Bringing Up Bates Canceled: UPtv Shifts Focus, Season 11 Not Happening

The beloved reality series Bringing Up Bates, which captivated audiences for ten seasons with its heartwarming portrayal of the large Bates family, will not be returning for an eleventh season. UPtv, the network that has been home to the show since its inception in 2015, announced on January 18 that it has decided to cancel the popular unscripted program. This decision marks a significant shift in UPtv’s programming strategy for 2022, as the network intends to pivot towards an increased focus on movies and new scripted series. The news came as a surprise to many loyal viewers who have followed the Bates family’s journey, celebrating their milestones and sharing in their everyday lives for nearly a decade. While the network expressed gratitude to the family and fans, the cancellation signals a new era for both the Bates clan and UPtv’s content offerings. HollywoodLife has reached out for additional comment regarding this development.

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— BringingUpBates (@BringingUpBates) January 18, 2022

In an official statement released by UPtv, the network clarified its strategic realignment. “We will not be premiering Bringing Up Bates season 11 on UPtv as planned as we will be focusing our programming in 2022 on movies and a new scripted series to be announced soon,” the statement began. This explanation indicates a clear move away from unscripted, long-running family reality programs towards a more curated library of fictional content and cinematic productions. The network reflected on the origins of Bringing Up Bates, recalling how the series first began. “When we premiered Bringing Up Bates, the series was focused on parents with 19 kids who were teenagers and young children. The cameras were there to capture the love, laughs and big life moments, as the family continued to grow.” Indeed, the show provided an intimate look into the lives of Gil and Kelly Jo Bates and their remarkably large family, showcasing their unique dynamics, strong faith, and numerous personal developments.

The statement concluded with a heartfelt message of appreciation, acknowledging the immense contribution of the Bates family and their dedicated fanbase. “Thank you to Gil and Kelly Jo Bates for welcoming viewers into your family’s home over the past 10 seasons. Thank you to the fans who tuned in every Thursday night to be part of the journey. We’re looking forward to continuing to uplift you with our programming in the future.” This expression of gratitude underscores the positive relationship the network maintained with the family and its audience throughout the show’s successful run. The decision to conclude the series appears to be purely a business strategy, driven by evolving market demands and the network’s desire to explore new programming avenues, rather than any issues with the show itself or the family’s conduct. For networks like UPtv, adapting to the competitive landscape of television, increasingly dominated by streaming platforms and diverse content offerings, often necessitates bold changes to their content slate.

The journey of Bringing Up Bates commenced in 2015, quickly establishing itself as a staple in family-friendly reality television. Over its impressive tenure, the series aired for 10 consecutive seasons, with the most recent season concluding in June 2021. Throughout its run, Bringing Up Bates produced over 100 episodes, including 10 insightful specials that delved deeper into specific events and aspects of the family’s life. The show chronicled the lives of Gil and Kelly Jo Bates, along with their 19 children, ranging from adolescents to young adults who were beginning to establish their own families. Viewers watched as the Bates children found love, embarked on courtships, got married in beautiful ceremonies, and subsequently started their own families, adding new generations to the ever-expanding Bates clan. These significant life events, from graduations and engagements to weddings and the arrival of numerous grandchildren, formed the core narrative of the series, drawing in a loyal viewership eager to witness the family’s ongoing story.

In an exclusive statement shared with Us Weekly, the Bates family themselves shared their perspective on the show’s cancellation and what the future holds for them. “As the next year begins, our family will be experiencing a lot of new changes,” the Bates family communicated, acknowledging the significant shift. “One of the biggest changes for us is that the network will be moving toward producing more scripted family shows and will not be renewing a contract to film new Bringing Up Bates episodes.” This statement from the family reiterates UPtv’s new direction, confirming that the decision was a programming shift rather than a reflection on the show’s performance or the family’s participation. Demonstrating their unwavering faith and positive outlook, the family added, “We realize God’s timing is always perfect, and we are looking forward to what the future holds for our own family, as well as the network!” This sentiment reflects their enduring belief system, which was often a central theme in the show, suggesting they view this change as part of a larger divine plan.

The Bates family further expressed their deep gratitude for the profound experience of filming the series. “The last ten seasons of filming with Bringing Up Bates have been an amazing journey for our family. We never expected or aspired to be on TV, but we are forever grateful to UP for all of the friendships we have formed as a result.” This candid reflection highlights the unexpected path the family took into the public eye and the positive relationships that emerged from it. They also acknowledged the dual nature of reality television, stating, “Filming and opening up our home has been both rewarding and challenging, but there are not enough words we could say to show appreciation for the amazing film crew and all of the staff who have invested so much time into making this show possible.” This praise for the production team emphasizes the collaborative effort behind the series and the close bonds formed during its creation. “They have become family and have impacted us forever,” they added, showcasing the personal connection developed with the crew members who were intimately involved in their lives for a decade. Lastly, the family extended their thanks to their dedicated viewers: “We are also grateful for all of the encouragement we have received over the years from those who have watched the show and have reached out to message us or pray for us.” This heartfelt message underscores the unique relationship between reality TV families and their audience, often fostering a sense of community and support that extends beyond the screen. The end of Bringing Up Bates signifies not just the conclusion of a television show, but the closing of a significant chapter in the Bates family’s public life, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, and numerous memorable moments shared with millions.