Bates' Favorite TV Shows

Are you looking for an entertaining TV series that is appropriate for the whole family? The Bates have several suggestions for you. Their favorites are mysteries and old westerns.

If you have any family-friendly TV shows (or movies) to add to the list, go ahead and post them as a comment.

Daniel Boone
Perry Mason
The Dick Van Dyke Show
The Andy Griffith Show
Roy Rogers
Alias Smith and Jones
Annie Oakley 

These TV series were made in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. They are all available on Amazon, and The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Andy Griffith Show can also be found on Netflix.

Photo courtesy of UP

Recap: 'Birthdays and Boyfriends'

Bringing Up Bates "Birthdays and Boyfriends"...

• The Bates family drives down to Florida for Allie Jane Webster’s first birthday party.
• Kelly: “Birthdays are special. They only come once a year.”
• Gil: “I know they only come once a year, but they’re coming like 25 times. That’s more than once every other week, there’s a big party.”
• Kelly: “Hey, we’re a partying family.”
• “The thing about Alyssa’s house is it’s very clean,” says Lawson. “And when you bring us in, it’s hard to keep it that way.”
• The older Bates siblings help Alyssa prepare desserts, but they end up eating more than Alyssa would like.
• When Alyssa becomes overwhelmed, the family heads to the park to give her a break. Gil and the boys enjoy doing tricks on the swings. “Do y’all have to do something dangerous everywhere we go?” questions Kelly. Gil and the guys enjoy making Mom scream.
• While Alyssa finishes setting up for the party, the Bates meet Tori’s boyfriend’s family at a BBQ restaurant. Bobby only has two younger sisters, so Tori is hoping the encounter won’t be too overwhelming.
• Tori used to chaperone Alyssa and John's dates during their courtship, until Alyssa requested a different chaperone. According to Alyssa, Tori was very strict about them getting too close to each other. But now that Tori is in a relationship (not an official courtship yet), she and Bobby love to link arms and get way closer than she would have allowed as a chaperone. 
• Tori says she is thrilled to see that Bobby is good with kids. “You’ve gotta be careful,” warns Zach. “If you marry a guy that’s really good with little kids, it normally means one thing: the guy is still a kid.” Whitney agrees.
• Kelly says that the only thing keeping Tori and Bobby from getting married immediately is that they still haven’t finished college. Tori has two years left, and Bobby has one, and they are both determined to complete their education.
• Alyssa goes all out for her daughter’s first birthday party. The snacks and decorations are beautiful, but she isn’t quite sure that her family appreciates the elegance of it.
• Everyone enjoys catching up with the extended Webster family. As they have been doing since Allie was a few months old, Alyssa’s siblings ask her if she’s pregnant yet. The mom of one promises that she isn’t. She and John would like to have six children. “Maybe eight,” says Alyssa. “That would be fine. I like six. Nineteen, that is not for me.” 

Addee, Ellie, Judson, and Callie Bates Discuss the Episode

Video courtesy of UP

Lawson's Biggest Fan

How would you like to see a deleted scene from tonight's episode? While visiting Alyssa and John Webster in Florida, the Bates also have a chance to meet Bobby Smith's family. (For those who haven't heard, Bobby is Tori Bates' boyfriend.)

Bobby has two younger sisters (a very small family compared to the Bates). His youngest sister, Amanda, has a major crush on Lawson. The two families meet up at a restaurant and are very entertained by the way Lawson and Amanda interact. You'll see why in the video below:

Photo/video courtesy of UP

Gil: 'Bates have bad habits'

Alyssa (Bates) Webster: "I think the family's idea of helping out is you make one thing and you eat two."
Gil Bates: "Bates have bad habits."
Kelly Bates: "It comes from his side."
Gil Bates: "I don't really know where it comes from..."

Bringing Up Bates "Birthdays and Boyfriends" premieres tonight at 9pm ET/8pm CT on UP (sneak peek video below).

Thursday, July 28
8pm: The Great Bates Clean-Up
8:30pm: Bloopers, Outtakes, and Mishaps, Oh My!
9pm: Birthdays and Boyfriends (NEW)
The Bates are back in Florida and are ready to party! It's the Bates girls' turn to celebrate, as Allie Jane and Carlin share a big birthday. The family prepares for the birthday bash but quickly realize it's a lot harder to plan a party for both a 1-year-old and an 18-year-old than they originally thought. Later, Kelly Jo and Gil take advantage of their time in Florida by meeting Tori's boyfriend's family.

