This Is Why ‘Bringing Up Bates’ Was Canceled: The Reason UPtv Pulled the Show Off Air
Four years after UPtv canceled Bringing Up Bates, fans are still asking what really happened — and where the family is now.
When the reality series premiered in 2015, it followed Gil Bates and his wife, Kelly Jo Bates, as they raised their 19 children “with love, laughter and Christian values,” according to the show’s description. Over time, the family expanded even more as many of the Bates children welcomed kids of their own.
While viewers were eagerly waiting for season 11, UPtv shocked fans in January 2022 by announcing the show’s cancellation — even though episodes had already been filmed.
At the time, Us Weekly confirmed the network planned to shift its focus toward original movies and scripted programming. Both fans and the Bates family were stunned. Still, the family told Us in a statement that “God’s timing is always perfect” and said they were “forever grateful” for the experience.
Interest in the family surged again in January 2026 after Katie Bates made headlines when news broke that her husband, Travis Clark, had been unfaithful.
When was Bringing Up Bates canceled?
UPtv announced in January 2022 that the series would not return for its planned 11th season.
How long did the show run?
Bringing Up Bates premiered on New Year’s Day 2015 and aired for 10 seasons with more than 100 episodes. The final episode aired in June 2021.
What did UPtv say about the cancellation?
The network stated that it was moving in a new direction focused on films and scripted series. UPtv thanked Gil and Kelly Jo Bates for welcoming viewers into their home for a decade and expressed appreciation to fans for their loyalty.
Why was the show canceled?
Although UPtv cited scheduling and programming changes, the timing raised questions. The cancellation came months after Carlin Bates briefly posted — and deleted — a November 2021 video that many viewers criticized as racially insensitive. The network never confirmed whether the controversy played a role in the decision.
How did the Bates family respond?
The family chose a positive outlook, saying they trusted God’s timing and were thankful for the 10-season journey. They described the show as a blessing and expressed deep gratitude to the production crew and supporters who followed their lives over the years.
Where is the Bates family now?
As of January 2026, Gil and Kelly Jo Bates announced the birth of their 38th grandchild. Lawson Bates and his wife, Tiffany Espensen, welcomed a son named Theodore. The couple also shares another son, Will.
Zachary Bates and Whitney Perkins have five children and revealed in fall 2025 they are expecting their sixth. Michaela Bates and Brandon Keilen finalized the adoption of two children in May 2025.
Erin Bates and Chad Paine have seven kids. Erin survived a life-threatening infection in September 2025 after giving birth to their youngest son, Henry.
Nathan Bates and Esther Keyes share two children. Alyssa Bates and John Webster have five daughters. Tori Bates and Bobby Smith have five sons and are expecting their sixth child in March 2026.
Trace Bates and Lydia Romeike have two children. Carlin Bates and Evan Stewart share three kids. Josie Bates and Kelton Balka have four children.
Katie Bates and Travis Clark welcomed two children after marrying in 2021. In January 2026, Katie revealed she had suffered a miscarriage. Days later, Travis admitted on Instagram that he had been unfaithful.
Jackson Bates welcomed his first child with wife Emerson Wells in August 2025.
