Every season of Bringing Up Bates ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best seasons of Bringing Up Bates!

The Bates' first grandchild causes much excitement for everyone and prompts the girls to plan a baby shower in the series premiere of this reality show spotlighting a family with 19 children living in rural Tennessee.

Meet the Bates

Erin has sleepover with her siblings so that she doesn't feel so lonely in her house where just she and her husband live; Zach and Whitney prepare for parenthood; and Michaella and her chaperone surprise her boyfriend with a visit to Texas.

Courtship & Marriage

The whole Bates clan packs up and heads to the great outdoors! If you think packing for your family is hard... try packing for 21!

Bates Go Wild

Disciplining kids is never easy, but by now, Gil and Kelly have it down to a science with a method they call “Train Up.” Plus Chad and Erin head to the doctors where they are expecting a baby.

Training up Bates

Gil, Kelly and the younger kids plant a fall garden. With so many opinions to juggle, deciding on its location, let alone what to plant, is difficult. Meanwhile, budding gospel country singer and songwriter Lawson heads to Nashville to effort his dream of a music career. With one published CD under his belt, he lands a meeting with a record label executive and gets a coveted session with a well-known vocal coach. Back at the Bates house, the garden finally gets planted with Chad’s help and the family eagerly awaits news from Lawson in Nashville.

Nashville Son

How does a family of 21 find enough clothes to last through the winter? Get ready for the Bates seasonal clothing switchover, where nothing goes to waste! In the midst of the chaos, the family is asked to sing at a bluegrass music festival... but can they all learn their parts in time?

Organized Chaos

Zach and Whitney's baby is due in less than 2 weeks, but the nursery is nowhere near ready! Lucky for them, there are plenty of Bates to lend a hand. As Whitney's due-date nears (and passes!) the whole family gets anxious to meet the newest addition to the ever-growing clan. Later, Erin shares surprising news with her parents.

Welcome Grandbaby Bates

Carlin gets a night out alone with her parents and they have a special surprise for her. Later, the Bates family visits Zach and Whitney as they adjust to being first-time parents. Then, Lawson sings the National Anthem in front of 15,000 people.

The Purity Ring

Brandon comes for an extended stay. Could his visit could mean bigger things for Michaella and him?

Brandon and Michaella

Get ready to give thanks... Bates style! The whole family heads to Gil's parents' farm for a super-sized family dinner. The family joins hands to say what they're thankful for. Someone reveals a surprise.

A Big Bates Thanksgiving

The family heads to Florida to visit John and Alyssa.

The Bates go to Florida

Find out everything you want to know (and then some!) about the Bates as they answer viewer questions and show some hilarious never-before-seen footage.

All About the Bates

Gil is turning 50 and the kids want to surprise him with a huge party! Kelly Jo whisks Gil away for a romantic overnight stay while the kids get to work planning the festivities. When the big surprise is revealed, a teary-eyed Gil basks in the warm glow of being surrounded by so many family and friends.

A Birthday to Remember

In the season 2 premiere, the family celebrates their special tradition, ‘I Love You Day,’ with surprise gifts (and surprise guests) for the whole family. Gil and Kelly Jo host a special ‘game night’ just for the couples and everyone joins together to prepare for Alyssa’s baby shower!

All Together Again

Gil, Kelly Jo and Michael head to Chicago to see Brandon’s parents. Brandon corners Gil for a ‘heart to heart’ talk in the most unlikely of places! Meanwhile, back in Tennessee, Erin and the kids rush to redecorate their parent’s bedroom before Gil and Kelly Jo get back.

Future in Laws?

Erin and Chad meet with Dr. Vick to discuss the risk of having a stillbirth and the precautions they must take for the rest of her pregnancy. Later, the couple invites Zach, Whitney and baby Bradley over for dinner while the older boys square off against the younger ones in a giant Airsoft battle!

High Risks, High Hopes

Gil and Kelly Jo take Trace and Josie to the orthodontist to get braces, and Gil reveals how he can afford orthodontia for so many kids. Later, Kelly Jo’s mother Meema announces that she wants to live closer to the kids. So Kelly Jo takes her house hunting, but the task proves tougher than anyone could have imagined.

Movin' in with Meema

With Erin and Chad’s due date looming, the whole family gathers for their baby shower. Erin’s friend Kelsey comes for the occasion and helps put together a sentimental surprise that leaves Erin speechless. Nathan and Lawson’s friends from New York, Ashley and Anastasia, also visit and the kids have fun showing these city folk a real country adventure!

Blessings... and New Beginnings?

