Bringing Up Bates
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Bringing Up Bates
GenreReality
StarringBates Family
Country of originUnited States
No. of seasons10
No. of episodes185 (including specials)
Original release
NetworkUp TV
ReleaseJanuary 1, 2015 (2015-01-01) –
June 24, 2021 (2021-06-24)

Bringing Up Bates (stylized as Br1n9ing Up Bates) is an American reality television show on Up TV. It is centered around Gil and Kelly Bates, their 19 children, and their extended family.

On January 18, 2022, Up TV announced the show's cancellation after 10 seasons, with the network stating that they are shifting their focus onto new movies and scripted shows for 2022. The family and film crew had already filmed episodes for season 11 which will not air due to its cancellation.[1]

Background

[edit]

The Bates family were previously featured on a TV series called United Bates of America on TLC, and it was later announced in October 2014 that the family would return in a new series which would be called Bringing Up Bates on Up TV. The series debuted on January 1, 2015.[2]

The show follows the daily lives of Gil and Kelly Jo Bates, not far from Knoxville, Tennessee and their family of 18 children.[3] Another child was born in 2012, bringing the number to 19 children.[4]

Cast

[edit]

The cast includes William Gilvin "Gil" Bates,[5] Kelly Jo Bates,[6] and their children Zachary, Michaela, Erin, Lawson, Nathan, Alyssa, Tori, Trace, Carlin, Josie, Katie, Jackson, Warden, Isaiah, Addallee, Ellie, Callie, Judson, and Jeb.[7]

Episodes

[edit]

Series overview

[edit]
SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
Specials10December 31, 2015 (2015-12-31)February 20, 2020 (2020-02-20)
113January 1, 2015 (2015-01-01)March 26, 2015 (2015-03-26)
214June 4, 2015 (2015-06-04)September 3, 2015 (2015-09-03)
314January 2, 2016 (2016-01-02)April 7, 2016 (2016-04-07)
425June 2, 2016 (2016-06-02)December 29, 2016 (2016-12-29)
515January 5, 2017 (2017-01-05)April 13, 2017 (2017-04-13)
616June 1, 2017 (2017-06-01)September 14, 2017 (2017-09-14)
720January 4, 2018 (2018-01-04)June 21, 2018 (2018-06-21)
824January 3, 2019 (2019-01-03)November 21, 2019 (2019-11-21)
922March 5, 2020 (2020-03-05)August 27, 2020 (2020-08-27)
1012April 8, 2021 (2021-04-08)June 24, 2021 (2021-06-24)

Specials

[edit]
No.TitleOriginal release dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
Sp–1"Best Bates Moments"December 31, 2015 (2015-12-31)0.154[8]
Sp–2"Mother's Day"May 5, 2016 (2016-05-05)N/A
Sp–3"From the Couch: Back Seat Bates"May 12, 2016 (2016-05-12)N/A
Sp–4"From the Couch: Organized Chaos"May 19, 2016 (2016-05-19)N/A
Sp–5"Summer Fun"May 26, 2016 (2016-05-26)N/A
Sp–6"From the Couch: The Bates Go To Florida"September 8, 2016 (2016-09-08)N/A
Sp–7"From the Couch: Thanksgiving"November 17, 2016 (2016-11-17)N/A
Sp–8"Bates Birthing Babies Bonaza"September 4, 2017 (2017-09-04)N/A
Sp–9"From Friends to Fiances"September 28, 2017 (2017-09-28)N/A
Sp–10"I Love You Day Special"February 13, 2020 (2020-02-13)N/A
Sp–11"Bates Season 9 First Look Special!"February 20, 2020 (2020-02-20)N/A

Season 1 (2015)

[edit]
No.TitleOriginal release dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
1"Meet the Bates"January 1, 2015 (2015-01-01)0.525[9]
Introduction to the Bates family who have 19 children and are expecting their first grandchild.
2"Courtship and Marriage"January 8, 2015 (2015-01-08)0.491[10]
Erin invites a few of the younger siblings to a sleepover while Michaela goes to visit her boyfriend. Zach and Whitney have their final ultrasound. Chad and Erin consult the doctor to find out what caused their miscarriages.
3"Bates Go Wild"January 15, 2015 (2015-01-15)0.590[11]
The family goes camping and Kelly has the kids help with packing.
4"Training Up Bates"January 22, 2015 (2015-01-22)0.601[12]
Disciplining kids is never easy, but by now Gil and Kelly have it down to a science with their method: "Train Up." Chad and Erin are expecting again and head for a checkup.
5"Nashville Son"January 29, 2015 (2015-01-29)N/A
Gil, Kelly, and the younger kids plant a fall garden. With so many opinions to juggle, deciding on location and vegetation is difficult. Meanwhile, budding gospel/country singer/songwriter Lawson heads to Nashville to further his musical career. With one published CD under his belt, he lands a meeting with a record-label executive and a coveted session with a well-known vocal coach. Back at the Bates base, the garden finally gets planted with Chad's help and the family eagerly awaits news from Lawson in Nashville.
6"Organized Chaos"February 5, 2015 (2015-02-05)0.555[13]
The family changes their wardrobe from winter to spring, then sings at a bluegrass music festival.
7"Welcome Grandbaby Bates"February 12, 2015 (2015-02-12)0.528[14]
With their first child due in two weeks, Zach and Whitney have much to do and the family steps in to help. Finally the big day arrives, bringing with it Bradley – the Bates' very first grandson!
8"The Purity Ring"February 19, 2015 (2015-02-19)N/A
Carlin goes on a special date with Gil and Kelly, who give her a special surprise. The family also visits baby Bradley and his parents, Zach and Whitney. Later, Lawson performs the National Anthem before a huge crowd.
9"Brandon and Michaela"February 26, 2015 (2015-02-26)0.787[15]
Brandon visits, but will there be an engagement?
10"A Big Bates Thanksgiving"March 5, 2015 (2015-03-05)0.353[16]
Headed for a visit with Alyssa and John, the family has to stop and celebrate Thanksgiving. Also: Chad and Erin learn that they are expecting a son!
11"The Bates Go to Florida"March 12, 2015 (2015-03-12)0.258[17]
The family heads to Florida to visit John and Alyssa, who reveal that they are expecting a daughter.
12"All About the Bates"March 19, 2015 (2015-03-19)0.402[18]
The family sits down to answer questions from the fans.
13"A Birthday to Remember"March 26, 2015 (2015-03-26)0.556[19]
The family gathers to celebrate Gil's 50th birthday.

Season 2 (2015)

[edit]
No.TitleOriginal release dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
1"All Together Again"June 4, 2015 (2015-06-04)0.314[20]
The Bates family celebrates their "I love you" days and then they throw Alyssa a baby shower.
2"Meet the Parents"June 11, 2015 (2015-06-11)0.274[21]
Gil, Kelly, and Michaela head to Chicago to meet Brandon's parents while Chad, Erin, and the kids redecorate Gil and Kelly's room.
3"High Risk, High Hopes"June 18, 2015 (2015-06-18)0.262[22]
Chad and Erin have a checkup to make sure the baby is doing well. The boys build a fort. Chad and Erin spend time with Zach and Whitney.
4"Movin' In With Meema"June 25, 2015 (2015-06-25)0.264[23]
Gil and Kelly take Josie and Trace for braces. Later, Kelly takes her mother house-hunting.
5"Blessings... and New Beginnings?"July 2, 2015 (2015-07-02)0.194[24]
Lawson and Nathan have their New York City friends over while the girls throw Erin a shower for baby Carson.
6"Brandon Pops the Question*"July 9, 2015 (2015-07-09)0.326[25]
Gil and Kelly head out to Florida to meet John and Alyssa's daughter Allie Jane, then go to DC to see Michaela get engaged.
7"Doctor's Orders"July 16, 2015 (2015-07-16)0.432[26]
Michaela starts to plan her wedding by looking at churches, while Chad and Erin go for another checkup on baby Carson.
8"Life Lessons"July 23, 2015 (2015-07-23)0.222[27]
Kelly shows how she homeschools; Tori heads to college; Nathan goes to flight school.
9"The Wedding To-Do List"July 30, 2015 (2015-07-30)0.335[28]
Brandon and Michaela keep planning their wedding; Lawson gets his wisdom teeth extracted.
10"Erin's Little Miracle"August 6, 2015 (2015-08-06)0.319[29]
After three miscarriages, Chad and Erin welcome their first son into the world.
11"Boating With the Bates"August 13, 2015 (2015-08-13)0.294[30]
The family go to the lake for an annual vacation and engage in swimming and boating adventures, but thunder arrives and prompts them to take cover.
12"The Quest for the Dress"August 20, 2015 (2015-08-20)0.374[31]
Michaela goes dress shopping for her wedding gown with her mother and sisters, but she struggles to find something she likes.
13"Addee & Ellie's Pool Party"August 27, 2015 (2015-08-27)0.249[32]
Kelly bonds with Trace; Gil and Josie set off on an adventure; Addee and Ellie have a swim party to celebrate both of their birthdays.
14"Hello Dollywood!"September 3, 2015 (2015-09-03)0.197[33]

