Hensel Twins TLC Bound With New Reality Show

Conjoined Twins to be Highlighted on New TLC Show

The Learning Channel (TLC) has become known for its cavalcade of odd reality shows.

They spotlight addiction, extreme couponing, little people, and huge families.

Later this month they will top all of these shows with “Abby and Brittany,” a peek into the day-to-day life of conjoined twins Abigail and Brittany Hensel. These two girls have reached the age of 22 with the sharing of one fused body.

In 1990, the girls were not expected to survive their first night after birth. Very few conjoined twins survive past one year. Abigail and Brittany were able to defy all odds and lead a thriving life. They gained great notoriety at a young age with appearances on the Oprah show and on the cover of Life magazine.

The two have separate hearts, lungs and stomachs, among other organs, but share the same liver, according to the Huffington Post.

They also share two arms and two legs. Each twin is responsible for one side of the body, which means they have learned to coordinate movements subconsciously.

“Everywhere they go, they get the stares,” says a friend of the twins in PEOPLE’s exclusive preview of the show.

The girls are now college graduates leading as normal a life as they can. The reality show premiers August 28 at 10 PM.

In a preview for their new show, Abby and Brittany appear in graduation caps and gowns, sunbathing, riding a bike and even driving a car — living life like any other recent grad.

“We throw it out there, and we let it go,” Abby says of the twins’ unique situation.

Here are the girls on their 16th birthday.