Photo/video courtesy of UP

Lawson Turns 24

Wishing Lawson Bates a blessed 24th birthday!

Photos courtesy of UP, lawsonbates.com

'Bobby, Bobby, Bobby'

The 50th episode of Bringing Up Bates is sure to be a memorable one! The Bates family travels down to Florida to celebrate Allie Jane Webster's first birthday and meet Bobby Smith's family.

For those who haven't heard, Bobby is Tori's boyfriend, although the two have not yet announced an official courtship.

Scroll down to watch the promo video for Thursday's new epsiode of Bringing Up Bates, which airs Thursday at 9pm ET/8pm CT on UP.

 
Photo/video courtesy of UP

Bates Snapshots July 2016

Here are a few Bates snapshots that we just couldn't resist sharing. Kaci Lynn Bates is five weeks old, and she is as cute as a button. Over the weekend, several of the Bates attended a wedding. Chad and Erin Paine also added a new (furry) member to their family!

 Kaci Bates, 5 weeks old

Carson Paine and his new puppy

 Alyssa Webster and Allie Jane Webster

Tori Bates, Carlin Bates, Erin Paine, and Josie Bates

Photos courtesy of thebatesfamily.com, Chad and Erin Paine, Alyssa and John Webster

50 Best Bates Moments

In honor of the 50th episode of Bringing Up Bates, which airs this Thursday on UP, take a look at this video of the best 50 Bates moments from seasons one, two, three, and four. Which are your favorites?

Stay tuned to see promo clips of Thursday's new episode!

 
Photo/video courtesy of UP

Lawson Bates' Fall Tour

Those who have been watching season four of Bringing Up Bates have seen Lawson Bates take steps to further his music career. He has sought counsel from Nashville producers and agents, co-written songs with a handful of established musicians, and filmed a number of YouTube videos (embedded below).

The up-and-coming country artist is in the process of planning a fall tour and will announce the dates and locations very soon. He did mention that he hopes to make Orlando one of the tour stops. Stay tuned for more details!

"Will the Circle Be Unbroken" 
(with Zach Bates, Tori Bates, and Nacona Allan)

"Flag Waving Patriot"

"Because He Lives" 
(with Carlin Bates)
Photo/videos courtesy of lawsonbates.com, the Bates family

Random Bates Updates

Did you catch last night's new episode of Bringing Up Bates? If not, be sure to check out our recap. Here are a few random Bates updates that we know you will enjoy hearing:

-Michaela (Bates) Keilen, who lives in Chicago with her husband, Brandon, recently graduated from Roane State Community College.

-Tori is still with her boyfriend, Bobby Smith. Bobby is usually down in Florida, but this summer he is working as a counselor at a camp in North Carolina called The Wilds. Tori and Bobby have enjoyed seeing each on weekends.

-Gil and Kelly would love to have baby #20, but they aren't banking on it. "...The gray hair has set in, and it's grandbaby stage," says Kelly, "But that's okay. I don't mind growing old."

-Erin is doing very well with her pregnancy. As we shared yesterday, she is due at the end of August but will be induced early.

-While they do spend a lot of time shopping at thrift stores, the Bates also enjoy sifting through the clearance racks at stores like Old Navy.

Photo courtesy of UP

Recap: "Bloopers, Outtakes, and Mishaps, Oh My!"

Bringing Up Bates "Bloopers, Outtakes, and Mishaps, Oh My!"