The Bates celebrate two joyous occasions in a special episode! First, Gil and Kelly Jo fly to Florida to see Alyssa and John and welcome their new granddaughter, Allie Jane, to the world. Then, a few days later, they’re off to Washington, DC, where Brandon plans to propose to Michael using an elaborate scavenger hunt that will have her trekking all over the city!

Brandon Pops the Question

Erin has been experiencing early contractions, so she and Chad rush to their doctor, to find out what’s wrong. Meanwhile, Michael and Brandon discover how stressful it can be to plan a wedding long distance via video chat.

Doctor's Orders

The family takes us inside the rewards and challenges of homeschooling so many kids, each with a different learning style. Kelly talks candidly about her daughter Addee’s hearing disability and we get a glimpse into the special relationship between Addee and her sister Ellie. Then Gil leads the boys through a hard-core PE class!

Life Lessons

Michael and Brandon meet with a wedding planner to go over all the details of their upcoming nuptials. Meanwhile, Chad comes up with a clever plan to make some extra money before the baby arrives.

The Wedding To-Do List

Erin and Chad have their final appointment with Dr. Vick and anxiously await the arrival of their baby. Since the delivery is a high-risk procedure, the family is on pins and needles, hoping and praying that all goes well.

Erin's Little Miracle

It’s time for the annual family lake trip! The kids waste no time jumping into the lake, swimming, boating and skiing! But what starts out as a perfect day soon turns to disaster when thunder strikes and the family has to head for the hills!

Boating with the Bates

Michael takes Kelly Jo and her sisters into town to look for a wedding dress. But after hours and hours of searching, she gives up. None of the dresses are right. The wedding is only 2 months away and Michael is starting to get nervous!

The Quest for the Dress

When you have 19 kids, it’s hard to spend one-on-one time with any of them. But it’s not impossible. Kelly makes a point to spend the day with Trace, while Gil and Josie take off for a father/daughter adventure. Afterward, the whole family gathers together as Addee and Ellie celebrate their birthdays with a joint swim party!

Addee & Ellie's Pool Party!

Hello Dollywood

In this one hour special we meet the lucky winner of the ‘Be the 20th Bates’ contest and highlight their day with the Bates family! We’ll also be counting down the very best moments of the past year and get an exclusive look at the upcoming season.

Best Bates Memories

The past year has been one of enormous change and growth for the Bates. In the Season 3 premiere, the Bates clan rallies together to help Michaella finally find the wedding dress of her dreams. Later the family braves a stormy outdoor wedding for Kelly Jo's sister, and celebrates Gil's dad, Papa Bill, with an awesome 4th of July birthday party!

Welcome Back Bates

With Michaella's wedding quickly approaching, Kelly Jo and Gil wager to see who can get in shape to look their best for the big day. While Kelly Jo enlists Tori to motivate her and help with workouts, Gil finds his coach, Lawson, uses a more hands off approach to whip him into shape.

Sweet Tea & Sit Ups

With the big wedding just days away the family is busier than ever. Gil and Kelly take the kids to the park for some rollerblading and playground exploring. Erin hosts a laughter filled candle making party for Michaella and her bridesmaids. Nathan, Lawson, and Trace take Brandon on an outing to the skating rink, but an accident on the ice could put the wedding in jeopardy.

15 Kids and an Empty Nest

The day that Michaella has been waiting for is here! But after months of planning it’s a bittersweet moment for the Bates family, who realize she’ll soon be leaving home. There’s lots to do before 800 guests arrive to celebrate and see Michaella and Brandon say, ‘I do’ and finally share their first kiss.

Wedding Bliss and a First Kiss

Michaella and Brandon travel to Montana for a romantic honeymoon exploring the great outdoors; Gil treats his youngest daughters to a dinner date; Zach comes home from the police academy for a home cooked meal with Whitney and Josie.

Fly Fishin' Zip Linin' Honeymoon

Judson turns five and gets a brand new bike for his birthday; Erin heads to Nashville to record a Christmas album; Lawson, Nathan, and Trace get a visit from a couple of The Dixie Stampede trick riders and learn some tricks of their own.

Training Wheels and Trick Saddles

Kelly Jo and the kids travel to Chicago to visit newlyweds Michaella and Brandon and help them get settled in their new apartment, and see the sites in the Windy City; Zach graduates from the police academy.

Windy City Newly Weds

It’s chaos at the Bates’ home as the gang packs up and heads to Florida for some fun in the sun. The family hits the beach to play, build sandcastles, and snorkel for the first time. The boys try their luck fishing for dinner, but not everyone is so sure about the catch of the day ending up on their plate.

