United Bates of America was an American reality show.
The show focuses on Gil and Kelly Jo Bates' lives in the picturesque hills of Tennessee, away from the crush of urban surroundings and free from distractions, such as television and video games. But there's always plenty to do, and life is never boring. That's because Gil and Kelly Jo are parents to 19 children - 10 girls and 9 boys - who fill their life with joy and fulfill their belief that family is the key to happiness. This real-life series welcomes viewers into the Bates household, where a back-to-the-basics existence overflows with activities including chores, singing, and - lo and behold - spending time with one another.
The show ran for a single season between August 13, 2012 until September 3, 2012. The show got a spin-off named Bringing Up Bates.
Cast[]
Episodes[]
Season 1[]
| No. in season | Title | Original air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Love Times 21 | August 13, 2012 |
| Gil and Kelly Jo just welcomed their 19th child into the world, but some complications send little Jeb back to the NICU. Back home, the rest of family pulls together to create a special homecoming as they plan to celebrate Valentine's Day Bates Style. | ||
| 2 | Papa Bill's Farm | August 13, 2012 |
| The Bates head to the farm! Gil and Kelly Jo load up the family bus and head to see Gil's parents. We'll meet Papa Bill and Mama Jane and see what they think of having 19 grandchildren! | ||
| 3 | Practice Makes Perfect | August 20, 2012 |
| Gil and Kelly Jo have 19 very well behaved children, but that didn't just happen overnight. Watch and learn some Bates Basics as we see all the training that goes into making this large family a little more manageable in public. | ||
| 4 | 19 Kids, 1 Emergency | August 20, 2012 |
| The kids must fend for themselves when Gil rushes Kelly Jo to the hospital after realizing she's dealing with more than just the flu. As the family prays back home for a safe and speedy recovery, how will they handle life at home without mom and dad? | ||
| 5 | 19 in Training | August 27, 2012 |
| Education comes in many forms for the Bates family. Watch as Kelly Jo teaches some of the younger girls how to cook. And later, can the boys keep up when Gil, a former state champion, teaches them how to wrestle? | ||
| 6 | Bates and Duggar Reunion | August 27, 2012 |
| The Bates Family is heading to Texas for the annual homeschooling conference! Watch as we see what it takes to get 21 people packed, loaded up, and out the door for a week-long trip. Later, we see them meet up with their friends the Duggars!. | ||
| 7 | New Editions | September 3, 2012 |
| Gil and Kelly Jo have decided to take on some new tenants: chickens! Despite past failed attempts at keeping chickens, they're determined to make their land productive. Will the family finally get the bounty of eggs they've been hoping for? | ||
| 8 | Bates Plus 12 | September 3, 2012 |
| When you have a family of 21, what's a few more houseguests added to the mix? The Bates get a visit from their friends the Paines who are a family of 12. Later, we get a lesson on dating, and the family has one very big announcement to share. | ||