FAQs


Q: How much pizza and ice cream do the Bates eat?
A: 9 large, single topping pizzas and 1.5 gallons of ice cream

Q: What makes Lawson laugh?
A: The Dick Van Dyke Show

Q: How much does the Bates family spend at McDonald’s?
A: Approximately $50

Q: What is the family’s favorite activity?
A: Anything that involves water, especially visiting the lake.

Q: Who is the best cook?
A: Callie says Michaella. Gil says: “Whoever cooks is the best cook.”

Q: What is Lawson’s favorite guitar brand?
A: Martin

Q: How did Gil become a pastor?
A: By serving alongside other pastors

Q: How do the kids find alone time?
A: Josie says: “There’s plenty of outdoor space.”

Q: What denomination are the Bates, and where do they attend church?

A: The Bates are Independent Baptist. They attend Bible Baptist Church, which meets at the Holiday Inn Express in Clinton, Tennessee, on Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and Wednesday evenings.

Q: What are the Bates' favorite indoor games?

A: Card games

Q: Are the Bates recognized everywhere they go?
A: Not always, but they really enjoy meeting fans.

Q: How can you meet the Bates family?
A: By visiting their church (see above).

Q: What is Carlin up to these days?
A: Carlin will start an online degree at Crown College Minnesota in fall 2016.

Q: The Bates enjoy singing together as a family and have performed at quite a few churches and conferences over the years. What is their favorite song to share with others?
A: "The Lord Has Blessed Me In So Many Ways"

Chorus:
The Lord has blessed me in so many ways,
That I could not begin to tell you how good He has been

He's my Friend, He's my Guide, He's my Shepherd, my Light,
The Lord has blessed me in so many ways.

Verse 1:
And I have been blessed with a family that has felt God's great touch,
He's been present in trials and He loves me so much

Though we fail, though we stumble on His Word we still stand,
And we know He'll be faithful to reach that fair end

Chorus

Verse 2: 

But the greatest of all blessings that I ever received,
Was His saving power when on His name I believed

Well, I had nothing to offer but my guilt and my sin,
It was all through the blood and His holy Name

Bridge:
We've been soo blessed, sooo blessed,
Blessed by His bountiful hand

Chorus


Q: Do the Bates consider themselves to be good singers?
A: According to Gil, whether they have quality voices doesn't much matter because they are obeying the Biblical command to "make a joyful noise unto the Lord."

Q: What is the family's go-to news source, and who is the most likely to share a current event with the rest of the clan?
A: SRNNews.com; Zach

Q: How many bedrooms and bathrooms does the Bates' house have?
A: 8-1/2 bathrooms (they only had three before adding on several years ago) and 6 bedrooms (two for the girls, two for the boys, one for Mom and Dad, and one for guests).

Q: Who is the best swimmer?
A: Nathan

Q: Do Gil and Kelly enjoy traveling?
A: Kelly does. Gil is more of a homebody, but he has taken his wife on several trips since they were married.

Q: Who is the biggest practical jokester?
A: Gil. It used to be Erin, although Kelly says she "married somebody so mature that she kind of grew out of the prank stage."

Q: How long were Kelly's 19 labors?
A: Her longest was 21 hours, and her shortest was one hour.


Q: What is the Bates' mailing address?
A: PO Box 544 Rocky Top, TN 37769

61 comments:

  1. I love the Bates family and their faith, love, values, communication, individual talents and fun. I just watched an episode of the family canoeing in an icy river. I am very concerned that not everyone was wearing life jackets. Especially all of the little kids (some did have jackets on). I say this with love. I live in an area with a lot of rivers and lakes and people of all ages drown every year because they were not wearing life jackets and their canoe or boat tipped over, in water over their heads. Some have even been very good swimmers but the cold of the water unexpectedly shocks their system and they become helpless. Adults included. Skiers included. Please, please Bates family, wear life jackets! I find your show pure pleasure to watch, full of the family dynamics I wish more families had. I love that God is at the center of it all! Thank you!