Beaches, Boats and Bates

Back Seat Bates

With the three eldest sisters out of the house, the remaining girls decide it’s time to redecorate their bedroom. And Zach and Whitney are doing a little redecorating of their own as they head out to shop for a new couch to spruce up their home. Later the girls test out a new recipe for dinner.

Time to Renobate!

Time is flying and the Bates’ first grandbaby, Bradley, is turning one! Kelly Jo and the girls look for gifts, but their outing goes overboard and quickly turns into a shopping spree. Lawson puts his best face forward at a photoshoot for his new album. Later, the family gathers for Bradley’s birthday party and Whitney shares a big announcement.

Bringing Up Bradley

Whitney and Zach have their first ultrasound; Gil and Kelly celebrate their wedding anniversary with a romantic dinner; Nathan calls a family meeting to share some exciting news.

Love is in the Heir

A few of the Bates head to visit their friends, Ashley and Anastasia at the Big Apple; exploring Time Square and the Brooklyn Bridge.

The Big Apple of Nathan's Eye

The wedding of Brandon and Michaella is just days away; a look back at Brandon and Michaella's relationship and courtship, from their first days together to the romantic proposal.

Headed to the Altar

When you have 19 Kids, Mother’s Day certainly takes on new meaning! This special highlights all the most motherly moments throughout the series from mom of 19 Kelly Jo, to the new moms Whitney, Erin and Alyssa! With new perspectives from the family, you’ll see why being a mom in the Bates family is such an important role!

Mother's Day

The Bates are back to lend their colorful commentary to yet another memorable episode! Watch as they give real-time commentary and even let you in on what exactly was going through their minds when they visited the Police academy in Tennessee!

From the Couch: Back Seat Bates

The Bates are back to lend their colorful commentary to yet another memorable episode!

From the Couch: Organized Chaos

Just in time to kick off the summer, we’re re-living all the best Bates moments from summer! From playing kick-ball to lake trips to riding coasters at Dollywood, we’ll see how the Bates family loves to have fun in the summertime!

Summer Fun

It’s a season of change for the Bates family with new loves, new careers, and a new grandbaby on the way!  But when Gil undergoes a serious medical procedure, it forces everyone to contemplate what the future holds for them all.

Big Family, Big Changes

It’s Trace and Jeb’s birthday and there’s only one rule: no girls allowed! The brothers, who share a birthday and a special bond, plan a party for Bates boys only complete with go carts and ice cream! Meanwhile, Erin and Chad travel to South Carolina to speak to and encourage a group of young girls about female empowerment.

Bates Boys Birthday Bash

The whole family arrives at the Bates house to celebrate their favorite holiday, ‘I Love You Day’ AND there’s someone new at the table – Tori’s new beau!  The family is happy to see Michaella and Alyssa return home, as well as Nathan’s girlfriend, Ashley, who arrives for the celebration to have a very important conversation with Kelly Jo and Gil.  Later, at the family’s celebration someone in the family makes a very special announcement!

A LOVEly Day

While Alyssa, John, and Allie Jane may live far from the rest of the family, they’re never far from their hearts!  We check in with the Webster’s in Florida to see what life is like for the family of three – from their family business to their favorite pastimes.  Meanwhile, expectant moms Erin and Whitney, get together with Kelly Jo to talk about all things baby girl!

Sunshine State Bates

Change is afoot for all the Bates boys. Lawson travels to Nashville and makes exciting new plans for his music career, but when he shares his plans with the family, they worry he may have bitten off more than he can chew. Meanwhile, expectant couples, Zach and Whitney and Erin and Chad bond over their upcoming baby girls. And Nathan shares some unexpected news about his courtship.

Tough Decisions and Large Ambitions

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?

The Big Chill

It’s that time of the year again and the Bates are ready to clean house!  With a big family, Spring cleaning is no easy feat.  Kelly Jo leads the project and tries to convince the kids to get rid of their old junk and used toys.  But when Gil gets sentimental he may make a mess of the whole endeavor.  And while the family is working hard at home, Chad is hard at work at his job at the metal yard.

The Great Bates Clean-Up

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.

Bloopers, Outtakes, And Mishaps, OH MY!

The Bates are back in Florida and are ready to party!  It’s the Bates girls’ turn this time 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 then they originally thought.  Then, Kelly Jo and Gil take advantage of their time in Florida when they decide to meet Tori’s boyfriend’s family.

Birthdays and Boyfriends

Episode 10

Episode 11

Episode 12

Grandbaby Carson is turning one with a celebration; Erin hosts the party while Kelly Jo arrives with the party's entertainment.

Growing Paine

The family heads to an all you can eat buffet; Lawson works on his new album with inspiration from Emily Ann Roberts.

