Meet the Bates Family

Bringing Up Bates premieres tonight at 9pm ET/8pm CT on UP TV. For those who cannot tune in, we will post a recap of the hour-long episode after it airs.

Led by devoted father Gil (50) and his loving wife Kelly Jo (47), the Bates do everything in bulk while staying true to their values and rules for their family – which means everyone has chores, little to no TV, only dresses for girls (though pajamas are worn in private), strictly side-hugs until marriage (except for front hugs on special occasions), and more.

With a grand total of 19 children ranging in age from 2 to 25, the Bates are the definition of a “big, happy family.”  But lately – as viewers will see – their simple rural lifestyle in Tennessee is in a flurry of transitions and is continually challenged by the modern world.

The new season will explore new, ever-changing family dynamics, as the Bates...

Celebrate the birth of the 1st grandchild, Bradley Gilvin (born October 29th), with son Zach (26) and his wife Whitney.

Foster the courtship of Michaella (24) and Brandon Keilen by allowing him to share an extended visit with the family during the holiday season.

Support Erin (23) and her husband, Chad Paine, as they face a health issue that challenges their hope of starting a family

Check in on newlywed Alyssa (20) as she finds her way in Florida with new husband, John Webster,

the son of a U.S. Congressman, and makes a surprise announcement.

Encourage Tori (19) to bring order to the family schedule and step up to meet the challenges of child training, as her parents have become more lax in their later years.

To support his super-sized family, Gil runs a tree service and relies on sons Lawson (22), Nathan (21), and Trace (17) to help him.

Callie Bates

And catch up with the other Bates kids. Gil and Kelly share the personality traits of their youngest 11 children: 

Carlin (16) is high-energy and very expressive. Josie (15) is quiet (when you first meet her) and caring. Katie (14) is spunky. Jackson (12) is always growing and thinking. Warden (11) is always moving. Isaiah (10) has a tender heart. Addallee (8) thinks of others before herself. Ellie (7) is miss smiley. Callie (5) thinks she is the boss of the family and is little miss sassy. Judson (4) is a teddy bear and loves to cuddle. Jeb (2) is full blast, 90 mph and can tackle his older brother Judson.

Meanwhile, Kelly Jo navigates all the meals, laundry, homeschooling, cut knees, birthdays and more as the holidays approach. With the next generation of Bates couples building lives outside their parents’ nest and responsibilities shifting to the younger kids – who may not be ready to handle the pressure – this abundant family will have bigger drama, bigger challenges, and bigger life events to celebrate in the UP Original Series Bringing Up Bates.