When Gil and Kelly Jo Bates married in 1987, they didn't plan to have kids, but something changed over time; now they're parents to 19 children -- yes 19! When they range from toddler to 20-something and live under one roof, challenges abound, even for a tight-knit family like the Bates brood. Among those are the parents' strict rules, which include everyone's chores, watching little to no TV, and the girls wearing only dresses. Gil runs a tree service that employs some of his sons, while Kelly Jo stays home to make the meals and do the laundry, home schooling and other tasks. As the eldest child gets older, new issues -- including romance, careers and babies -- enter the picture.
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, 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!
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.
Kelly Jo’s mother Meema announces that she wants to live closer to the kids. Kelly Jo takes her house hunting, but the task proves tougher than anyone imagined.
With Erin and Chad’s due date looming, the whole family gathers for their baby shower.
Gil and Kelly Jo fly to Florida to see their new granddaughter and then head to Washington, D.C. where Brandon plans to propose.
Erin has been experiencing early contractions, so she and Chad rush to their doctor to find out what’s wrong.
The family takes us inside the rewards and challenges of homeschooling so many kids, each with a different learning style.
Michael and Brandon meet with a wedding planner to go over all the details of their upcoming nuptials. Lawson learns he has to have his wisdom teeth removed.
Erin and Chad have their final appointment with Dr. Vick and anxiously await the arrival of their baby.
It’s time for the annual family lake trip! Some of the kids go boating, some go skiing, some stay dry and others try to get everyone wet!
Michael takes Kelly Jo and her sisters into town to look for a wedding dress, but none of the dresses are right.
The whole family gathers together as Addee and Ellie celebrate their birthdays with a joint swim party!
In the season finale, the entire Bates family comes together for the opportunity of a lifetime – to perform at the world famous “Dollywood” resort, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
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.