• The Bates admit that they are a very loud family, but they don’t always notice it because they are so accustomed to the noise. “...It sounds like a zoo,” says Erin. “It really does.”
• “My family’s house is very loud and very crazy all the time,” shares Alyssa.
• The Bates really enjoy teasing each other. Lawson is often the target. “If you want to tease somebody, it’s usually Lawson,” says Kelly. According to Gil, Lawson is the best talker in the family.
• But even though they like to give each other a hard time, the Bates' teasing is always done in fun.
• The family enjoys laughing together and making memories. They all agree that laughter is contagious. “When Callie starts laughing, she can’t stop,” says Katie.  
• Who laughs the loudest? Definitely Tori. “The neighbors know what she sounds like when she laughs!” remarks Gil.
• During UP interviews, the Bates kids don't always understand the question, which makes for an even funnier response. Take this one, for example: 
• Interviewer: “Is oral hygiene important with your family?”
• Jackson Bates: “What hygiene?”
• Interviewer: “Oral hygiene”
• Jackson Bates: “Nobody here wear high jeans. They all wear ‘em low.”
• What are the Bates' top three favorite words/phrases? “Epic,” “Awkward,” and “oh my stars."

34 Weeks!

July is almost over, which means that Erin Paine's August 30th due date is quickly approaching. Due to her blood clotting disorder, Erin will be induced early. Stay tuned for more updates .

Chad surprised Erin with a "baby moon" getaway to celebrate the upcoming arrival of their daughter, Brooklyn Elise Paine. Erin and Chad also had photos taken by photographer Taryn Yager, who welcomed her third child, Mac Bradley Yager, yesterday morning.

 Chad and Erin Paine

34 weeks pregnant with Brooklyn Paine, July 2016 

For comparison, here are a few snapshots of Erin during the middle of the third trimester of her last pregnancy...

Erin and Chad Paine

31 weeks pregnant with Carson Paine, Easter 2015

Photos courtesy of tarynyagerphotography.com, Erin and Chad Paine

Erin: 'It sounds like a zoo'

 Callie Bates, Addallee Bates, and Ellie Bates

"One of the problems we have in our family [is that] we have never learned to let one person talk at a time. There's this huge barrage of verbal things coming, and everybody's talking at one time."

-Gil Bates

This week's new episode of Bringing Up Bates might just have you on the floor laughing! Check out the two promo videos below for a taste of what's in store. The show starts at 9pm ET/8pm CT on UP.

Thursday, July 21
8pm ET: The Big Chili
8:30pm ET: The Great Bates Clean-Up
9pm ET: Bloopers, Outtakes, and Mishaps, Oh My! (NEW)
With 19 kids you never know what what's going to happen! And as we've seen, the Bates kids are chock-full of hilarious sayings and entertaining moments. We take a look back and highlight the funniest and wackiest things the Bates kids have said and done.

 
Photo/videos courtesy of UP

Keilens Meet Kaci

Over the weekend, Michael and Brandon Keilen, who will celebrate their one-year wedding anniversary next month, traveled to East Tennessee from their home near Chicago for a visit with the Bates clan. They were overjoyed to meet the newest member of the family, Kaci Lynn Bates. "I didn't want to put her down for a second!" says Michael.

 Brandon Keilen, Michaella (Bates) Keilen, Kaci Bates, 

Whitney Bates, Zach Bates, Bradley Bates

 Michaella Keilen with Kaci Bates

Top right: Brandon Keilen with Kaci Bates

And here's a new photo of the five youngest Bates kids, plus Bradley. As usual, the kiddos were thrilled to see Michaella and Brandon.

Callie Bates, Addallee Bates, Bradley Bates, Jeb Bates, Judson Bates, Ellie Bates

 Photos courtesy of Michael and Brandon Keilen, Zach and Whitney Bates, thebatesfamily.com

Photos of Kaci's Arrival

In honor of Kaci Bates' four-week milestone, Zach and Whitney Bates uploaded a slideshow of all the beautiful pictures that photographer Taryn Yager took as the "little Bates family" welcomed Kaci into the world.

We teared up while watching, so you might want to grab a tissue before you hit play. The song playing in the background is "I Get to Be the One" by JJ Heller.

 
Photos courtesy of tarynyagerphotography.com; video courtesy of Zach and Whitney Bates

De-Cluttering the Girls' Room

"Carlin, she's going to have a hard time," states Gil Bates. "When she gets married, she's going to need a big junk room."

"If I had clothes that I needed to get rid of, then I would, but I didn't have any clothes that needed to be gone because I wore them all," protests Carlin Bates.

De-cluttering sure can be a stressful task when you have 19 kids. Here's a deleted scene from last week's episode of Bringing Up Bates.