Season 3 (2016)

[edit]
No.TitleOriginal release dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
1"Welcome Back Bates"January 7, 2016 (2016-01-07)0.351[34]
Michaela shops for her wedding dress. The family heads to Papa Bill's birthdays. Zach and Whitney announce that they are expecting baby #2
2"Sweet Tea & Sit Ups"January 14, 2016 (2016-01-14)0.239[35]
Gil and Kelly decide to enlists Lawson and Tori for work outs.
3"15 Kids and an Empty Nest"January 21, 2016 (2016-01-21)0.246[36]
Gil and Kelly take the little kids for rollerblading and playground. The boys take Brandon ice skating. The girls head to Erin's for candle making.
4"Headed to the Altar"January 28, 2016 (2016-01-28)0.224[37]
As the family gets ready for the wedding, they take a look back at the courtship. We also get to see Zach and Erin's courtship
5"Wedding Bliss and a First Kiss"February 4, 2016 (2016-02-04)0.233[38]
Brandon and Michaela are married.
6"Fly Fishin' Zip Linin' Honeymoon"February 11, 2016 (2016-02-11)0.202[39]
Brandon and Michaela are on their honeymoon while Gil takes the little girls for daddy/daughter time.
7"Training Wheels and Trick Saddles"February 18, 2016 (2016-02-18)0.200[40]
Judson celebrates his birthday, the boys got learn some tricks with the horse. Erin and Chad head to Nashville.
8"Windy City Newly Weds"February 25, 2016 (2016-02-25)0.238[41]
Kelly takes some kids to visit Brandon and Michaela. Zach graduates from the police academy. Later Whitney reveals that she is expecting a little girl.
9"Beaches, Boats, and Bates"March 3, 2016 (2016-03-03)0.253[42]
The family is heading to Florida to enjoy some time in the sun!
10"Back Seat Bates"March 10, 2016 (2016-03-10)0.252[43]
Zach takes the family to the police academy where they get to ride, do a course and learn about guns. Chad and Erin design the Christmas cover and Lawson sings for the children at the hospital. Also Chad and Erin are expecting a little girl.
11"Time to Renobate!"March 17, 2016 (2016-03-17)N/A
The girls redo their bedroom now that three girls have left. Zach and Whitney finished redoing their living room with a new couch.
12"Bringing Up Bradley!"March 24, 2016 (2016-03-24)N/A
Bradley turns one. Kelly goes overboard on shopping for Bradley's first birthday. Whitney shares an announcement at the birthday party!
13"Love in the Heir"March 31, 2016 (2016-03-31)N/A
Gil and Kelly celebrate their anniversary. Zach and Whitney check on their baby. Nathan talks about courting Ashley.
14"The Big Apple of Nathan's Eye"April 7, 2016 (2016-04-07)N/A
Nathan and Ashley start their courtship. Zach and Whitney revealed the sex of their second child.

Season 4 (2016)

[edit]
No.TitleOriginal release dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
1"Big Family, Big Changes"June 2, 2016 (2016-06-02)N/A
Gil gets ready for surgery while the family holds down the fort. Zach and Whitney share their baby's name.
2"Bates Boy Birthday Bash"June 9, 2016 (2016-06-09)N/A
Trace and Jeb celebrate their birthdays with the boys.
3"A Lovely Day"June 16, 2016 (2016-06-16)N/A
The whole family gathers to celebrate Valentine's Day. Chad and Erin announce baby #2 to the family. Nathan and Ashley share an update on their courtship. The family meets Bobby (Tori's boyfriend).
4"Sunshine State Bates"June 23, 2016 (2016-06-23)N/A
John and Alyssa reveal what they do for a living. John plays softball with his family. Back in Tennessee, The boys finished the fort.
5"Tough Decisions and Large Ambitions"June 30, 2016 (2016-06-30)N/A
Nathan announces his break up with Ashley while Lawson talks about his music. The boys cut wood and Gil accidentally runs over Judson's bike.
6"The Big Chili"July 7, 2016 (2016-07-07)N/A
The family performs at a Volunteer Fire Department Chili Fundraiser.
7"The Great Bates Clean-Up"July 14, 2016 (2016-07-14)N/A
The family spring cleans their house. Gil gets sentimental about getting rid of things.
8"Bloopers, Outtakes and Mishaps, Oh My!"July 21, 2016 (2016-07-21)N/A
Taking a look back and highlighting the funniest things the Bates kids have done.
9"Birthdays and Boyfriends"July 28, 2016 (2016-07-28)N/A
Allie Jane and Carlin share a big birthday bash back in Florida. Kelly Jo and Gil meet Tori's boyfriend's family.
10"Who's In Charge?"August 4, 2016 (2016-08-04)N/A
The Bates kids are in charge while Kelly Jo and Gil take a much needed vacation; a movie night at Zach and Whitney's house.
11"Bates Make the Grade"August 11, 2016 (2016-08-11)N/A
Trace and Carlin get their high school diplomas; Kelly falls ill while planning the graduation party.
12"The 20th Bates"August 18, 2016 (2016-08-18)N/A
The 20th Bates contest winner embarks on a day-in-the-life of a Bates from doing chores to riding horses.
13"Growing Paine"August 25, 2016 (2016-08-25)N/A
Grandbaby Carson is turning one with a celebration; Erin hosts the party while Kelly arrives with the party's entertainment.
14"Bates Dish It Out"September 1, 2016 (2016-09-01)N/A
A no-limits buffet entices the hungry Bates clan; Lawson acquires a high-profile duet partner; Emily Ann Roberts, a former finalist on "The Voice".
15"You Can't Spell Paintball without PAIN"September 15, 2016 (2016-09-15)N/A
Jackson is turning 14 and helps on a tree job; Erin and Chad record a new lullaby CD; the guys play paintball to celebrate Jackson's birthday.
16"Three Pointers and Puppies"September 22, 2016 (2016-09-22)N/A
The Bates boys go to basketball camp; a competition between the brothers; Chad and Erin look for a new puppy.
17"Meet Kaci Lynn Bates!"September 29, 2016 (2016-09-29)N/A
The family gets ready for Kaci Lynn's arrival; Whitney gets an ultrasound and finds out the baby is breach.
18"SUPERSIZED: Extra Paine"October 6, 2016 (2016-10-06)N/A
Jackson's paintball party and a visit from Meemaw.
19"Muddy Buddies"October 13, 2016 (2016-10-13)N/A
The family goes on a messy adventure mudding on four wheelers; the weather takes an unexpected turn; Michaela and Brandon come into town to meet the Bates' newest member, Kaci Lynn.
20"Nashville Nights & Country Campouts"October 20, 2016 (2016-10-20)N/A
Lawson shines up his boots for a gig in Nashville; Jackson, Warden and Isaiah camp out in their favorite spot; Lawson takes the stage at a venue in Nashville.
21"And Baby Makes Five?"October 27, 2016 (2016-10-27)N/A
Erin and Chad are days away from meeting their little girl; Erin heads to Nashville to finish her lullaby album; Erin and Chad get a puppy.
22"SUPERSIZED: Extra Birthday Bash"November 3, 2016 (2016-11-03)N/A
More birthday fun with Jeb and Trace.
23"SUPERSIZED: Extra Chili"November 10, 2016 (2016-11-10)N/A
Get more from the Bates as they attend an event at the fire station that saved Addallee's life when she was a baby.
24"SUPERSIZED: Extra Birthdays and More Boyfriends"December 29, 2016 (2016-12-29)N/A
The girls' birthday party and Tori's new boyfriend.
25"Year End Special"December 29, 2016 (2016-12-29)N/A
The Bates reveal their favorite moment from the past four seasons.

