.’ It was such a powerful and comforting moment, knowing he had peace about where he’s going.”
Why Jase and Jep Are Missing From Season 1
Fans quickly noticed that Jase, Jep, and even Uncle Si were not featured prominently in the first season of the Duck Dynasty revival. Sadie explained that the reason is simple—Jase and Jep no longer work at Duck Commander.
“The revival focuses on what’s currently happening at Duck Commander. My mom now runs much of the business. My brother John Luke works for her production company, my sister manages the Duck Commander store, and I run my podcast and L.O. team out of the same space,” Sadie explained. “Jase and Jep have moved on to different ventures, which is why they aren’t part of Season 1. It’s not due to drama—just different seasons of life.”
She also hinted that some original cast members might appear in Season 2, which is already filming.
A Different Experience for the Next Generation
For Sadie, filming this time around has been a completely different experience. Unlike when she was 13 during the original show, she’s now a wife and mother of two daughters.
“It was weird for my girls at first. They didn’t like wearing microphones and didn’t fully understand what was happening,” she laughed. “But once we showed them old episodes of Duck Dynasty, my daughter Honey got so excited. Now she tells everyone she’s going to be on Duck Dynasty—and American Idol!”
How Sadie’s Husband Christian Stepped Out of His Comfort Zone
A surprising highlight of the revival is Sadie’s husband, Christian Huff. Known to fans as the quiet supporter in the background, Christian is showing a different side on screen.
“Christian is actually the funny, crazy one in private,” Sadie shared. “But in public, I’m usually the loud one. I thought he might fade into the background during filming, but instead, he fully embraced it. He became the crew’s favorite person to film with. He’s just being his hilarious, authentic self.”
Filming While Pregnant – A Rollercoaster
The filming process wasn’t without challenges. Just one day after the first day of filming, Sadie discovered she was pregnant—a surprise that brought joy and a lot of nausea.
“I had the flu, I was pregnant, and I was preparing to speak at big events like the Passion Conference and Texas A&M. It was chaotic,” she recalled. “But thankfully, I’m past the sickness now.”
Emotional Moments on Set
The show doesn’t shy away from vulnerable moments. Sadie mentioned a particularly deep conversation with her sister, which viewers will see. “It was a very real-life moment,” she said. “We even expanded on it in more detail on my podcast when the episode airs.”
Overcoming Old Insecurities
Returning to television brought back some old feelings. Sadie admitted, “When I was 13 filming Duck Dynasty, I was still figuring out who I was, all while dealing with public scrutiny. This time, I feel secure in who I am. I have my husband, my kids, and my faith grounding me.”
However, she acknowledged that insecurities never completely disappear. “Some things popped up that I didn’t expect. But now I navigate those moments with Christian by my side, which has been such a gift.”
The Heart of the Duck Dynasty Revival
At its core, the Duck Dynasty revival isn’t just about duck calls or family antics—it’s about legacy, faith, and family bonds.
“This isn’t just a show for us,” Sadie emphasized. “It’s a reflection of who we are, what we believe, and how we continue our family’s story.”
Conclusion
While fans may miss seeing Jase and Jep in the first season, the Duck Dynasty revival offers a fresh, heartfelt look at the next generation of Robertsons. With more family moments, personal growth, and a few surprises, the show reminds viewers why they fell in love with the Robertson family in the first place.