Official press release!

The UP TV network has given us permission to write and post this blog about the new show!

SERIES PREMIERES EXCLUSIVELY ON UP
ON NEW YEAR’S DAY

From the Babies to Momentous Birthdays, Purity Rings to Newlyweds, Adult Children Setting Up Their Households to the Busy Hive of the Family Home,
the Bates Family Proves There Is More To Love

ATLANTA – October 31, 2014 – 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 2 to 25, daily chaos is multiplied exponentially, but so are the joyful and poignant moments that life can bring.

Viewers at UP will see all this human drama first-hand starting Thursdays this January when the most trusted family-friendly network premieres "Bringing Up Bates," a brand-new reality series that takes a fresh look at an uncommon, ultra-conservative American family with larger-than-life personalities. The 13-episode UP Original Series intimately focuses in on the supersized everyday life of this close knit, hard-working, ever-expanding Tennessee family with 19 children and their new grandchild. The UP Original Series "Bringing Up Bates" will make its world television premiere on UP at 9 p.m. EST on New Year’s Day, Thursday, January 1, 2015.

"We are committed to sharing meaningful stories about remarkable families and people with real character," said Charley Humbard, president and CEO, UP. ‘Bringing Up Bates’ lets us look in on the daily lifestyle of a wonderful, loving family – that happens to be larger than most – and that has experiences we can relate to and some that are very unexpected. This series fits perfectly with UP’s brand promise to always uplift and entertain viewers and it represents the latest example of our commitment to produce original series, movies and specials for the whole family."

"Figure 8 Films first met the Bates family while producing our series ‘19 Kids and Counting’ and we knew right away that they had a story we wanted to tell – actually hundreds of stories," said Kirk Streb, partner/executive producer, Figure 8 Films. "From children ranging from those wearing diapers to those having babies, their definition of ‘routine’ is unimaginable to most of us. With every passing week, there are new trials, triumphs and transitions – which they attack with an energy and humor most of us could not muster. We are honored to be invited into their family."




　
  

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 2 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 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 1^{st grandchild, Bradley Gilvin Bates, with son Zach (25) 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 (19) 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 (18) 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 supersized family, Gil runs a tree service, and relies on sons Lawson (22), Nathan (21), and Trace (17) to help him. Meanwhile, Kelly Jo navigates all the meals, laundry, home schooling, 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."}

UP presents "Bringing Up Bates," an UP Entertainment production in association with Figure 8 Films. Executive Producers are Bill Hayes, Kirk Streb and Matthew Hightower. Supervising Producer is Jen Stocks. Senior Production Manager is Kami Winningham. Series Producer is Mary Wilcher. Post Producer is Tori Holder.