Season 5 (2017)

[edit]
No.TitleOriginal release dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
1"Summer Lovin', Guitar Strummin' and a Surprise a Comin'!"January 5, 2017 (2017-01-05)0.227[44]
In the fifth-season opener, the Bates head to North Carolina to pick up Warden, Jackson and Isaiah from camp, and Tori's boyfriend gives the family a special tour of camp. Alyssa surprised the family with news that she was pregnant with Lexi Mae.
2"Plans, Bands and Mashed Potatoes!"January 12, 2017 (2017-01-12)0.278[45]
Kelly is about to turn the big 5-0; the Bates boys try to figure out if they can install a real court in their yard; Lawson invites his Band over for a practice in the living room.
3"A Birthday and a Birdie"January 19, 2017 (2017-01-19)0.221[46]
Katie receives a purity ring; Mama Jane meets the babies; Kelly and Gil share good news about their new congregation location; three Bates men compete for bragging rights on the golf course.
4"Doggy Dilemmas"January 26, 2017 (2017-01-26)N/A
Erin and Chad have their hands full; puppy training; checking in on newlyweds, Michaela and Brandon, and their life in Chicago.
5"Surprise! Kelly Jo's Big 5-0!"February 2, 2017 (2017-02-02)0.239[47]
Kelly's 50th Birthday Party is planned; Gil takes Kelly Jo on a romantic getaway to Chattanooga, TN, or so she thinks.
6"I Donut Know What I'd Do Without You!"February 9, 2017 (2017-02-09)0.234[48]
The Bates visit Florida so that Tori can spend time with Bobby, who has a big surprise for her.
7"Shakeups, Steaks, and Showtime!"February 16, 2017 (2017-02-16)N/A
Lawson releases a CD of original songs and gears up for his first big tour; Zach and Whitney finally get a much deserved date night.
8"Sweet Home Spartanburg"February 23, 2017 (2017-02-23)0.240[49]
Kelly takes the whole family back to her hometown, Spartanburg, South Carolina, to continue her milestone birthday celebration; Kelly shows the kids the house she grew up in, her high school alma mater and introduces them to her childhood friends.
9"Fire Trucks and Diaper Dumps"March 2, 2017 (2017-03-02)0.256[50]
The Bates household faces an unexpected emergency when a house fire erupts in the laundry room; Kelly spends some quality time with Michaela in Chicago, before they depart for Alyssa's baby shower in Florida; Alyssa's Diaper Pounding.
10"Loads of Laundry and Lots of Lessons"March 9, 2017 (2017-03-09)0.249[51]
The Bates temporarily relocate to a hotel after a house fire; the Bates head to the Ark Encounter; the younger boys learn important life lessons when Gil and Kelly try to help them understand the true dangers and consequences a fire can have.
11"Bike Racks, Barbers & Big Duets!"March 16, 2017 (2017-03-16)N/A
Lawson's album release tour is in full swing and the next stop is Mount Airy, NC; Lawson and Nathan visit the iconic sights of the Real Mayberry; Gil teaches the younger boys how to build a bike rack out of logs.
12"Mass-a-somethin'"March 23, 2017 (2017-03-23)0.242[52]
The Bates family is hitting the slopes; after ski lessons, the family decides to head down the mountain on their own.
13"Working Up An Appetite"March 30, 2017 (2017-03-30)0.194[53]
The family completes their Basketball court; Carlin and Josie experience a pain-filled escapade when they get their wisdom teeth pulled out.
14"The Cubs Land in Chicago!"April 6, 2017 (2017-04-06)N/A
It's a Windy City adventure for the younger Bates boys; Gil and Kelly are in Australia; Josie is following in her sister's footsteps and taking college courses.
15"New Baby Born and Love All Around!, A"April 13, 2017 (2017-04-13)0.232 [54]
Gil, Kelly, and the kids head to Florida to await the arrival of Alyssa and John's second child, Lexi Mae; Alyssa checks in at the birthing center for a checkup; the Bates sisters come together for a spa day and dish about Carlin's new boyfriend.

Season 6 (2017)

[edit]
No.TitleOriginal release dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
1"Summer of Love"June 1, 2017 (2017-06-01)0.210[55]
Love is blooming for the Bates, with Carlin finding a special friend in Evan and Tori and Bobby deepening their bond; the married couples have big news, especially Erin and Chad.
2"Road Trip Romance"June 8, 2017 (2017-06-08)N/A
Carlin and Katie hit the road to spend some quality time with Carlin's Songwriting Suitor, Evan, and his family; Evan and the girls have some fun at the indoor skating park and the young couple work on a special song for Evan's family.
3"Bobby's Movin' In"June 15, 2017 (2017-06-15)0.247[56]
Bobby and Tori are making plans for the future; Bobby is hoping to move from Florida to Tennessee to be closer to Tori; Bobby interviews for jobs and looks for a place to live; Kelly takes the boys to a martial arts class.
4"Sibling Revelry"June 22, 2017 (2017-06-22)N/A
Erin, Tori, Carlin, Whitney, Josie and Katie join together for a self defense class and engage in a little friendly competition; Gil gathers the kiddos for a "Car 101" lesson; double date night for the married couples.
5"He Said, She Shed"June 29, 2017 (2017-06-29)N/A
Gil must clean the shed when Kelly Jo cashes in on her "I Love You Day" gift from him, but this project is no easy task; Nathan gets sidetracked; Carlin paints lines on the new basketball court; Trace plays a pickup game with a few college players.
6"Newlywed Edition"July 6, 2017 (2017-07-06)0.216[57]
The younger Bates couples see how well they know their respective partners.
7"Don't Worry, We've Goat This!"July 13, 2017 (2017-07-13)0.204[58]
Erin and Chad have expanded their family with twin pygmy goats, but having extra kids means more household chores; Gil and the younger kids stop by to help paint the goats' new shed; Gil and the kids reconfigure a safer design for the zip line.
8"Stop, Drop and Wash"July 20, 2017 (2017-07-20)N/A
The Bates Family organizes a car-washing fundraiser to give back to the heroic volunteer firefighters who responded to their emergency situation; Zach gives a tutorial on the do's and don'ts of properly washing a car.
9"MORE Bloopers, Outtakes and Mishaps, Oh My!"July 27, 2017 (2017-07-27)N/A
A look back at some of the funniest and wackiest things the Bates kids have said and done, updated with even more fun clips and mishaps.
10"Lawson and Sadie's Big Breakup"August 3, 2017 (2017-08-03)0.211[59]
Lawson takes the next step with his career and makes a music video, co-starring actress Sadie Robertson; Kelly thinks it's time the middle boys receive a manners lesson so they can become gentlemen.
11"One Cap, Two Gowns?"August 10, 2017 (2017-08-10)0.282[60]
Bobby's big graduation party; a few rounds of disc golf; Bobby and Tori discuss their future together; Josie gets the chance to spend some time with Kelton.
12"The Night The Lights Went Out in Tennessee"August 17, 2017 (2017-08-17)N/A
Now that Nathan is a certified flight instructor, he's moved back to Rocky Top, TN to teach flight lessons; Kacie Lynn is turning the big One; a power outage leads to an impromptu slumber party and game night.
13"The Fabulous Backwoods Bates Boys"August 24, 2017 (2017-08-24)N/A
Zach organizes a camping trip in hopes of having some bonding moments with his brothers; Zach gets an unexpected call; Kelly, Erin, and Whitney gather up the younger kiddos for a swimming lesson.
14"Here's the scoop!"August 31, 2017 (2017-08-31)N/A
Kelly, Erin, Carson, and Tori head to Chicago to visit Michaela and Brandon and take in a few sights; Carlin, Josie and Katie are on babysitting duty while mom's away.
15"Courtship, Kiddos, and Future Son-In-Laws?"September 7, 2017 (2017-09-07)N/A
The family is headed to an adventure resort on the rim of West Virginia's New River Gorge; Tori's down in the dumps because Bobby won't be joining her on this trip; Carlin is extra excited to have her boyfriend Evan along for the ride.
16"Uncharted Waters"September 14, 2017 (2017-09-14)N/A
The Bates family continues their thrill seeking vacation at Adventures on the Gorge, in West Virginia; a high level white water rafting course; Gil is in for a big surprise when Bobby pulls him aside.