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  2. yea i love them i would die if i could meet them but i live in san antonio tx boohoohoo i want i love the bates

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  3. i so enjoy this show. the children are just beautiful and as kind as can be. you do bring me such joy. you are all invited to my june 24, 2017 wedding in Penn. LOL love you all

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  4. i loveeeeeeeeeeeeee the bates family

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  5. I'm curious about the inspiration behind some of the Bates' names. Like Michaela, Carlin, Warden, Judsen and Jeb. We love love love the Bates!

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  6. What network does the show air on?

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    Replies
    1. Hi there,

      The show airs on UP (uptv.com).

      Blessings,
      Lily and Ellie

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  7. How can I watch Season 4 as I love this show but I live in Australia and we don't have UpTv and season 1 and 2 are on Foxtel but I can't watch season 3 or 4?

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    Replies
    1. Amazon Video or Itunes

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    2. It's now airing in Australia on TLC with Optus Fetch. You have to pay extra for the Variety Package though.

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  8. Is there a reason why cute little miss Katie is never seen on the show? I love her humor and miss seeing her in the interviews.

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  9. Can you expound alittle more on Whitneys history. I understand she was adopted by her best friends parents when her parents died. Is that correct?

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  10. At what age do the Bates allow their children to have cell phones, and are they connected to the internet?

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    1. In one show Chad says he needed to use Kelly's wifi, and the kids also use some computer curriculum for school. So,yes, they have Internet, but they didn't always have it. I remember one episode of the Duggar show where they mentioned the Bates went to the library to use the computer & internet for emailing. I don't remember how long ago that was though.

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  11. redbeelips@gmail.comDecember 29, 2016 at 9:29 PM

    My husband and I are 70 year old grandparents of 11. Our son and all ten of his children (age range 5-18)moved in with us last November 2015. I can't discuss the particulars so as to respect their privacy. I began watching your program a few months ago and have been so encouraged by gleaning little bits and pieces of your day to day lives. I loved when one son said that if he didn't keep on top of the dishes that they would be piled up to the faucet. That has happened to us many times. And, we also have a girl who laughs (cackles) like one of your daughters. It is so annoying especially when we are trying to have a little quiet time. We deal with other problems that you will never have to overcome. But, we are still very encouraged as we watch you parent and have fun doing it. For now our personal finances are stretched to the limit but we know that this is only temporary, too. We know that we are constantly being blessed by the Lord...even when it doesn't feel like it. Thank you for sharing your family and your faith with your fans.
    ShaRon Conway - Maryland

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  12. What is the occupation of Alyssa's husband John Webster?

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    Replies
    1. He and Alyssa own a cleaning business (and do all the cleaning themselves unless I'm mistaken).

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  13. I did not know you all had a show. I was home sick and woke up and it was playing. I then had to set your show up on DVR so I would not miss anymore. I'm happy you all have a show and wish you and your beautiful family all the best.

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  14. Have The Bates Family written a book for their fans to buy?? Love this Family!!

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  15. I just was wondering if Michael has had any test to find out why she can not getmprent

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    1. There is a girl that appears with the family but is never referred to. Have never been named...who is this young lady? Did the Bates adopt her?

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    2. I wondered the same thing! My friend said she is just best friends with one of the girls, but, if we are thinking of the same girl, I saw her a lot in season 4 (haven't been able to watch much of season 5)

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  16. I love this show, they all seem so nice. I really enjoy watching them. :)

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  17. What verison of the Bible does the Bates family use?

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  18. Used to work in Rocky Top. The dad is the rudest man I've ever met.

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    Replies
    1. What did he do that was so rude? He doesn't seem to have a mean bone in his body. He's always smiling and laughing.

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  19. I see up above they go to a church that meets in a hotel I was wondering if that changed because so thought they had gotten a new church property

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  20. what is the name of the song that is sung when Memaw is walking down the aisle, not the one that is sung by the the Bates family member but the one that is before they sing... lyrics Love is a constant friend who will ever be right by your side. Love is a hand to lend it will hold you through this crazy life. Love is an adoring smile on the face of the one who cares for you. So give it away cuz that is what love is for. I love that song and was looking for the title and author. Please help!!

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    Replies
    1. Yes!!! I've been trying to find it, too. It's SOOO good!!!

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    2. "Nothing More" by Andrew Simple :)

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  21. Question How much sweet tea do they bates Need for one dinner

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  22. What kind of daily devotional do they use?

