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‘Tis the Season to Get Married
s11e06 · 2025-06-16 · 12:00
What it is
Twenty-seven years ago Gil and Kelly Jo Bates tied the knot with no plans to have kids. Fast forward 19 kids later and this tight-knit family, seemingly too good to be true, has a tremendous bond but are far from perfect. As you will see, when you have a house full of 19 children, from ages two to 25, daily chaos is multiplied exponentially, but so are the joyful and poignant moments that life can bring.Led by devoted father Gil (49) and his loving wife Kelly Jo (47), the Bates do everything in bulk while staying true to their values and rules for the 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 two to 25, they 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, see it all on Bringing Up Bates.
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Episode guide
19 this season · 206 totals05e01 Summer Lovin', Guitar Strummin' and a Surprise a Comin'! 2017-01-06 02:00
Summer Lovin', Guitar Strummin' and a Surprise a Comin'!
The Bates are back! It's a season of new beginnings for the Bates family. The family travels to North Carolina to pick up Warden, Jackson, and Isaiah from sleepaway camp but not without getting a VIP tour from camp counselor and Tori's boyfriend, Bobby. Could a future courtship be on the horizon for Bobby and Tori? While at camp, the Bates have no idea what they're in for when they they're met with a giant scream-inducing swing and some wild water activities! Meanwhile, Lawson's focused on his music career. He heads back to the studio to record a duet with country artist, Emily Ann. Later, the whole family gathers together for a special dinner and an unexpected guest stops by to surprise the family with a very big announcement!
s05e02 Plans, Bands And Mashed Potatoes! 2017-01-13 02:00
Plans, Bands And Mashed Potatoes!
Lots of plans are being made in the Bates household! Kelly Jo is about to turn the big 5-0, so Erin calls a meeting with the siblings to plan for a surprise party. But will the younger kids be able to keep it a secret? The Bates Boys, meanwhile, inspired by their time at basketball camp try to figure out if they can install a real court in their yard. While Lawson, who has big plans for his concert tour, invites his band over for a practice in the living room. Last, as the older girls are moving away and going to college, it's time for the boys to learn how to cook. Erin invites Warden, the Bates budding Chef, over to her house, to teach him how to cook her favorite recipe.
s05e03 A Birthday and A Birdie 2017-01-20 02:00
A Birthday and A Birdie
Not only is the Bates brood growing, but they're all maturing and reaching new milestones! As the family comes together to celebrate Katie's turning 16, it's time for her to finally join in on the Bates girls' tradition of receiving a purity ring. With the entire family together, Kelly Jo and Gil get to share the good news that they've secured a new location for their congregation, Mama Jane gets to meet her new great-grandbabies for the first time, and Papa Bill, Gil and Lawson hit the links to see which Bates is the best golfer.
s05e04 Doggy Dilemmas 2017-01-27 02:00
Doggy Dilemmas
Erin and Chad certainly have their hands full with a newborn baby, a toddler, and their new furry addition, Max. Realizing they're in need of some assistance, they enlist the help of the little kids for some puppy training. In Chicago, it's almost been a year of wedded bliss for Michaela and Brandon, so we check on on the newlyweds and their life in Chicago. Meanwhile, the Bates make progress on their new basketball court and Lawson and Emily Ann come together to perform at the Children's Hospital.
s05e05 Surprise! Kelly Jo's Big 5-0! 2017-02-03 02:00
Surprise! Kelly Jo's Big 5-0!
It's a milestone birthday for the Bates matriarch and the family wants to make sure it's a birthday Kelly Jo will never forget! After months of planning, the time has finally come to honor Kelly Jo's 50th! To make sure the surprise stays in tact, Gil takes Kelly Jo on a romantic getaway to Chattanooga, TN, or so she thinks. Meanwhile, the Bates kids are scrambling behind the scenes to pull off this major clandestine event and surprise Kelly Jo with a Bates style celebration! Can they pull it off?
s05e06 I "donut" Know What I'd Do Without You! 2017-02-10 02:00
I "donut" Know What I'd Do Without You!
Love is in the air! It's Tori and Bobby's "1 year" anniversary. To celebrate the occasion, Tori and the entire Bates family are headed to Florida to visit Bobby! Tori wants to share some fun in the sun with her boyfriend, but he's planned a bigger surprise for his leading lady. Is an "official courtship" on the horizon? In between putt putt, parasailing and beach time, Tori is left to ponder when Bobby will "pop" the big question!
s05e07 Shakeups, Steaks, And Showtime! 2017-02-17 02:00
Shakeups, Steaks, And Showtime!
