Bringing Up Bates continues to draw public attention in 2026, even though the popular family reality show ended nearly four years ago. Fans still follow the Bates family’s lives through social media, YouTube, and public appearances, as they share major milestones, weddings, and growing families. While the show no longer airs on television, the Bates family’s influence in the Christian entertainment community remains strong — and their journey has continued to evolve in meaningful ways.
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What Was Bringing Up Bates?
Bringing Up Bates was a reality television series that aired on UPtv from January 1, 2015, to June 2021. The show focused on Gil and Kelly Jo Bates, a Christian couple from Tennessee, and their 19 children. The series followed their large family’s daily life, celebrations, courtships, marriages, and the challenges of raising a close-knit family guided by faith.
The Bates family became beloved for their wholesome lifestyle, positive values, and joyful outlook. Their show gained a large viewership among audiences who appreciated family-oriented, faith-based programming.
However, in January 2022, UPtv officially announced that Bringing Up Bates would not return for another season. The network stated it would focus on new scripted programming, marking the end of an era for one of its most popular unscripted series.
Why Bringing Up Bates Was Canceled
The cancellation surprised many fans who expected more episodes after Season 10. UPtv released its statement in early 2022, confirming the series’ conclusion before the scheduled Season 11 premiere.
While the network cited programming strategy changes as the reason, some online discussions suggested the decision might have been influenced by controversy surrounding certain family views and public scrutiny related to the Bates family’s association with the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) — a conservative Christian organization.
Despite speculation from fans, the Bates family did not publicly link the show’s cancellation to any specific issue. They expressed gratitude to UPtv and their supporters for years of love and encouragement. The family also assured fans that their story would continue through other platforms.
Life After the Show: The Bates Family’s Online Presence
Even though Bringing Up Bates ended on television, the family has remained active online. Gil and Kelly Bates, along with many of their adult children, have developed strong followings on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.
Their posts often feature updates on family events, new marriages, baby announcements, and ministry activities. Fans who loved the show can still keep up with the Bates family’s lives through these platforms, which have become a digital continuation of their reality series.
Some of the most popular family YouTube channels include:
- The Bates Family – Managed by Gil and Kelly Bates, sharing family news and messages of faith.
- Alyssa and John Webster – Offering lifestyle vlogs from Florida, where they raise their children.
- Whitney and Zach Bates – Sharing updates from Tennessee, where Zach works as a firefighter.
- Josie and Kelton Balka – Featuring home projects, parenting moments, and life in Knoxville.
Each family’s online presence reflects their personalities and interests while maintaining the family’s consistent focus on faith and family unity.
The Bates Parents: Gil and Kelly Jo Bates in 2026
As of 2026, Gil Bates and Kelly Jo Bates continue to live in Rocky Top, Tennessee, where they pastor at Bible Baptist Church. Their commitment to ministry remains central to their lives, and they regularly share devotional content and family messages online.
Gil, now in his early 60s, remains active both in ministry and family activities. Kelly Jo, known for her nurturing and warm personality, frequently shares faith-based encouragement and parenting reflections. Together, they continue to support their adult children as they raise families of their own.
Despite having 19 biological children, Gil and Kelly still make time to visit each of them regularly, often traveling between Tennessee, Florida, Arkansas, and other states where their children have settled.
The Bates Children in 2026: Where Are They Now?
The Bates family’s 19 children have grown up, and many now have families of their own. Here’s an overview of some of the latest confirmed updates from their lives:
| Child | Age (2026) | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Zach Bates | 37 | Married to Whitney; four children; runs a family business and serves as a firefighter. |
| Michael Keilen | 35 | Married to Brandon; the couple lives in Tennessee and runs a faith-based outreach. |
| Erin Paine | 34 | Married to Chad; parents of six; known for her music and home décor brand. |
| Lawson Bates | 33 | Married to actress Tiffany Espensen; continues to work as a singer-songwriter and TV personality. |
| Nathan Bates | 32 | Married to Esther Keyes; they welcomed their first child in 2022 and continue family life in Arkansas. |
| Alyssa Webster | 31 | Married to John Webster; lives in Florida with five children; active YouTuber. |
| Tori Smith | 30 | Married to Bobby Smith; parents of four; focus on home life and Christian education. |
| Trace Bates | 28 | Married to Lydia Romeike; their first child was born in 2023. |
| Josie Balka | 26 | Married to Kelton; lives in Knoxville with three young daughters. |
| Katie Clark | 24 | Married to Travis; lives in New Jersey; active on social media. |
| Addallee, Ellie, Callie, Judson, and Jeb | 10–20 | Still living at home and featured occasionally on family posts. |
Many of the Bates siblings continue to share Christian values through social media, music, small businesses, and ministry projects. Their family gatherings remain a highlight online, showing that the Bates’ bond continues to thrive.
Lawson Bates: A New Career Chapter
Among the most active of the Bates siblings, Lawson Bates has maintained his music and entertainment career since the show’s end. He continues to release country and inspirational songs, often inspired by his life experiences and faith.
In 2022, he married actress Tiffany Espensen, who is known for her roles in Kirby Buckets and Spider-Man: Homecoming. The couple frequently shares glimpses of their life together, including music projects, travels, and faith-centered events. They remain one of the most-followed couples from the Bates family on Instagram and YouTube.
Erin Bates Paine: Family and Music
Erin Paine, one of the Bates daughters, has balanced motherhood with a growing online presence. She and her husband, Chad Paine, welcomed their sixth child in 2024, expanding their already large family. Erin continues to share music performances and home design ideas through her social media accounts.
Her faith-based music and homemaking inspiration have made her one of the most influential members of the family online. Erin’s updates often feature parenting encouragement and glimpses into her family’s daily life in Tennessee.
The Bates Family’s Faith and Public Image
Faith remains the foundation of the Bates family’s identity. Throughout their public lives, they have been open about their Christian beliefs and commitment to traditional family values.
Though they have faced criticism and scrutiny for their conservative views, the Bates family continues to emphasize kindness, service, and integrity. Their goal, as they often express, is to use their platform to spread hope and encourage others through faith.
The Bates family also participates in community and charity efforts in Tennessee and other regions, often involving church youth and local outreach programs.
The Family’s Impact Beyond Television
Even though Bringing Up Bates is no longer on the air, the family’s cultural impact remains strong. Their story has inspired numerous viewers who appreciated seeing a large, faith-driven family navigating modern life.
Many former fans of the show continue to engage with the Bates family through their online channels, which serve as a positive space for encouragement and family-centered content.
In addition, the Bates siblings have diversified into small businesses, music, interior design, and content creation — expanding their influence beyond reality television. This growth has helped them stay relevant and connected with audiences long after their TV series ended.
What’s Next for Bringing Up Bates Fans
As of 2026, there are no confirmed plans for Bringing Up Bates to return to TV or streaming platforms. However, fans remain hopeful for future updates, documentaries, or family specials.
In the meantime, followers continue to enjoy the family’s personal updates on social media, where they frequently share birthdays, anniversaries, and faith reflections. Their YouTube videos and Instagram posts often attract thousands of views and comments from loyal supporters across the U.S.
Final Thoughts
Bringing Up Bates may have ended its television run, but the family’s story continues to unfold every day. From new marriages and babies to thriving online ventures, the Bates family remains a symbol of faith, resilience, and togetherness in American entertainment.
Fans can expect the Bates family to keep inspiring others as they share life’s milestones with the same warmth that made their show a household favorite.