Photo/video courtesy of UP

Update on Erin's Pregnancy

 Trace Bates, Erin (Bates) Paine, Kelly Bates, Carson Paine

Erin Paine is nearing the end of her pregnancy with Brooklyn Elise. She is doing very well, although she says she is ready to have the baby.

Due to the blood clotting disorder that she also dealt with during her first pregnancy, Erin must have two injections daily. According to Kelly, "Her little tummy is black and blue."

When asked how many kids she and Chad plan to have, Erin laughingly replied: "I think two?" The expectant mother said she couldn't imagine having 19 children.

Like we did with Kaci Bates, why don't you all tell us when you think Brooklyn Paine will arrive and how much she will weigh at birth. Post your guesses as a comment, and we will announce the names of those who are closest.

Erin, Chad, and Carson Paine

 Photos courtesy of UP, Chad & Erin Paine/Josie Bates

Recap: "The Great Bates Clean-Up"

Bringing Up Bates "The Great Bates Clean-Up"

• “Our house is always needing spring cleaning, even in the middle of winter,” says Gil. He and Kelly call a family meeting to discuss the upcoming deep cleaning project. Kelly’s rule is that the kids have to get rid of everything they haven’t used in the last year.
• Gil and Kelly walk through the back part of the house, where they lived before adding on several years ago. It is currently being used for storage, but they are in the process of fixing it up. One of the rooms will be Gil’s office. “Right now, his office is in the living room, but we’re vetoing that because he keeps too messy of an office to be in the front part of the house,” says Kelly, chuckling.
• The family tries to convince Lawson to pitch some of his many clothes, shoes, and hats, but Lawson isn’t impressed. Trace and Nathan share clothing. They end up getting rid of quite a few things.
• Next up is Mom and Dad’s closet. Kelly tosses out so many clothes that the girls are afraid she won’t have any left. Gil, on the other hand, has a more difficult time purging his section of the closet. “I’m so glad my husband’s not like you,” jokes Erin, who stops by for a visit.
• The family piles all their old clothes and furniture on the porch. Their elderly dog, Johnny, enjoys sleeping on one of the couches before all the junk is hauled away. Gil feels bad about pitching Johnny’s favorite couch, so he gives the dog a comfy camo pillow to sleep on.
• Later, the cameras visit Chad Paine at his workplace, a scrap metal yard. The owner really likes Chad.
• As a hobby, Chad enjoys re-purposing old furniture. He and Erin are hoping to start a business. “Chad is like the bomb at making furniture,” says Callie.
• Back at the Bates house, Kelly is hoping to clean out the shed, which is filled with junk, but Gil says it’s just too big of a job for one day. “Gil is the absolute hardest worker I know, but he likes to work in tree work and things that he enjoys,” says Kelly. “He’s not a project person.”
• To finish off the spring cleaning project, the kids plant flowers in front of the house.

New Family Pics, New Header

We uploaded a new header and updated the color scheme of the blog. What do you think?

Our web designer, Rachel, has been creating headers for our Duggar blog for the past two years. She and her husband, who live on a farm in the Midwest, recently welcomed their first child. We are grateful to her for taking time out from her busy schedule to be our web designer.

Rachel is the oldest of Loren and Gloria Wissmann's 13 talented children. The Wissmanns have a traveling bluegrass/gospel band and have released 10 CDs since 2006. Be sure to check out their website.

Photos courtesy of UP, Zach and Whitney Bates

Lawson's Over-Sized Wardrobe

During the Bates' spring cleaning extravaganza, Lawson Bates attempts to rationalize his need for so many clothing items, shoes, and hats. When she sees Lawson's closet, Kelly Bates begins to wonder whether her cleaning project is going to be worth the struggle of trying to convince her kids to pitch their junk.

"We don't like to get rid of stuff in this family," admits Zach Bates. "We might need it someday." Tune in to UP tomorrow at 9pm ET/8pm CT for a new episode of Bringing Up Bates (promo video below).

 
Photo/video courtesy of UP

Carlin: '[Chad] is SO not blood related...'

Gil Bates: "Should I keep my overalls?"
Kelly Bates: "No, you shouldn't."

Coming up on Thursday's episode of Bringing Up Bates...