After spending countless hours writing and recording his new album, Lawson's hard work has finally paid off! He's releasing a CD of original songs, and gearing up for his first big tour! But how will he handle the pressure of performing at a big charity concert? Will everything go as planned, or does Lawson still have some lessons to learn before he becomes a seasoned performer? Meanwhile Zach and Whitney finally get a much deserved date night...but can the Bates kids keep up with their babysitting responsibilities?
s05e08 Sweet Home Spartanburg 2017-02-24 02:00
Sweet Home Spartanburg
It's a trip down memory lane as Kelly Jo takes the whole family back to her hometown, Spartanburg SC, to continue her milestone birthday celebration! Kelly Jo turns back the clock, as she shows the kids the house she grew up in, her high school "alma mater" and introduces them to her childhood friends. Will the kids be surprised to learn more about their mom's life before she had 19 kids? We'll also check in with Alyssa and John in Florida, as they get ready for the arrival of their new baby!
s05e09 Fire Trucks and Diaper Dumps 2017-03-03 02:00
Fire Trucks and Diaper Dumps
The Bates household faces an unexpected emergency when a house fire erupts in the laundry room. The family investigates who is responsible for the fire and deals with the consequences. Meanwhile Kelly Jo spends some quality time with Michaela in Chicago, before they depart for Alyssa's baby shower in Florida. Later, Kelly Jo reunites with Gil for Alyssa's "Diaper Pounding." Are they able to enjoy the celebration, or does the reality back at home put a damper on the all diaper fun?
s05e10 Loads of Laundry and Lots of Lessons 2017-03-10 02:00
Loads of Laundry and Lots of Lessons
Since a fire in the laundry room caused severe smoke damage inside the Bates house, how will the family handle their daily routine, since temporarily relocating to just two rooms in a hotel? As the fire damage gets cleaned up, the Bates try to get their mind off things and head to the Ark Encounter. Later the little boys learn important life lessons when Gil and Kelly try to help them understand the true dangers and consequences a fire can have.
s05e11 Bike Racks, Barbers & Big Duets! 2017-03-17 01:00
Bike Racks, Barbers & Big Duets!
Lawson's album release tour is in full swing and the next stop is Mount Airy, NC! Before his performance at the historic Earle Theater, Lawson and Nathan visit the iconic sights of the "Real Mayberry." Meanwhile, Gil teaches the younger boys how to build a bike rack out of logs. Later, the rest of the family reunites in NC to help Lawson with his concert preparations. During rehearsal for the big show, Lawson waits for his special guest to arrive, Emily Ann. Will they be in sync for their big duet or will Lawson fall flat during their performance?
s05e12 Mass-a-somethin' 2017-03-24 01:00
Mass-a-somethin'
The Bates family is hitting the slopes! Since the kids have never skied before, Gil and Kelly Jo plan a snow filled trip to a resort in Massanutten, Virginia! Traveling with children isn't easy...but how about trying to get ski gear organized for 19 kids plus spouses and grandkids? After ski lessons, the family decides to head down the mountain on their own! Will this Ski trip be a onetime deal for the Bates family or will this snowy adventure turn into an annual tradition?
s05e13 Working Up An Appetite 2017-03-31 01:00
Working Up An Appetite
It's another busy day at the Bates house! The family is in the home stretch when it comes to completing their Basketball court. It's finally time to install the goal, but will the boys be able to follow instructions properly or will their hoop dreams be put on hold? Meanwhile, Carlin and Josie experience a pain-filled escapade when they get their wisdom teeth pulled out. Later, the family enjoys some comfort food and gives thanks for being back in their house since the fire, before they head out for church.
s05e14 The "Cubs" Land in Chicago! 2017-04-07 01:00
The "Cubs" Land in Chicago!
It's a Windy City adventure for the younger Bates boys when Michaella and Brandon jump at the chance to babysit Jackson, Warden, Isaiah, Jud and Jeb, while Gil and KJ are in Australia. But how will these two newlyweds handle sharing their one bedroom/one bathroom apartment with five Bates Boys? Meanwhile, Josie is following in her sister's footsteps and taking college courses, but as she pursues her cosmetology license, will any of her siblings step up for a makeover?
s05e15 A New Baby Born and Love All Around 2017-04-14 01:00
A New Baby Born and Love All Around
Love is the air for Bates Family! Gil, Kelly Jo and the kids head to Florida to await the arrival of Alyssa and John's second child, Lexi Mae! Counting down the days to her delivery, Alyssa checks in at the birthing center for a checkup, but will complications with the baby's heartbeat delay her delivery? Before the big I Love You Day celebration, the Bates sisters come together for a spa day and dish about Carlin's new boyfriend. Later, it's a "Down on the Farm" theme for this year's I Love You Day celebration, where the entire Bates family honor Mama Jane during the festivities!