United Bates of America

United Bates of America is a captivating reality television show that aired on The Learning Channel (TLC) in 2012. The show offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of Gil and Kelly Jo Bates, a devout and conservative couple who are parents to an astonishing 19 children. The series underscores the couple's deep faith and the values they strive to instill in their unusually large brood, as well as their methods for dealing with the many challenges and responsibilities that come with raising such a big family. The Bates family are friends with The Duggars from ‘19 Kids and Counting’ and ‘Counting On’, who also hail from the same network.

Living in the Tennessee hills, the Bates family stands out not just because of their substantial size, but also due to their shared convictions, philosophies of bringing up children, commitment to each other, and adherence to their religious beliefs. Gil, the patriarch of the family and a full-time tree surgeon, is often shown making various sacrifices to support his wife and children. Kelly Jo, the ever-patient matriarch, is shown as a limitless well of love and strength, providing each child with the personal attention and affection they need to grow.

The couple's story is indeed unique as they never planned for such a large family at the beginning of their marriage. However, after having a couple of kids and deciding that they would forgo birth control for religious reasons, the family just continued to grow. Today, the Bates family comprises nine boys and ten girls, making for a fascinating dynamic within the home.

The show stands out for its genuine portrayal of the family's beliefs, values, and lifestyle. Multiple episodes showcase the whole family working together on their house chores, studying, sharing meals, going to church, and going about their daily lives in harmony and unity. The massive size of the family itself presents an intriguing range of personalities and challenges, making each episode a truly engaging watch.

The viewer gets to see the older siblings taking care of the younger ones, thus forming strong, unique bonds. It is indeed compelling to watch the family dynamics unfold, where not just the parents but the elder siblings take on different parental roles. The age range of the children allows viewers to see a spectrum of developmental stages and how Gil and Kelly Jo navigate each.

United Bates of America also touches upon the fundamental principles the family lives by, which is grounded in their strict Independent Baptist faith. They follow the teachings of the Bible to the letter, which influences their perspectives on dating, marriage, dressing, and even entertainment. The children are homeschooled, a decision that the couple deliberately made to ensure their children's education aligns with their religious beliefs.

However, not all episodes are just about their daily life. Some episodes show the family organizing and carrying out large scale events, such as weddings. They also take viewers through the stress and joy of bringing babies home, proving that even with their sizeable experiences, each new life is treated as unique, individual, and special.

Despite the manifold hardships and the sheer logistical nightmare of managing such a large family, what shines through the most in United Bates of America is the family's unfaltering love and respect for each other. The show delves deep into the interactions within the family and provides a refreshing vignette of a close-knit family that has its roots firmly grounded in faith, love, and mutual respect.

United Bates of America provides a fascinating insight into a life that is distinctive and different from most families. The show proves that even in larger families, every member can get the attention they require while also learning to understand the importance of sharing and caring at a very young age. For those who are intrigued by the dynamics of large families navigating life together, or those interested in understanding the impact of faith and religion on everyday life, this show provides a truly captivating watch.