Bates Dish it Out

Episode 15

Episode 16

Episode 17

Episode 18

Episode 19

Episode 20

Episode 21

Episode 22

SUPERSIZED: Extra Birthday

Episode 24

Episode 25

Summer Lovin', Guitar Strummin and a Surprise a Comin'!

Plans, Bands And Mashed Potatoes!

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.

A Birthday and A Birdie

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.

Doggy Dilemmas

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?

Surprise! Kelly Jo's Big 5-0!

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!

I 'Donut' Know What I'd Do Without You!

Shakeups, Steaks, and Showtime

Sweet Home Spartanburg

Fire trucks and Diaper Dumps

Loads of Laundry and Lots of Lessons

Bike Racks, Barbers & Big Duets

Mass-A-Somethin'

Working Up an Appetite

The Cubs Land in Chicago

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.

Summer of Love

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 an indoor skating park and the young couple work on a special song for Evan's family.

Road Trip Romance

Bobby and Tori are making plans for the future! After he graduates from college, Bobby is hoping to move from Florida to Tennessee to be closer to Tori. Before he makes a final decision, he heads to Knoxville to interview for jobs and look for a place to live. And in an effort to add a little structure to Jud and Jeb’s roughhousing, Kelly Jo takes the boys to a martial arts class. Later, Bobby and Tori discuss their future timeline with Gil and Kelly Jo over dinner. Is an engagement on the horizon?

Bobby's Movin' In

It’s Sister bonding time! Erin, Tori, Carlin, Whitney, Josie and Katie join together for a self defense class and engage in a little friendly competition! Meanwhile, Gil has many young Bates drivers behind the wheel, he gathers the kiddos for a ‘Car 101’ lesson. Later, it’s double date night for the married couples! Since Erin and Zach have a serious appreciation for cooking, they convince Whitney and Chad to join them for a cooking class!

Sibling Revelry

Kelly Jo cashes in on her ‘I Love you Day’ gift from Gil and wants him to clean up the shed. Can Gil complete the project in a timely fashion and without any complaints? As the boys help Gil organize the shed, Nathan gets sidetracked and uses scrap items to make an impromptu zip line. Meanwhile, Carlin escapes clean up duty and opts to paint lines on the new Bates Basketball court! Later, Trace plays a pickup basketball game with a few college players. Will he be able to keep up and secure a spot on the team or will Lawson sabotage the game?

He Said, She Shed

On this special ‘Newlywed’ Episode of ‘Bringing Up Bates,’ we’ll see how well the younger Bates couples know their partners! Can they guess their spouse’s favorite meal? How about their dream vacation destination? Let’s hope they’ve been paying attention to each other over the years, otherwise things could get awkward!

NEWLYWED EDITION

Erin and Chad have expanded their family with twin pygmy goats, but having extra ‘kids’ means more household chores. So Gil and the younger kids stop by to help Chad paint the goats’ new shed. Back at the Bates household, Nathan’s impromptu zip line wasn’t the safest, so Gil and the kids reconfigure a longer and much safer design. Once they settle on the perfect spot, the kids test it out! And later, Erin surprises Chad with a 30th Birthday Adventure with an escape to Hot Springs, NC for a romantic getaway without the kids.

Don't Worry, We've 'Goat' This!

The Bates family will never forget their house fire, and so they organize a car-washing fundraiser to give back to the heroic volunteer firefighters who responded to their emergency situation. Right before the big day, Zach insists on giving the Bates kids a tutorial on the do’s and don’ts of properly washing a car. But will a family water fight put an end to Zach’s lesson? Meanwhile, Chad and Erin are interested in purchasing a ‘fixer upper’ house and begin the search for a property that they hope to renovate and call their own!

Stop, Drop and Wash

With 19 kids you never know what’s going to happen! And as we’ve seen, the Bates kids are chock-full of hilarious sayings and entertaining moments. Here’s 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!

MORE Bloopers, Outtakes and Mishaps, Oh My!

Lawson and Sadie's Big Breakup

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.

One Cap, Two Gowns?

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.

The Night The Lights Went Out in Tennessee

Zach organizes a camping trip in hopes of having some bonding moments with his brothers; Zach gets an unexpected call; Kelly Jo, Erin and Whitney gather up the younger kiddos for a swimming lesson.

The Fabulous Backwoods Bates Boys

Here’s the Scoop

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.

The Best Seasons of Bringing Up Bates

The Best Seasons of Bringing Up Bates

Season 5

Season 6

Season 2

Season 1

Season 3

Season 4

Season 7

Season 8

Season 9

Season 10