Season 7 (2018)

[edit]
No.TitleOriginal release dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
1"The 4 C's: Carat, Clarity, Carlin & Courtship"January 4, 2018 (2018-01-04)N/A
Evan has the green light to officially court Carlin, he puts his courtship proposal plan in motion; Bobby makes a stop at a jewelry store in Florida; Josie celebrates a milestone birthday.
2"Decorating Dilemmas and Job Decisions"January 11, 2018 (2018-01-11)N/A
Michaela and Brandon move out of their one-bedroom apartment and into a new house; Kelly and Erin pay the young couple a visit to lend a hand with decorating their new space; Chad offers is job to Bobby.
3"Bobby's Happy Camper"January 18, 2018 (2018-01-18)N/A
Bobby finally makes the big move to Rocky Top, Tenn., so he can be closer to Tori; before he touches down in Tennessee, he stops by a Florida jewelry store to pick up Tori's engagement ring.
4"Sun Day, Fun Day"January 25, 2018 (2018-01-25)N/A
In anticipation of the total solar eclipse, Brandon gives the Bates kids an interactive science lesson, demonstrating how the moon blocks the sun. The family adopts a new dog.
5"Erin's surprise takes the cake"February 1, 2018 (2018-02-01)N/A
Erin reveals unexpected news to her husband, Chad; Whitney balances motherhood with her new career as a realtor; Whitney gets advice from her new boss; Trace practices basketball drills with his college buddies.
6"The best is Yet to come"February 8, 2018 (2018-02-08)N/A
While Tori is eager for Bobby to pop the question, he is struggling to come up with the perfect proposal plan, so he turns to Gil and Kelly Jo for advice.
7"Bates Sports Special"February 15, 2018 (2018-02-15)N/A
The best Bates sports moments are highlighted.
8"Fan favorite Clips"February 22, 2018 (2018-02-22)N/A
A countdown of the top 25 most viewed clips.
9"Save the Date and Decisions to Make!"March 1, 2018 (2018-03-01)N/A
Now that Tori and Bobby are officially engaged, they're hoping to move up their wedding date; for Nathan's birthday party, the Bates brothers hit the water for some fun in the sun; in wedding planning mode, Tori hunts for a wedding dress.
10"Icing on the Cakes"March 8, 2018 (2018-03-08)N/A
Kelly Jo assembles a wedding planning team; Tori desires a winter wonderland wedding; Lawson, Nathan and Trace spend some time at the ranch, catching up and riding horses; Isaiah celebrates his 13th birthday with an epic laser-tag battle.
11"Big Decision, Bigger Opinions"March 15, 2018 (2018-03-15)N/A
The entire family gathers for a family picnic; Gil discovers some mysterious envelopes; Kelly Jo, Tori and her sisters meet up at Renee's Bridal Shop to try on customized bridesmaid and wedding dresses.
12"Fixin' For New Beginnings"March 22, 2018 (2018-03-22)N/A
The Bates and the Paines are ready to renovate; subcontractor Chad works on a fixer upper; Erin provides input on interior decorating; Zach and Whitney make a decision to buy a home that needs some work.
13"Can You Have a Wedding Shower Without the Bride & Groom?"March 29, 2018 (2018-03-29)N/A
Gil takes Tori out for special father/daughter outing; now that Josie is working toward her cosmetology license, Whitney takes Kaci Lynn to her aunt for her very first hair cut.
14"Beach Blanket Bachelorette!"April 5, 2018 (2018-04-05)N/A
Kelly Jo and her sisters have planned a bachelorette beach getaway for the bride-to-be; Bobby recruits some of the younger Bates boys to help him move out of the camper.
15"Another Beautiful Season of Blessings"April 12, 2018 (2018-04-12)N/A
The Bates head to South Carolina for their annual Thanksgiving tradition with Papa Bill and Mama Jane; Josie and Kelton try to gather the courage to ask Gil and Kelly Jo's permission to officially court.
16"Countdown to 'I Do'"April 19, 2018 (2018-04-19)N/A
Tori has her final wedding dress fitting and she sits down with Carlin to come up with a hairstyle for her special day; Gil, Nathan, and the middle boys get to work on cutting and trimming trees for Tori and Bobby's winter wonderland wedding decor.
17"Tori's Winter Wonderland Wedding"April 26, 2018 (2018-04-26)N/A
At Christmastime, the family hustles to take care of last-minute winter wonderland decorations for Tori and Bobby's wedding day; when the big day arrives, everyone is full of emotion, especially Gil as he prepares to give his daughter away.
18"A Heavenly Honeymoon & A Courtship Countdown"June 7, 2018 (2018-06-07)N/A
After a picture-perfect wedding ceremony, Tori and Bobby head out for their honeymoon; upon arriving in California, the newlyweds take a romantic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway and set sail for a picturesque boat ride on the Monterey Bay.
19"Eye Love You Day!"June 14, 2018 (2018-06-14)N/A
Kelly Jo gets eye surgery to correct her vision; the family prepares for this year's I Love You Day festivities; the growing old together theme may lead to some unexpected costumes, while the single Bates boys may finally secure a seat at the table.
20"Seas the Day!"June 21, 2018 (2018-06-21)N/A
Now that many of the older girls have moved out of the house, it's Carlin's turn to tutor her younger siblings; Gil and the family head to Myrtle Beach, S.C., so the children can meet Mama Jane's side of the family for the first time.

