19 kids and counting
John David Duggar (right) with his dad Jim Bob in a scene from Season 9 of TLC's "19 Kids and Counting." TLC screenshot

Season 9 of TLC’s “19 Kids and Counting” has been touted as Jessa and Jill Duggar’s season, but on Tuesday night’s installment, a different member of the reality-TV clan was featured. Following rumors of a potential courtship, Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar spoke about their second son’s dating life in episode 4.

In the episode “Invites and Ride-Alongs,” Michelle and Jim Bob spent quality time with John David, 25. While Jim Bob went on an evening patrol with his son, who serves as a volunteer police officer in Tontitown, Arkansas, Michelle visited one of his construction sites. During their separate outings, the parents spoke out about their son’s future, even touching on his role in a potential future courtship.

“John David is a great guy. He’ll be a great catch for some young lady,” Jim Bob declared.

While the father of 19 said his son is currently unattached — despite rumors he is courting two mystery women — he did tease the idea that a relationship might on the horizon. “He’s not courting anybody right now, but it probably won’t be too long,” he said.

While Jim Bob talked about his son’s love life, Michelle praised her offspring on his talents and reliability. “He’s a jack-of-all-trades and he’s pretty much mastered most of them,” Michelle said after John David taught her how to operate an excavator and drive a dump truck. “His younger siblings really look up to John David. He is a steady personality and just tender-hearted."

Echoing their mother, John David’s sisters also made a point to share how they depend on their brother in the episode.

“John David’s personality is very steady, kind of quiet. Laid-back, easy-going guy,” Jinger, 21, said.

“John does a lot for our family,” shared his twin, Jana. “He is the one that when something’s broken, or we don’t know how to get something running, he’s the one that we call.”

Despite Jana being the same age as John David — she is, by minutes, Jim Bob and Michelle’s second child — the show did not give any clues to her future. Jana has been rumored for several months to be starting a courtship with former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow.

In November, John David was said to have started a courtship with a mystery brunette after being photographed out and about with her on several occasions. Other reports suggested that he was linked to a family friend named Laura D. The Duggar family denied such rumors, releasing a statement that John David has “never been” in a courtship.

“Just thought we’d set that straight,” shared the family. “He’s still waiting for the right one at the right time.”

John David spoke out about his love life last year, telling People magazine that marriage has definitely been on his mind. “I am such an expert in love and marriage,” he joked. “Everybody is giving me advice about getting married. It isn’t a big thing. I’m open to advice.”

“19 Kids and Counting” airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. EST on Lifetime. Do you think John David will start courting soon? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below!