Season 3 Plot
Bringing Up Bates is a reality series following Gil and Kelly Jo Bates, and their 19 kids, as they experience life’s every day challenges and joys as a supersized family with an upcoming wedding, potential courtships and maybe even another baby on the way!
Bringing Up Bates Season 3 aired on January 6th, 2016.
Season 3 Episodes
1. Welcome Back Bates
The past year has been one of enormous change and growth for the Bates. In the Season 3 premiere, the Bates clan rallies together to help Michaella finally find the wedding dress of her dreams. Later the family braves a stormy outdoor wedding for Kelly Jo's sister, and celebrates Gil's dad, Papa Bill, with an awesome 4th of July birthday party!
2. Sweet Tea & Sit Ups
With Michaella's wedding quickly approaching, Kelly Jo and Gil wager to see who can get in shape to look their best for the big day. While Kelly Jo enlists Tori to motivate her and help with workouts, Gil finds his coach, Lawson, uses a more hands off approach to whip him into shape.
3. 15 Kids and an Empty Nest
With the big wedding just days away the family is busier than ever. Gil and Kelly take the kids to the park for some rollerblading and playground exploring. Erin hosts a laughter filled candle making party for Michaella and her bridesmaids. Nathan, Lawson, and Trace take Brandon on an outing to the skating rink, but an accident on the ice could put the wedding in jeopardy.
4. Wedding Bliss and a First Kiss
The day that Michaella has been waiting for is here! But after months of planning it’s a bittersweet moment for the Bates family, who realize she’ll soon be leaving home. There’s lots to do before 800 guests arrive to celebrate and see Michaella and Brandon say, ‘I do’ and finally share their first kiss.
5. Fly Fishin' Zip Linin' Honeymoon
Michaella and Brandon travel to Montana for a romantic honeymoon exploring the great outdoors; Gil treats his youngest daughters to a dinner date; Zach comes home from the police academy for a home cooked meal with Whitney and Josie.
6. Training Wheels and Trick Saddles
Judson turns five and gets a brand new bike for his birthday; Erin heads to Nashville to record a Christmas album; Lawson, Nathan, and Trace get a visit from a couple of The Dixie Stampede trick riders and learn some tricks of their own.
7. Windy City Newly Weds
Kelly Jo and the kids travel to Chicago to visit newlyweds Michaella and Brandon and help them get settled in their new apartment, and see the sites in the Windy City; Zach graduates from the police academy.
8. Beaches, Boats and Bates
It’s chaos at the Bates’ home as the gang packs up and heads to Florida for some fun in the sun. The family hits the beach to play, build sandcastles, and snorkel for the first time. The boys try their luck fishing for dinner, but not everyone is so sure about the catch of the day ending up on their plate.
9. Back Seat Bates
It’s chaos at the Bates’ home as the gang packs up and heads to Florida for some fun in the sun. The family hits the beach to play, build sandcastles, and snorkel for the first time. The boys try their luck fishing for dinner, but not everyone is so sure about the catch of the day ending up on their plate.
10. Time to Renobate!
With the three eldest sisters out of the house, the remaining girls decide it’s time to redecorate their bedroom. And Zach and Whitney are doing a little redecorating of their own as they head out to shop for a new couch to spruce up their home. Later the girls test out a new recipe for dinner.
11. Bringing Up Bradley
Time is flying and the Bates’ first grandbaby, Bradley, is turning one! Kelly Jo and the girls look for gifts, but their outing goes overboard and quickly turns into a shopping spree. Lawson puts his best face forward at a photoshoot for his new album. Later, the family gathers for Bradley’s birthday party and Whitney shares a big announcement.
12. Love is in the Heir
Whitney and Zach have their first ultrasound; Gil and Kelly celebrate their wedding anniversary with a romantic dinner; Nathan calls a family meeting to share some exciting news.
13. The Big Apple of Nathan's Eye
A few of the Bates head to visit their friends, Ashley and Anastasia at the Big Apple; exploring Time Square and the Brooklyn Bridge.
14. Headed to the Altar
The wedding of Brandon and Michaella is just days away; a look back at Brandon and Michaella's relationship and courtship, from their first days together to the romantic proposal.
15. Mother's Day
When you have 19 Kids, Mother’s Day certainly takes on new meaning! This special highlights all the most motherly moments throughout the series from mom of 19 Kelly Jo, to the new moms Whitney, Erin and Alyssa! With new perspectives from the family, you’ll see why being a mom in the Bates family is such an important role!
16. From the Couch: Back Seat Bates
The Bates are back to lend their colorful commentary to yet another memorable episode! Watch as they give real-time commentary and even let you in on what exactly was going through their minds when they visited the Police academy in Tennessee!
17. From the Couch: Organized Chaos
The Bates are back to lend their colorful commentary to yet another memorable episode!
18. Summer Fun
Just in time to kick off the summer, we’re re-living all the best Bates moments from summer! From playing kick-ball to lake trips to riding coasters at Dollywood, we’ll see how the Bates family loves to have fun in the summertime!