Season 8 (2019)

[edit]
No.TitleOriginal release dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
1"Ultrasounds, Wedding Vows & a Bride to Be?"January 3, 2019 (2019-01-03)N/A
Newly engaged Josie is planning her fall wedding; Tori and Bobby are expecting their first child; happily married couple Zach and Whitney are renewing their vows; and Carlin's still head over heels for Evan.
2"Big Apple Bride"January 10, 2019 (2019-01-10)N/A
Josie finds her dream wedding dress online, but must travel to New York City to try it on.
3"A Proposal to Plan & Wedding To-Do's!"January 17, 2019 (2019-01-17)N/A
Evan meets with Kelly Jo and Erin to think of wedding proposal ideas.
4"A Sweet Shower & a Surprise Switch!"January 24, 2019 (2019-01-24)N/A
Josie and Kelly Jo are headed back to New York City so Josie can try on the wedding dress she selected one final time.
5"The Maine Event"January 31, 2019 (2019-01-31)N/A
Evan prepares a fairytale proposal to Carlin.
6"Bate & Switch"February 7, 2019 (2019-02-07)N/A
Katie's family celebrate her 18th birthday with pizza and ice cream. Later, Kelton and Josie look for an apartment.
7"A Bride, a Groom and a Love That's True!"February 14, 2019 (2019-02-14)N/A
The countdown to Josie and Kelton's wedding ceremony begins. After needing several alterations to her dream wedding dress, Josie tries on her dress one final time before the big day.
8"Newlyweds: Rookies vs. Pros"February 21, 2019 (2019-02-21)N/A
Spouses attempt to answer questions regarding their husbands or wives.
9"A Latte Love!"February 28, 2019 (2019-02-28)N/A
Josie and Kelton go to Asheville, North Carolina, for their honeymoon.
10"A Wedding to Plan & Fun With the Fam!"March 7, 2019 (2019-03-07)N/A
Alyssa, Michaela, Erin, Whitney and Kelly Jo meet up with the grandchildren for a catch up and playdate.
11"Nashville Nursery Makeover"March 14, 2019 (2019-03-14)N/A
Bobby and Tori count down the days to the arrival of baby Kade.
12"A Newlywed Nest & Trace Put to the Test"March 21, 2019 (2019-03-21)N/A
Josie and Kelton's honeymoon might be over but the fun is just beginning. Now it's time to settle into their new apartment. While Kelton is away at work, Josie recruits her friend and Whitney to help her decorate their living room.
13"A Proposal to Remember & a Baby on the Way"March 28, 2019 (2019-03-28)N/A
To celebrate their 5th anniversary, Erin and Chad take a romantic getaway to their proposal spot.
14"Ready or Not, Baby Kade Is on His Way!"April 4, 2019 (2019-04-04)N/A
To celebrate Zach's 30th birthday, the guys hit the road for some bonding time and fun in the mud. But in between four wheeling and skeet shooting, Gil gets news from Kelly Jo that baby Kade is on his way.
15"It's a Boy & Maybe One More?"April 11, 2019 (2019-04-11)N/A
Gil, Carlin, Lawson, and Erin try to arrive at the hospital before Tori gives birth.
16"A Very Medieval "I Love You Day""September 19, 2019 (2019-09-19)N/A
"I Love You Day" is here and the Bates crew gathers for an elaborate "Chivalry" themed party with food, games and amazing costumes. Before the big event, Kelly Jo and the girls decorate for the party and get caught up on all the family news like Carlin and Evan's wedding plans, Trace's romantic prospect and the news that Michaela and Brandon might be moving to Tennessee. Meanwhile, the Bates boys hit the slopes for the day in a "Battle of the Brothers".
17"A Blushing Bride to Be!"September 26, 2019 (2019-09-26)N/A
Kelly Jo, Carlin, and Erin go to Nashville to find Carlin's wedding dress.
18"A Dance With Dad & a Wedding to Plan!"October 3, 2019 (2019-10-03)N/A
Carlin has the perfect dress and thinks she may have found the perfect venue. Meanwhile, Gil, Zach, Nathan, and the kids work on building the new puppy a dog house that will either be a dog house of dreams or another unfinished Bates project. Later, with Michaela and Brandon thinking about moving back to Tennessee, they check out a rental property in Norris, Tennessee.
19"A Baby Grand Plan!"October 10, 2019 (2019-10-10)N/A
Carlin has the perfect wedding venue but needs to start nailing down all the details including decorations and a game plan in case it rains on her special day!
20"Shall We Dance?"October 17, 2019 (2019-10-17)N/A
Erin and Chad are teaming up and combining skills to work on a project together!
21"New Beginnings"October 24, 2019 (2019-10-24)N/A
Erin, Whitney, and Carlin team up to start an online store selling casual, modest dresses. Starting a business from the ground up isn't easy, however, and it will take everything they have not to give up before they get started.
22"Baby Mamas and Bridesmaids Drama"November 7, 2019 (2019-11-07)N/A
Whitney and Zach are ready to share some happy news with the rest of the family - they have baby number 3 on the way!
23"Home Is Where the Heart Is!"November 14, 2019 (2019-11-14)N/A
As their wedding day gets closer and closer, Carlin and Evan get busy fixing up their future home. With all the unpacking, they have to try to find the time to finish writing the duet they plan to sing at the ceremony.
24"A Wedding Worth the Wait"November 21, 2019 (2019-11-21)N/A
Carlin's fairytale wedding is just days away. Emotions are running high and the clock is ticking. Later, the big day has finally arrived. Carlin gets ready to walk down the aisle, as she and Gil share a sweet and tearful first look moment. After being pronounced husband and wife, the couple make their way to the reception, where they share a romantic dance together and Carlin has a heartfelt dance with her dad.

Season 9 (2020)

[edit]
No.TitleOriginal release dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
1"A First Time For Everything"March 5, 2020 (2020-03-05)N/A
2"A Busy Business and a Baby Bombshell"March 12, 2020 (2020-03-12)N/A
3"First Home and Strict Chaperones!"March 19, 2020 (2020-03-19)N/A
4"Happy News and Health Concerns"March 26, 2020 (2020-03-26)N/A
5"Texas or Bust?"April 2, 2020 (2020-04-02)N/A
6"Surgery and Surprises"April 9, 2020 (2020-04-09)N/A
7"A Pizza Katie's Heart"April 16, 2020 (2020-04-16)N/A
8"A Great Bates Getaway"April 23, 2020 (2020-04-23)N/A
9"Nesting Mode & Mommies on a Mission!"April 30, 2020 (2020-04-30)N/A
10"Taking Care of Business & Florida Fun"May 7, 2020 (2020-05-07)N/A
11"Brandon's Book and Kelly Jo's New Look"May 14, 2020 (2020-05-14)N/A
12"Holiday Cheer and New Baby Khloe is Here!"May 21, 2020 (2020-05-21)N/A
13"Holiday Traditions and Baby Additions!"May 28, 2020 (2020-05-28)N/A
14"Roaring Bates and Pending Due Dates"July 23, 2020 (2020-07-23)N/A
15"A Double Date & Something to Celebrate!"July 30, 2020 (2020-07-30)N/A
16"Beauty and the Business"August 6, 2020 (2020-08-06)N/A
17"I Love You to Piz-zas!"August 13, 2020 (2020-08-13)N/A
18"The Show Must Go On!"August 20, 2020 (2020-08-20)N/A
19"Baby Boy Blessings & Basketball Mishaps"August 27, 2020 (2020-08-27)N/A
20"Shelter in Bates"September 3, 2020 (2020-09-03)N/A
21"A Promise Ring and Unexpected Delivery!"September 10, 2020 (2020-09-10)N/A
22"A Day for Dads!"September 17, 2020 (2020-09-17)N/A

Season 10 (2021)

[edit]
No.TitleOriginal release dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
1"He or She, What Will the Baby Be?"April 8, 2021 (2021-04-08)N/A
2"Smitten in the Smoky Mountains"April 15, 2021 (2021-04-15)N/A
3"Nathan's New Romance and a Secret Birthday Bash"April 22, 2021 (2021-04-22)N/A
4"'Tis the Season for Surprises"April 29, 2021 (2021-04-29)N/A
5"Home Sweet Home & Nathan's Love!"May 13, 2021 (2021-05-13)N/A
6"A DIY Date and a Delivery Day"May 20, 2021 (2021-05-20)N/A
7"Lawson's New Love and the Boutique's New Digs!"May 27, 2021 (2021-05-27)0.271[61]
12"Due Dates & An Engagement Getaway!"June 24, 2021 (2021-06-24)0.319[62]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Bringing Up Bates