Kelly leads the family in a serious round of spring cleaning. Let's just say that some of the Bates--Gil included--have a more difficult time de-cluttering than others. Erin and Chad also share more about Chad's job at a local scrap metal yard and the furniture business they are hoping to start.

Photo/video courtesy of UP

Kaci Bates' Newborn Photo Shoot

Soon after Kaci Bates arrived on June 20th, Zach and Whitney Bates hired photographer Taryn Yager to do a newborn photo shoot. If you have been following the Bates family for a while, you have probably seen Taryn's work.

She has taken family pictures and maternity photos of Zach & Whitney Bates and Erin & Chad Paine; graduation pictures of Trace Bates and Carlin Bates; album cover shots of Lawson Bates; and one-year photos of Carson Paine and Bradley Bates.

Here are a few shots from Kaci's newborn shoot. Visit Taryn's website to see more. (These photos are the property of Taryn Yager and may not be used without her permission.)

Photos courtesy tarynyagerphotography.com

19 Days Old!

Kaci Bates is nearing her three-week milestone! We just love this photo of Whitney and Kaci, taken by the talented Taryn Yager soon after Kaci's June 20th arrival.

Whitney Bates and Kaci Bates

And then there are these two precious daddy-daughter snapshots. Kaci sure is one cherished little girl!

Zach Bates and Kaci Bates

Photos courtesy tarynyagerphotography.com, Zach and Whitney Bates

Time with Alyssa

"Just hanging out with Alyssa alone is fun, but then you put them in Florida. That's the place to be! So I'm afraid Alyssa probably has a lot more visitors than they want sometimes."

-Kelly Bates

What did you think of last night's episode of Bringing Up Bates? Did you enjoy seeing the married Bates?

As you may have guessed, the family takes advantage of every opportunity they have to spend time with Alyssa and Michaella. Carlin and Josie spent the week leading up to the chili supper visiting with Alyssa, John, and Allie Webster in Florida and then drove back to Tennessee with them (video below).

Photo/video courtesy of UP

Recap: "The Big Chili"

Bringing Up Bates "The Big Chili"...

• Every year, the local fire department hosts a fundraising event that consists of a chili supper, an auction, and entertainment. The Bates always lend a hand, as a thank you to the fire department for saving Addallee’s life 10 years ago.
• “When Addee was born, I had something called beta strep, and it affects a newborn baby up to, I think like 48-72 hours after they are born, and it can be life-threatening, literally, for them,” Kelly explains.
• Soon after Addallee's birth, her heart and lungs stopped working. Gil began administering CPR, and the Medford Volunteer Fire Department arrived with oxygen eight minutes later and ended up saving Addallee’s life.
• Addee was admitted into intensive care for a week, and during that time, Gil chose the perfect name for his eight daughter. To this day, when Addallee spells her name, she explains that the three sets of double letters symbolize the second chance at life that God gave her. Gil tears up as he recalls this.
• The situation with Addallee inspired Zach, Michael, and Nathan to join the volunteer fire department. “For me, that was never an option, just ‘cause I can’t stand blood,” laughs Erin.
• The married Bates arrive to help out with the event. Lawson seeks fashion advice from Alyssa, Carlin, and Josie, as he plans his wardrobe for his musical performance at the chili supper. The girls freak out when Lawson jokingly tries on a bright red shirt with wolves on it. “It’s a good thing he got some advice,” chuckles Nathan.
• According to Gil, Lawson always has that “cool guy look about him.”
• Kelly asks expert seamstress Michael to take in the waists of a few skirts. Michael notices that two of the skirts have adjustable waistbands and shows them to her mom. “I feel really dumb when you’re around,” says Kelly, smiling.
• The event goes off without a hitch. Before Lawson’s performance, the entire family joins him on stage to sing. Gil explains why the Bates are so grateful for the volunteer fire department.  

New Episode Premieres TONIGHT

We have one more promo video to share before tonight's new episode of Bringing Up Bates premieres on UP. (Click here to watch the video that we posted earlier today.)

You'll be thrilled to hear that Alyssa & John Webster and Michaella & Brandon Keilen will be featured on tonight's episode. Both couples live 600 miles away from the rest of the Bates clan, so seeing them on the show is always a treat.  