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  23. Was Carlin in Joy Dugger's wedding? I thought I saw her in a picture

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    Replies
    1. Yes, Carlin was in Joy's wedding.

      Have a wonderful day,
      Lily and Ellie

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  24. I know you are Independent Baptists. I have been searching as to if Jesus is God cone in the flesh or if we follow Jesus and worship God. Your help is so appreciated.

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    Replies
    1. Hi there,

      Would you be able to explain your question a bit more?

      Lily and Ellie

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    2. I was wondering how come Michela seemed out of age order in the opening montage of Bates jumping on the trampoline. They seem to go from youngest to oldest, except for her. It would seem that she would come after Zach.

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  25. If there are 2 bedrooms for the girls, why did Kelly Jo say there were still 7 girls in one room after Michaela left?

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  26. Can we ever write letters to them

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  27. I am a glad to have a godly show like this

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  28. I am interested in setting my daughter up with Jackson,( as a pen pal) she watches him all the time,and would be so excited! We live in Wisconsin, and she is 15.

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  29. Love the Bates. Blessings to all of them.

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  30. Do the Bates have a garden? And do the Bates do any canning?

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  31. What is the name of the shop that they buy gifts for "I love you day"? We are going to be in that area and thought it would be nice to pick up gifts from there for our moms who both love the show.

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  32. On one episode, Erin mentioned working on a Celtic CD, but instead she released a Christmas CD soon after Carson was born. Do you know if there are any plans for that Celtic music CD? I bet it would be beautiful.

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  33. When we tlc fans first met the bates on the duggar show. How come little isaiah said his name was dale?. Also what happened to zach first courtship?. Love ur show. Gil has a big heart and is not afraid to cry

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  34. In the opening montage of images when the show comes on and each one jumps on the trampoline (some all at once), the kids all seem to be depicted from youngest to oldest, except Michela is out of place. Why didn't she come up right befoe Zach. Been curious about this for a long time. Thanks.

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  35. Is Lawson in a Selsun Blue commercial? There is a young man in one that looks just like him.

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  36. If I remember right Carlin sorry if I misspelled her name had Joy and her husband at her wedding. Did all the Duggar's come or only a certain number. Last question what daddy daughter dance did they dance to

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  37. How do they have the money to go on vacations?

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  38. I was wondering if the family gets any monetary compensation for doing the show?

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  39. I would just like to say that your family has helped me so much,if I am having a down time or day I turn on your show and it cheers me up its wonderful to see a family that cares so much about each other and shows it,it makes my heart happy to know that there really are sweet people in the world.

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  40. We love the Show. Everyone is so respectful as a family and it is so attractive to watch. Please continue to keep GOD 1st and pray for our new Church, Antioch Church of Fresno, CA.

    Pamela Tate, Pastor's Wife

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  41. Your show is just one of the best on TV. You are not like other "big families". Everyone in the family is just real, Kelly & Gil are just loving, God fearing and beautiful to watch enter-acting with all of their children. Your whole family are not "fake" or secretive or hiding stuff. You guys are just real everyday people with joy, laughter, crying, pain & kindness. Gil is not a father trying to control his children and both parents love their kids no matte where or what they do in life. God Bless All of you!

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  42. I would like to know how tall Josie Balka is.

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  43. When will Season 9 be coming to the UK?

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  44. When will Season 9 be available in the UK?

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  45. If only one guest room where do all the visiting married couples stay.

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  46. Recently started watching this show on Lifetime (i live in Suffolk,England) now up to 2017 so a bit behind :) such a lovely family, very inspirational, look forward to watching after a busy day at work. I'm the same age as Kelly and now have my first grandchild on the way so a tad behind :) Love to you all and god bless - Nicola xx

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  47. I want to say Thank You to this family. I lost my mom in 2008, my dad in 2010 & my son in 2018. By watching this family, it has caused me to laugh and smile when I feel like there is no reason to. Even though I don't know this family personally sometimes I see my son in the bates boys. As i watch the show I would go hey that's how Jimmie would have acted or said. It makes me laugh just to know of other young man out there that is not my son but has some traits he had. Believe it or not that helps this mom soul. Also watching them handle the loss of their babies and how strong they are and how they also lean on the Lord for comfort gives me strenght. So, thank you so much!

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