Bringing Up Bates: A Look At The Bates Family's Journey

The reality television show Bringing Up Bates offered viewers a peek into the lives of Gil and Kelly Jo Bates and their 19 children. Following the family's daily routines, milestones, and challenges, the show provided a unique perspective on raising a large family with Christian values. Premiering on TLC before moving to UPtv, Bringing Up Bates chronicled the Bates family's journey through courtship, marriage, and the arrival of grandchildren, all while navigating life in rural Tennessee.

The Bates Family: A Detailed Introduction

Bringing Up Bates introduced audiences to the Bates family, a large, conservative Christian family residing in Tennessee. Gil and Kelly Jo Bates are the parents, and their 19 children, ranging in age from young children to adults with families of their own, are the stars of the show. The family's lifestyle centers around their faith, emphasizing traditional values, courtship practices, and home-schooling. Bringing Up Bates allowed viewers to observe the everyday lives of the Bateses, from managing a sprawling household to celebrating significant life events like weddings and births.

As a core element of the show, the Bates family's commitment to their Christian faith is prominently displayed, influencing their decisions, relationships, and interactions with the outside world. The family's adherence to specific beliefs about courtship, marriage, and family roles has been a consistent theme throughout the show's run. Viewers have witnessed the Bates children’s paths, from their education at home to their involvement in community activities and businesses.

Focusing on positive family dynamics, the show highlighted the close bonds between family members and the support they offer each other. Bringing Up Bates has often presented a portrayal of a unified front in the face of challenges, such as financial hardships or personal struggles. However, it's important to remember that reality television often presents a curated perspective, and the show's portrayal may not encompass the full complexity of the family's experiences. Phoenix Weather In November: A Complete Guide

One of the most significant aspects of Bringing Up Bates involves the family's courtship practices. The show featured various courtships between the Bates children and their partners, depicting the rules and traditions the family follows. These courtships often involve chaperoned dates, parental involvement, and a focus on building a relationship based on shared faith and values. Moreover, the show chronicled the weddings of the Bates children, showcasing the family's commitment to celebrating these milestones with elaborate ceremonies and gatherings.

The Bates family is known for their large family, and viewers have seen the growth of the family over the years, with children marrying and starting families of their own. The show has documented the experiences of the Bates children as parents, showcasing the challenges and joys of raising children. While the family's size is a key aspect of the show's appeal, it also leads to unique dynamics and practical considerations in their everyday lives. John Elway's Health: What We Know About His Condition

Furthermore, the Bates family has been involved in several business ventures, offering viewers a glimpse into their entrepreneurial endeavors. Gil Bates has been involved in real estate, while some of the older children have pursued various business opportunities. Bringing Up Bates has displayed the family's work ethic and their ability to support themselves, highlighting the importance of self-reliance and resourcefulness. It's important to note that the family's business activities are a part of their overall lifestyle and contribute to their financial stability. March 1st Weather Forecast: What To Expect

The Show's Production and Broadcasting History

The show Bringing Up Bates started on TLC in 2012 and moved to UPtv in 2015, where it continued to thrive. Initially, the show was a special, but its popularity led to it becoming a full-fledged series, allowing the Bates family to share their lives with a broader audience. Its transition to UPtv marked a new chapter for the show, with UPtv providing a platform tailored to the family-friendly content that aligned with the Bates family's values.

As the show continued, its episodes encompassed various aspects of the Bates family's lives, including daily routines, family celebrations, and milestone events. The production team captured the family's activities, from homeschooling and chores to courtship, weddings, and the arrival of grandchildren. This consistent coverage provided viewers with a comprehensive overview of the Bates family's world and allowed them to connect with the family on a personal level.

The move to UPtv was a significant decision for Bringing Up Bates. UPtv had a more specific target audience and brand identity that aligned with the family's values, allowing the show to resonate with a dedicated audience. The move offered stability and a renewed focus on the family's story, with the Bates family continuing to share their lives with viewers, expanding their reach and solidifying their place in reality television.

The show's broadcasting history highlights the show's ability to adapt to its audience's expectations. The show adapted to a new network, which allowed the Bates family to continue to share their story while providing the network with a show that matched its brand identity. The show's success on two different networks proves that the Bates family's story has resonated with viewers.

The Bates Family's Values and Beliefs

Bringing Up Bates prominently displayed the Bates family's adherence to a set of core values and beliefs. Christian faith is the cornerstone of the family's life, influencing every aspect of their lives, from their relationships to their daily routines. This faith is expressed through prayer, church attendance, and a commitment to biblical teachings.

Furthermore, the family values traditional family roles, with an emphasis on the father as the head of the household and the mother as the caregiver. These roles are often reflected in their daily interactions and decision-making processes. In the Bates family, courtship practices play a significant role, with specific rules and traditions guiding the development of romantic relationships. These practices reflect the family's desire to uphold traditional values and ensure that relationships are built on shared faith and respect.

Homeschooling is a central part of the Bates family's approach to education, with the children learning at home under the supervision of their parents. This allows the family to instill their values and beliefs in their children's education, providing a customized learning environment. Moreover, the Bates family is known for its conservative views on social issues, and these views are often reflected in the content of the show. The family often expresses their opinions on social topics such as marriage, family planning, and gender roles.

These beliefs have influenced their actions and choices throughout the show's run, as well as in their everyday lives. Viewers have seen the Bates family prioritize these values and make decisions that align with their faith and beliefs. While the Bates family is conservative in their values, it’s important to understand that the family's values are central to their identity and serve as a guiding principle for their lives.