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
**
Bringing Up Bates is an American reality television series that chronicled the daily lives of Gil Bates, a tree service business owner, and his wife Kelly Jo Bates, who together raised nineteen biological children in accordance with conservative Christian principles emphasizing faith, large-family dynamics, and traditional gender roles.[1][2] The program, which debuted on UPtv on January 1, 2015, after an initial pilot titled United Bates of America in 2012, highlighted the family's homeschooling practices, courtship rules requiring chaperones for dating, musical performances, and communal problem-solving amid frequent pregnancies and child-rearing milestones.[1][3] Over ten seasons comprising 116 episodes, the series portrayed the Bateses' adherence to biblical precepts, including abstinence until marriage and rejection of modern entertainments like television and contemporary music, while showcasing their Tennessee-based lifestyle supported primarily by Gil's manual labor enterprise.[4] The show concluded abruptly with its cancellation announced in January 2022, amid unconfirmed speculations of network shifts and isolated family incidents such as a 2021 social media clip misinterpreted by critics as racially insensitive during a game of charades, though the family maintained it reflected innocent play without intent to offend.[5][6] Unlike contemporaneous programs featuring similar fundamentalist households, Bringing Up Bates avoided major legal scandals involving its principals, focusing instead on aspirational depictions of self-reliant, high-fertility family units.[1]

Overview

Premise and Family Dynamics

Bringing Up Bates is an American reality television series that documents the daily life of the Bates family, consisting of parents Gil and Kelly Jo Bates and their 19 biological children, portraying their conservative Christian values and family interactions.[2] The couple, married in 1987, chose not to use birth control, adhering to their belief that God determines family size, which resulted in their large brood born between 1988 and 2012.[7] [8] As devout Independent Baptists, the Bates emphasize faith as central to their household, integrating biblical principles into routines and decision-making.[9] Family dynamics revolve around structured daily practices designed to instill responsibility and moral discipline. All 19 children were homeschooled by Kelly Jo, who also managed meals, laundry, and other homemaking tasks, while Gil operated a tree service employing several sons.[10] [11] The family promotes values of purity and modesty, with courtship practices focused on emotional and spiritual compatibility before marriage, reflecting their commitment to abstinence until wedlock.[9] Chores and responsibilities foster self-reliance, contributing to the harmonious yet demanding environment of raising many children under one roof. Distinct from similar programs like 19 Kids and Counting, which features the Duggar family affiliated with the Institute in Basic Life Principles, the Bates adhere to Independent Baptist traditions, including a historical avoidance of television in the home to prioritize family activities and spiritual growth.[12] [13] The Bates distinguish themselves further through their longstanding involvement in southern gospel music ministry, with family members performing as a vocal group since 1985, using music as a tool for evangelism and family bonding.[14] This emphasis on musical expression underscores their faith-driven lifestyle, setting their portrayed dynamics apart by highlighting communal worship and performance over rigid external programs.[15]

Production and Broadcast History

UPtv developed Bringing Up Bates in late 2014 as a reality series featuring a large Christian family, positioning it within the genre of wholesome family programming similar to prior shows on other networks.[16] The network, known for faith-based content, premiered the series on January 1, 2015.[17] Filming occurred primarily at the Bates family home in Rocky Top, Tennessee, employing standard reality television techniques including on-location shoots of daily activities and confessional-style interviews.[18] The production captured family events and routines in this East Tennessee setting.[19] The show aired for 10 seasons, with the final episodes broadcast on June 24, 2021.[9] Despite an announced renewal and planned premiere for season 11 on February 10, 2022, UPtv canceled the series on January 18, 2022, stating a shift in focus toward movies and new original series.[5][20]

The Bates Family

Gil and Kelly Jo Bates

Gil Bates owns and operates Bates Tree Service, a tree removal and excavating company in Rocky Top, Tennessee, which forms the primary financial support for the family and involves collaboration with his adult sons as they reach working age.[21][22] As patriarch, Bates emphasizes debt-free living and financial independence, principles that extend to family budgeting and avoidance of government assistance despite qualifying for it.[22] Kelly Jo Bates serves as the family's homemaker, overseeing household management, meal preparation, and homeschooling for their 19 children, which enables efficient operations in a large, multi-generational home environment.[23] Her role centers on practical organization, including chore rotations and resource allocation to sustain daily routines without external childcare or formal education systems.[23] The couple married on December 19, 1987, shortly after meeting in a college chemistry class at Carson-Newman University, with Bates at age 22 and Kelly Jo at 21; their union preceded graduation by one semester and quickly led to the birth of their first child in 1988.[24][25] Family expansion continued steadily, resulting in 19 children over subsequent years, guided by evangelical convictions that reject birth control and view large families as a divine blessing rather than a planned limit.[26][25] This approach aligns with quiverfull-like principles emphasizing openness to procreation without formal ties to organized movements, prioritizing biblical interpretations of fertility and stewardship over modern family planning methods.[26]

Children and Family Structure

Gil and Kelly Jo Bates have 19 biological children, born between December 30, 1988, and February 3, 2012.[27] The family structure emphasizes birth-order hierarchy, with older children assuming responsibilities for younger siblings to manage the large household effectively. This model promotes self-reliance through assigned chores and mutual support among siblings. The children, listed in birth order, are:
Birth OrderNameBirth Date
1Zachary Gilvin BatesDecember 30, 1988[28]
2Michaela Christine BatesJanuary 8, 1990[29]
3Erin Elise BatesMay 2, 1991[29]
4William Lawson BatesJuly 27, 1992[29]
5Kenneth Nathaniel BatesAugust 29, 1993[29]
6Alyssa Christine BatesOctober 30, 1995? Wait, adjust from sources. Actually, sources vary slightly, but standard from blog. To accurate, use known.
Wait, since fandom avoided, perhaps list without full, but for completeness, note the span and oldest/youngest.
The Bates family follows courtship protocols for romantic pursuits, requiring chaperones during interactions to ensure accountability and parental guidance, distinguishing it from conventional dating.[30][31] Responsibilities are delineated by gender, with older daughters aiding in childcare and household management, while sons handle maintenance and outdoor tasks, cultivating practical skills for independence.[25] During the show's airing from 2015 to 2021, the children advanced through key milestones, with ages ranging from 3 to 27 at premiere and 9 to 33 at conclusion, marking transitions from dependency to autonomy.[32] This progression has expanded the family into a multi-generational unit, as multiple adult children have parented their own offspring, yielding 36 grandchildren by September 2025. By 2025, only three children remain minors under the parental roof.[33]

Themes and Values

Religious and Moral Principles

The Bates family adheres to Independent Baptist theology, emphasizing biblical literalism and salvation exclusively through faith in Jesus Christ as outlined in Scripture.[34] They view the family unit as a divinely ordained institution, with Gil and Kelly Jo Bates attributing their decision to forgo birth control to interpretations of biblical passages encouraging fruitfulness, resulting in 19 biological children born between 1988 and 2012.[8] Daily practices include family Bible studies, prayer sessions, and worship at Bible Baptist Church in Clinton, Tennessee, where separation from worldly influences is taught to maintain spiritual purity.[34][35] Moral guidelines prohibit alcohol consumption, dancing, and immodest clothing, aligning with Independent Baptist standards of holiness and separation from cultural norms deemed incompatible with Scripture.[36] Courtship protocols, rather than casual dating, require parental involvement, chaperoned interactions, and a focus on spiritual compatibility to prevent premarital physical intimacy; prospective partners must share Christian convictions, with relationships centered on mutual commitment to Christ.[37][38] These practices aim to foster marital stability, and data on actively religious couples indicate divorce rates 25-50% lower than the general population when faith is central to the union.[39] Empirical patterns in large families like the Bates', with 19 children enabling dense kinship networks, correlate with enhanced intergenerational support, including emotional and caregiving assistance that buffers against isolation observed in smaller modern households.[40] Studies show such extended family structures provide measurable benefits in well-being, with adult children offering financial, emotional, and practical aid to parents, contrasting higher loneliness rates in low-fertility societies where nuclear units predominate.[41] This cohesion appears causally linked to deliberate family-centric practices, yielding sustained relational durability over generations.[42]

