Suddenly Amish: Former L.A. Dancer Kendra Trades Beyonce For Bonnet Life On TLC’s New Show — Experiences ‘Culture Shock!’

Suddenly Amish star Kendra Bates is in for a culture shock, more than she asked for. The former dancer chose to embrace Amish life after she realized she lacked self-love. She responded to the casting call for the show, hoping it would change her life.

Turns out Lancaster Amish community is what Kendra was looking for, but more. Not only is she far away from the fame-obsessed LA life, but also away from any kind of pop culture indulgence. What is it about the Amish life that Kendra did not expect? Keep reading for the full scoop.

Suddenly Amish Premieres Despite Internet Backlash For Showing”Exploitation”

Fans did not like the show’s trailer. Many felt the show was fake and exploitative. Suddenly Amish introduced six adults who hope to be integrated into the Lancaster Amish community. Each has their own reasons and hopes for choosing to leave their lavish, modern life behind. The show premiered on 13 January 2026 at 10 PM ET.

In the premiere, cast members Judah and Billie Joe came to the community. Judah is a rapper from LA who is a germophobe. He met with former dancer Kendra, who was already present in the far. Billie Joe came in next, wearing typical Amish clothing. Further, she claimed Amish life is an obsession for her. Only time will tell whether her obsession will prepare her for the disciplined Amish life, or if she crumbles under it.

Kendra Bates Experiences Culture Shock After Arrival In The Amish Land On Suddenly Amish

Kendra Bates knew joining an Amish community would not be easy. However, she didn’t realize how overwhelming it would be to live in it. On Suddenly Amish, the former professional dancer left her life in LA to join the show. She hoped to reconnect with her faith and slow things down. Soon after she joined, she questioned if she was cut out for the disciplined life.

Before the show, Kendra spent nearly 10 years working as a dancer. She also admitted she joined OnlyFans during what she called her “lowest point.” She chose to step away from that fast-paced lifestyle after her baptism because it no longer felt right to her. When she saw the casting call for Suddenly Amish, she said, “This could be the out that I was looking for.” With family ties to the Mennonite community, Kendra felt the experience was meant to be.

The adjustment, however, wasn’t easy. In the first episode, Amish leader Bishop Vernon criticized her outfit, saying it wasn’t modest enough. The moment left Kendra emotional and shaken. She later admitted, “I wasn’t expecting it to be that hard.” The strict rules made her realize just how different Amish values are from those in her world.

Still, not every moment was heavy. Kendra also found humor in the cultural differences. She laughed about explaining modern things like BBLs and even introducing her Amish “dad” to Beyonce for the first time. It seems like an unforgettable moment for Kendra, but how long will it last? For more Suddenly Amish updates, follow TV Season & Spoilers.