The Show's Impact and Reception

The show Bringing Up Bates has had a notable impact on its audience, creating a loyal fan base and sparking conversations about family values, faith, and lifestyle choices. The show's depiction of a large, close-knit family living according to Christian principles has resonated with viewers who share similar values or are interested in exploring different perspectives. The show has also received criticism and controversy throughout its run.

As a result of its popularity, Bringing Up Bates has become a source of inspiration for viewers. The show provides a model of family life that many people find appealing. The show has also been a source of controversy. The show has been criticized for its conservative views on social issues, and some viewers have questioned the show's portrayal of family life. Overall, the show has received a mixed reception from critics and viewers alike.

Furthermore, Bringing Up Bates has become a cultural touchstone, sparking discussions about the role of faith in modern society and the challenges and rewards of raising a large family. The show has raised questions about the balance between tradition and modernity. The show is also a topic of discussion on social media platforms. Overall, Bringing Up Bates has had a lasting impact on its audience and continues to be a subject of discussion.

Criticisms and Controversies

Bringing Up Bates, despite its popularity, has faced criticisms and controversies, including criticisms about the show's portrayal of family life and conservative views on social issues. Critics have questioned the authenticity of the family's portrayal, with concerns that the show may present a sanitized or idealized version of reality. These portrayals may not reflect the complexities and challenges of large family life.

There has also been criticism of the family's conservative views on topics such as marriage, gender roles, and social issues. Some viewers have found the family's views to be outdated or intolerant, raising questions about the show's messaging and its impact on viewers. In addition to these criticisms, the Bates family has also been involved in controversies that have drawn attention to their values and beliefs. These controversies have included issues related to family members' conduct and the family's interactions with the public.

It's important to acknowledge these criticisms and controversies to understand the complete picture of Bringing Up Bates. The show offers a particular perspective on family life, and it is important to approach the show with a critical eye.

The Bates Family Today

Bringing Up Bates may have ended its run on UPtv, but the Bates family continues to be active, with updates shared through social media, personal websites, and other platforms. The family continues to provide glimpses into their lives, sharing updates on their children, grandchildren, and various endeavors. The family’s lifestyle continues to evolve, and fans can stay updated on their journey through different channels.

Moreover, the Bates children continue to grow up, get married, and start families of their own, and their journeys are shared with the public through different platforms. The family members' personal pursuits and projects have been chronicled online and in various interviews. The Bates family's activities, including their charitable work and community involvement, are also often publicized. This includes the family's continued presence on social media and other platforms, and how they interact with their audience.

The family also has ongoing endeavors, and the family maintains a website and various social media accounts, providing updates on their lives and interacting with their audience. The Bates family continues to be active in their community and support various causes, as well as providing a window into the family's evolving story, and engaging with their audience. These platforms allow the public to stay connected with the Bates family and see how their lives continue to unfold.

FAQ

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the Bringing Up Bates show:

  1. What is Bringing Up Bates about? Bringing Up Bates is a reality television show that chronicles the lives of Gil and Kelly Jo Bates and their 19 children. It follows the family's daily routines, milestones, and challenges, highlighting their Christian values and traditional lifestyle.

  2. When did Bringing Up Bates start and where can I watch it? The show premiered on TLC in 2012 and moved to UPtv in 2015. While the show is no longer airing new episodes on UPtv, past episodes may be available on streaming platforms or through digital purchases.

  3. How many children do Gil and Kelly Jo Bates have? Gil and Kelly Jo Bates have 19 children.

  4. What are the Bates family's values? The Bates family adheres to Christian values, emphasizing faith, traditional family roles, and home-schooling. They are known for their conservative views on social issues and their commitment to building relationships based on shared faith.

  5. Where does the Bates family live? The Bates family resides in Tennessee, USA. They live in a rural area, and their lifestyle is centered around their faith and family.

  6. Is Bringing Up Bates still on TV? No, Bringing Up Bates is no longer producing new episodes, but reruns may still be available on some platforms.

  7. What happened to Bringing Up Bates? Bringing Up Bates was officially canceled, and the show ended after several seasons on UPtv. The reasons behind the cancellation were not publicly disclosed.

  8. Where can I find updates on the Bates family? You can find updates on the Bates family through their social media accounts, personal websites, and various online platforms. The family members often share information about their lives, projects, and family events on these channels.

Conclusion

Bringing Up Bates offered a unique glimpse into the lives of a large, Christian family. The show's success lies in its exploration of family dynamics, values, and traditions, resonating with viewers seeking positive content. While the show has ended its run, the Bates family remains active, sharing their experiences with their audience through various platforms. The series sparked conversations about family life, faith, and the challenges of navigating modern society.

The Bates family’s journey, as depicted on the show, demonstrates the importance of family values, faith, and community, and has left a lasting impact on its viewers. While Bringing Up Bates may be over, the family's story continues to unfold, and its legacy will continue to be discussed and remembered.


External Links:

Photo of Robert M. Wachter

Robert M. Wachter

Professor, Medicine Chair, Department of Medicine ·

Robert M. Bob Wachter is an academic physician and author. He is on the faculty of University of California, San Francisco, where he is chairman of the Department of Medicine, the Lynne and Marc Benioff Endowed Chair in Hospital Medicine, and the Holly Smith Distinguished Professor in Science and Medicine