Photo/video courtesy of UP

Tonight..."The Big Chili"

It's Thursday, and you know what that means...an all-new episode of Bringing Up Bates airs tonight on UP! Scroll down to read the summary and watch a sneak peek video.

Thursday, July 7
8pm: Sunshine State Bates
8:30pm: Tough Decisions and Large Ambitions
9pm: The Big Chill (NEW)
It's time to get cookin'! The Bates family is reunited once again to perform at an event very dear to their hearts, the annual Volunteer Fire Department Chili Fundraiser. As they wait for the married couples to arrive, Trace decides to get serious about his trick riding and enlists the help of Gil and Jackson to build a ring to practice in. Later at the big event, the family gets nervous about their upcoming performance. Without much time to practice, will they come up flat or be able to pull it together in time to hit a high note? 

 

Photo/video courtesy of UP

Season 3 Available on Amazon

You will be thrilled to know that season three of Bringing Up Bates is now available for purchase on Amazon Instant Video.

The 13-episode season features Michael and Brandon's wedding and honeymoon, the Bates' family trip to Florida, Zach's graduation from the police academy, Bradley's first birthday, Nathan's visit to New York City, and much more.

Seasons one, two, and three have also been uploaded to UP Faith and Family, a service similar to Netflix that features movies and TV shows appropriate for all ages.

Zach and Whitney Bates announce their pregnancy with Kaci Bates

Photos courtesy of UP

Horseback Riding with Nathan Bates

 Nathan Bates and Jason's daughter, Emilie

Over the weekend, Jason, an UP TV team member, visited the Bates family with his wife and daughter. Nathan Bates invited the three of them to go horseback riding, and they graciously accepted his offer. Here is a short video filmed by Jason:

Jason and his family also attended the Bates' church. Here are a couple snapshots of Judson Bates, Jeb Bates, Emilie, and two friends named Dawson and Caden.

Photos/video courtesy UP/Jason S., the Bates family

Bates Family Game Night

The Bates are always on the lookout for fun activities that they can enjoy together as a family unit. In this video, they all gather in Gil and Kelly Bates' living room to play a super-sized version of Pictionary. The result is pure chaos, but it's obvious that everyone is having a blast.

(Click here to watch the previous webisode of Draw That Bates.)

 
Photo/video courtesy of UP

Break-Ups & New Friends

Here are two new Bringing Up Bates webisodes that we know you all will enjoy.

In the first video, Lawson Bates explains the uncanny way that he met Emily Ann Roberts, a singer from The Voice who is featured on Lawson's upcoming album. In the second, Nathan Bates shares the terms of his break-up with Ashley Salyer, and Gil and Kelly Bates reveal surprising details of their own pre-marriage relationship.

Photo/videos courtesy of UP

Random Bates Facts

To help you get to know the Bates family better, we compiled a list of FAQs. Enjoy! For more, visit our brand new FAQ page.

Q: How much pizza and ice cream do the Bates eat?
A: 9 large, single topping pizzas and 1.5 gallons of ice cream

Q: What makes Lawson laugh?
A: The Dick Van Dyke Show

Q: How much does the Bates family spend at McDonald’s?
A: Approximately $50

Q: How did Gil become a pastor?
A: By serving alongside other pastors

Q: How do the kids find alone time?
A: Josie says: “There’s plenty of outdoor space.”

Q: What denomination are the Bates, and where do they attend church?
A: The Bates are Independent Baptist. They attend Bible Baptist Church, which meets at the Holiday Inn Express in Clinton, Tennessee on Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and Wednesday evenings.

Q: What are the Bates' favorite indoor games?
A: Card games

Q: Are the Bates recognized everywhere they go?
A: Not always, but they really enjoy meeting fans.

Q: How can you meet the Bates family?
A: By visiting their church (see above).

Q: What is Carlin up to these days?
A: Carlin will start an online degree at Crown College Minnesota in fall 2016.

Q: What is the Bates' mailing address?
A: PO Box 544 Rocky Top, TN 37769

Q: When will season three of Bringing Up Bates be available on Amazon?
A: Hopefully by July 2016

Q: How is Erin doing?
A: Erin is doing very well. She is due in August.

Q: What is the status of Tori’s relationship?
A: Tori and Bobby are boyfriend and girlfriend, but they are not officially courting...yet.


Photos courtesy of UP