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.
It's Wedding time - but who's walking down the aisle? Love is blooming for the Bates, with Carlin finding a "special friend" in Evan. Even the married couples have big news! Will Erin and Chad's family be growing by two?
Carlin goes to spend time with Evan's family. Will she gain his parents' approval and is a courtship on the way? Jackson is the next Bates in line to get his learner's permit. Will he be a better driver than his sisters?
Bobby hopes to move closer to Tori after college, but needs work and a place to live first. Kelly Jo takes Jud and Jeb to martial arts. Bobby and Tori discuss their future with Gil and Kelly Jo - is a proposal on the way?
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 ...
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, ...
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 reconfig...
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.
Now that Lawson's wrapped up recording his album, he's taking the next step with his career and making a music video, co-starring actress Sadie Robertson. Can he turn his song about heartbreak into a high quality music video?
Now that Bobby's graduated from college, it's a time of celebration, love and new beginnings! Before his big graduation party, Bobby and Tori catch up and discuss their future together.
Now that Nathan is a certified flight instructor, he's moved back to teach flight lessons. Meanwhile, Kacie Lynn is turning the big"One." At the Bates house, a power outage leads to an impromptu slumber party and game night!
Since moving out, Zach misses spending time with the boys, so he organizes a camping trip to have some bonding time with his brothers. But between shooting and fishing he gets a call that might put his plan on pause.
Kelly Jo, Erin, Carson and Tori head to Chicago to visit Michaela. Will culture shock hit Erin as she explores the big city? Back at the Bates house, the kids have a contest to see who can make the best homemade ice cream.
A Bates Summer wouldn't be complete without a family vacation! This year the family is headed to an adventure resort. Bobby realizes that this vacation is the perfect time to ask Gil a very big question.
It's a family affair, as the Bates continue their thrill seeking vacation at Adventures on the Gorge! Gil is in for a big surprise when Bobby asks him for permission to pop the big question!
In this special episode, we relive the births of Whitney, Erin, and Alyssa's children and the emotional journeys that went along with all 6 of them.
