A young teenager is coming to terms with the surprise news that he was going to become a father while still in eighth grade.
Hunter and his partner Bella are featured in the latest season of the TLC show Unexpected, which delves into the experiences of unexpected pregnancies, particularly focusing on adolescent mothers.
The series captures their journey to parenthood, offering viewers a glimpse into their relationship as they prepare to welcome their first baby.
Both becoming a parent and completing eighth grade are significant moments in a person’s life. Parenting brings its own set of responsibilities, while the transition to high school presents its challenges. Managing both simultaneously is a rare experience.
“I was 12 when I found out I was going to be a dad,” Hunter shares in a confessional for the TLC show. “Now I’m 13. I didn’t think I would be finishing 8th grade and becoming a dad at the same time.”
Though Hunter’s dad remarked that his life was ‘ruined,’ Hunter does not agree. “I do not feel like I ruined my life,” he asserts on the program.
His girlfriend Bella, who was 14 when she found out she was pregnant, was taken aback by the news. “I didn’t think at 15 I would be pregnant,” she recalls in a confessional. “I didn’t think with a 13-year-old either.”
Completing the eighth grade posed challenges for Hunter, but Bella supported him, not wanting to be two grades ahead while they were caring for their child. Additionally, if he didn’t advance, he couldn’t be her prom date as a freshman.
Bella, who gained a social media following by sharing her pregnancy experiences, immediately suspected she was expecting when her period was delayed.
“We could have waited a little bit longer, I guess. But it was his idea,” she stated.
In a confessional with her mother, Falen, Bella explains, ‘the condom broke’ after her mom mentions her efforts to ‘prevent teenage pregnancy’.
Her mom added: “I literally think my heart sank that day.”
Hunter and Bella welcomed their child in March 2025, and Bella has been updating her followers on their progress.
In response to criticism, Bella explained her decision to join the TLC series.
“If I didn’t want to share my story and let people know my situation, ’cause it is pretty unique compared to other people’s, I wouldn’t do it.”
“The other reason my mum posts TikToks is ’cause it was my idea,” she added.
“It was my idea to share my story for other girls out there going through the same thing. They struggle with it because it’s hard, it’s not easy, it’s really, really hard.”
“And I would never recommend it to anybody. But everyone out there saying I’m being exploited, this is not true.”
Bella’s father Kris also defended the family’s choice to participate.
“Due to all the trolls and the women quickly being known as what I have to say on TV as the unscrewables, they are going to make season 7 hot. It’s going to be a hot season.”
“All [the critics] are doing is making us the stars of the show and I got to tell y’all, my royalty check is going to be so fat.”
“We’re going to be able to buy a lot of groceries, so thank you all. It’s freaking awesome and you all have a great night.”