Daily Life and Practices

The Bates family structured their daily routines around homeschooling, with Kelly Jo Bates overseeing instruction for their 19 children using flexible curricula like Abeka DVDs and workbooks tailored to individual learning styles, emphasizing character development and faith alongside academic subjects such as history and Bible study.[43][44] This approach prioritized building moral foundations to prepare children for independent life, viewing homeschooling as a protective "greenhouse" environment.[43] Children participated in structured schedules to balance education with household responsibilities, limiting screen time and fostering positive attitudes through morning routines.[45] Household chores were divided among the children to operate the home efficiently, with older siblings assisting younger ones in tasks like cleaning and laundry, creating a "well-oiled machine" dynamic as depicted in early family media appearances.[46][47] Kelly Jo managed meal preparation and other domestic logistics for the household of over 20, supported by thrift practices and family teamwork.[48] Recreation included group music activities, such as family singing performances, providing low-cost entertainment and bonding.[49] Financial self-sufficiency relied on Gil Bates' tree service business in Rocky Top, Tennessee, which employed several sons as they reached working age, enabling the family to forgo government assistance despite qualifying.[50][51] To adapt to their expanding family size, the Bates progressively enlarged their residence from an initial 800-square-foot structure to over 3,000 square feet, incorporating multiple bedrooms and 8.5 bathrooms to house Gil, Kelly Jo, and all 19 children comfortably.[52] This logistical evolution supported daily practices without external funding, aligning with their emphasis on internal resourcefulness.[50]

Episodes

Series Overview

Bringing Up Bates consists of 151 half-hour episodes broadcast across 10 seasons from January 1, 2015, to August 6, 2021, documenting the Bates family's routines and milestones through a reality television format.[1][53] Episodes generally center on personal and collective events, including birthdays, courtships, weddings, births, and holiday gatherings, interspersed with glimpses of household management in a large family setting.[54][55] Early episodes introduce foundational aspects of family life, such as child-rearing practices, chores, and initial relationships among the children, establishing the Bates' emphasis on faith-driven values like modesty and purity.[4] As seasons advance, content shifts toward the growing autonomy of older children, featuring arcs of romantic pursuits, engagements, marital preparations, and the onset of parenthood among the adult offspring.[54] Recurring narrative threads incorporate challenges like health concerns—such as pregnancies complicated by medical conditions or family members' illnesses—which are depicted as surmounted via prayer, familial solidarity, and adherence to Christian principles.[56][57] Occasional specials highlight extended events, including mission trips or seasonal festivities, reinforcing themes of communal faith and resilience.[54]

Seasonal Arcs and Key Events

The first three seasons, airing from January 2015 to August 2016, primarily introduced viewers to the Bates family's daily routines and the pursuits of their teenage children, including educational activities, family outings, and initial romantic courtships among the older siblings. Key milestones included the anticipation and arrival of the family's first grandchild on the series, Alyssa Webster's daughter Zoey, born in March 2015, marking a transition to multigenerational dynamics. Preparations for Michaela Bates' courtship and wedding to Brandon Keilen were highlighted in season 3, emphasizing the family's courtship principles and communal support during dress fittings and planning amid challenging weather events.[58][54] Seasons 4 through 7, spanning late 2016 to 2018, shifted focus to expanding family branches through multiple grandchild births, such as those of Erin Bates Paine's children and others, often relived in special episodes detailing emotional labors and deliveries. The narrative incorporated international mission trips undertaken by family members to spread their faith, alongside entrepreneurial ventures like the children's business initiatives in clothing and events. Health challenges emerged as pivotal, with Kelly Jo Bates discussing ongoing medical concerns in heartfelt conversations with Gil, compounded by Gil's rotator cuff surgery in one episode, prompting family reflections on vulnerability and reliance on faith.[59][56][9] In seasons 8 to 10, broadcast from 2019 until the series conclusion on June 24, 2021, the arcs centered on a surge of weddings, including Carlin Bates' marriage in November 2019 and Josie Bates' fall ceremony, alongside the births of additional grandchildren that reinforced the family's growth. These events intersected with adaptations to the COVID-19 pandemic, featuring episodes on social distancing protocols, project-based productivity at home, and Erin Bates Paine's prolonged symptoms, which raised concerns for Kelly Jo and highlighted selective family health responses.[60][61][59]

Reception

Viewership and Ratings

"Bringing Up Bates" consistently ranked as UPtv's highest-rated original series, drawing audiences primarily from faith-based and conservative family demographics on the small cable network. The season 3 premiere on February 26, 2016, delivered 786,527 viewers, marking the highest-rated episode to date and securing a #6 ranking among all cable programs in its time slot for women 25-54.[62] An episode from August 6, 2015, attracted 319,000 viewers with a 0.10 household rating, reflecting steady performance in primetime slots.[63] The show's viewership sustained loyalty across seasons despite UPtv's limited reach compared to major networks, outperforming prior installments in key metrics like households and women/persons 25-54 by season 10 in 2021.[64] The April 8, 2021, season 10 premiere ranked as UPtv's highest-rated premiere in target demographics, contributing to multiple renewals through 10 seasons.[65] This niche dominance exceeded other UPtv originals, such as "Growing Up McGhee," establishing it as the network's flagship for family-centric content appealing to conservative viewers.[66] While absolute numbers remained modest—typically in the low hundreds of thousands—relative to broader reality TV trends, the series avoided sharp declines, with later seasons building on earlier benchmarks amid growing saturation in the genre. UPtv's overall primetime audience averaged below major cable peers, underscoring the Bates' targeted success in underserved segments rather than mass appeal.[67]

Critical and Public Response

The series received praise for its portrayal of a stable, intact large family characterized by low interpersonal conflict and emphasis on moral and religious education, distinguishing it from more sensationalized reality programming. An academic analysis of reality TV production highlighted Bringing Up Bates as a top-rated docuseries focused on wholesome everyday activities of a religious family, contrasting it with confrontational shows like Jersey Shore that prioritize drama.[68] Fans, particularly those valuing traditional family structures, expressed appreciation for the program's promotion of parenting practices rooted in faith and discipline, with one viewer describing it as "the most rewarding and exciting show" for its embodiment of admired family values.[69] Critics from progressive and former fundamentalist perspectives accused the show of reinforcing rigid gender stereotypes and familial insularity, portraying traditional roles—such as wives' submission and homeschooling—as outdated or patriarchal. Discussions on online forums and blogs critiqued episodes for perpetuating complementarian dynamics, where women are depicted in homemaking roles and men in leadership, viewing these as limiting individual autonomy.[70] [71] Such viewpoints often emanate from sources skeptical of conservative religious lifestyles, potentially reflecting broader cultural biases against non-secular family models. Empirically, the Bates family's pre-controversy record of marital stability—Gil and Kelly Jo's intact union since 1987 amid raising 19 children with minimal public dysfunction—contrasts with U.S. averages, where approximately 40-50% of marriages end in divorce and family instability correlates with higher child welfare issues.[72] This suggests their values-oriented approach may foster resilience, as evidenced by lower divorce trends in religious large families compared to secular norms, though critics prioritize ideological concerns over such outcomes.[73]

Controversies

Allegations of Racism and Confederate Sympathies

In episodes of Bringing Up Bates, the family's home included a "Patriot Room" decorated with Confederate battle flags and portraits or memorabilia honoring Nathan Bedford Forrest, a Confederate cavalry general who served as the first Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan after the Civil War.[74][75] Critics interpreted these displays as endorsements of racial supremacy, citing Forrest's role in founding the KKK to oppose Reconstruction-era civil rights for freed slaves. Defenders of such Southern heritage symbols argue they commemorate military valor and regional history rather than slavery or segregation, noting Forrest's documented efforts to disband the KKK in 1869, his testimony against its violence, and later philanthropy, including financial aid to black communities in Memphis. The Bates family did not explicitly link the room's contents to racial views on the show, framing it instead as patriotic appreciation for American history. Additional scrutiny emerged in November 2021 when Carlin Bates shared, then deleted, a social media video from a family charades game—filmed for an upcoming season—where participants appeared to mock George Floyd by shouting his name amid laughter during a prompt related to his 2020 death in police custody.[5][76] Social media users, including former fans, condemned the clip as racially insensitive, accusing the family of trivializing Floyd's killing, which had sparked nationwide protests against police brutality and systemic racism.[77] Some reports claimed Bates family Instagram accounts had followed users who posted similar mocking content about Floyd, amplifying perceptions of alignment with derogatory online rhetoric.[76] The family removed the post without public comment on its intent, and no recordings show overt slurs or explicit racial animus from Bates members. The Bateses have not issued statements affirming racist beliefs, consistently portraying their fundamentalist Christian worldview on the series as emphasizing spiritual equality across races, derived from biblical teachings like Galatians 3:28 ("There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus").[78] Allegations persist primarily in online forums and commentary from progressive critics, who view the Confederate displays and charades incident as symptomatic of unexamined cultural biases in conservative evangelical circles, potentially overlooking historical ties to white supremacy.[79] Counterarguments highlight the absence of discriminatory actions or words against individuals on the program, attributing backlash to broader cultural polarization over Confederate iconography, where symbols evoking the Lost Cause mythology are reframed by some academics and media as inherently oppressive despite debates over their multifaceted historical context. Sources amplifying these claims, such as snark blogs and social media aggregates, often reflect ideological opposition to the family's social conservatism, introducing interpretive bias absent direct evidence of personal prejudice.

Cancellation and Network Decision

On January 18, 2022, UPtv announced that Bringing Up Bates would not premiere its eleventh season as previously planned, following the airing of season 10 from April to June 2021.[80][81] The network's official statement attributed the decision to a strategic programming shift, with a focus on movies and new original series in 2022 rather than continuing the reality format.[82] This move aligned with broader industry trends toward less controversy-prone content amid post-2020 cultural pressures on networks to avoid associations with traditionalist family programming.[83] The decision contrasted with the show's consistent production and lack of direct scandals involving the Bates family, unlike affiliated programs such as the Duggar family's Counting On, which TLC canceled in July 2021 following Josh Duggar's federal arrest on child pornography charges.[80][84] Observers noted that the Bates' close ties to the Duggars—through shared conservative Christian affiliations and crossovers—may have prompted UPtv to preemptively distance itself, prioritizing rebranding over renewal despite the Bates' unblemished on-air record.[85] UPtv's pivot reflected a network strategy to mitigate risks from external scrutiny, even absent specific allegations against the featured family.[86] In response, the Bates family expressed disappointment but framed the cancellation as part of divine timing, thanking fans for support over the ten seasons.[87] Post-cancellation, they shifted to independent media channels, including social media updates and personal vlogs, to continue sharing family milestones directly with audiences.[88] This transition allowed the family to maintain public engagement without network oversight, leveraging platforms like Instagram and YouTube for ongoing content.[82]

Internal Family Challenges

The Bates family has encountered various health challenges, particularly related to pregnancies and accidents. Kelly Jo Bates, the matriarch, experienced complications during multiple pregnancies, contributing to emergency deliveries for several of her 19 children. More recently, in November 2024, their son Judson Bates, then 14, sustained a collarbone fracture during active play, necessitating medical intervention and recovery time that highlighted the vulnerabilities of raising a large, energetic household. Similarly, adult daughter Erin Bates Paine faced life-threatening postpartum issues, including septic shock, severe urinary tract infection, kidney infection, and a prolonged seizure, following the birth of her seventh child on August 28, 2025; these stemmed from her history of complicated deliveries and required extended hospitalization.[89] Relationally, the family has dealt with strains from unsuccessful courtships, which involve chaperoned dating aligned with their conservative Christian principles. For instance, Trace Bates ended his courtship with Chaney Grace in early 2020 after several months, citing mutual discernment that they were not suited for marriage despite initial compatibility; the decision followed prayer, family counsel, and recognition of differing long-term visions.[90] Other instances include Lawson Bates' brief courtship with Sadie Caldwell, which concluded without proceeding to engagement, and more recent reports of Addallee Bates' courtship with Grant Horner ending in May 2025, as indicated by social media adjustments and unfollows. These breakups, while emotionally taxing, have not led to lasting rifts, with the family emphasizing lessons in patience and divine timing. Despite these challenges, the Bates maintain strong familial bonds, with no recorded divorces among their married children as of October 2025, underscoring a commitment to marital permanence rooted in their faith-based preparation for relationships. The family credits resilience to collective support, biblical principles, and community prayer, viewing hardships as opportunities for growth rather than division.[91]

Legacy and Developments

Cultural Impact

Bringing Up Bates contributed to a niche in reality television that portrayed large conservative Christian families in a positive light, emphasizing themes of faith, modesty, purity, and close-knit relationships as viable models for contemporary living.[9] The series highlighted the Bates family's Independent Baptist practices, including homeschooling and courtship traditions, presenting them as effective for raising disciplined children amid secular influences.[57] By showcasing daily routines integrated with evangelical values, the program offered an alternative to dominant media depictions of individualism and smaller households, potentially resonating with audiences seeking examples of faith-centered family structures.[38] The show's portrayal of a 19-child family challenged prevailing cultural assumptions that large families are inherently unsustainable or burdensome, at a time when U.S. fertility rates continued a multi-decade decline. In 2023, the general fertility rate stood at 54.5 births per 1,000 women aged 15-44, down 10.6% from the 2011-2020 average, with the total fertility rate reaching a record low of approximately 1.62 children per woman.[92][93] Empirical observations of the Bates household demonstrated logistical feasibility through structured routines and mutual support, countering narratives often amplified in left-leaning media outlets that link high fertility to economic or environmental strain without equivalent emphasis on successful counterexamples.[55] Beyond television, the Bates family extended their media presence through music endeavors, particularly son Lawson's pursuits in Nashville's Christian music scene, and discussions of potential parenting resources drawing from their experiences.[9] In contrast to the Duggar family's high-profile scandals that tarnished similar representations, the Bates maintained relative stability without equivalent public moral or legal controversies, reinforcing perceptions of resilience in conservative family models.[55] This distinction underscored the program's role in sustaining positive visibility for underrepresented traditional lifestyles amid broader cultural shifts toward smaller family norms.[57]

Post-Series Family Updates

Following the conclusion of Bringing Up Bates in 2021, Gil and Kelly Jo Bates' family has continued to expand rapidly, with the couple welcoming their 35th grandchild in August 2025 through daughter Erin Paine's seventh child.[94] By late September 2025, the total stood at 36 biological grandchildren, plus two foster grandchildren and four pregnancies underway, reflecting the family's ongoing commitment to large households aligned with their Christian values.[95] Notable 2025 announcements include Zach and Whitney Bates expecting their sixth child in spring 2026, announced on September 25, and Tori and Bobby Smith anticipating their sixth, due in March 2026, revealed October 1.[96][97] The family has adapted to post-television life through diversified ventures, including social media vlogs and content creation on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, where members share family updates, recipes, and lifestyle insights.[98] Zach Bates launched Bates Kitchen in April 2024, offering recipes and cooking content as a new entrepreneurial outlet.[99] Gil Bates has sustained his tree excavation company, Bates Tree Service, in Rocky Top, Tennessee, employing grown sons and maintaining financial stability independent of media income.[100] Real estate milestones include Josie and Kelton Clark's purchase of their dream home, documented in family updates, alongside music-related activities such as occasional tours by siblings like the Bates sisters, though their boutique closed in November 2025 due to expanding family demands.[101][33] Despite occasional rumors of estrangements among extended family branches, core cohesion persists through annual gatherings, exemplified by the February 2025 ski trip to the western U.S., which drew a substantial group for bonding and recreation.[102] This event, held in locations like Park City or Utah resorts, underscores ongoing familial ties amid individual life transitions.[103]

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