Everything changed for the Bates family when UPtv pulled the plug on Bringing Up Bates just weeks before Season 11 was supposed to air back in 2022. Suddenly, the cameras weren't there to capture every birth or wedding. But if you think that slowed down the chaos, you haven't been paying attention to the latest Bates family news.
Honestly, the family is bigger than ever. They’ve basically traded cable TV for YouTube and Instagram, and the drama hasn’t skipped a beat. Between high-risk pregnancies, house hunting disasters, and a literal parade of new grandkids, keeping up with 19 siblings is a full-time job.
The 2026 Baby Boom: Theodore’s Arrival and More
If there’s one thing this family is consistent about, it’s growth. Just this week, on January 11, 2026, Lawson and Tiffany Bates officially welcomed their second son, Theodore Bates. They’re already calling him "Teddy." Tiffany delivered at a hospital in Nashville, and according to their latest updates, both mom and baby are doing well. It’s a huge relief for fans who watched them navigate the transition to parenthood with their first son, William.
But they aren't the only ones.
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The family tree is sprouting branches so fast it’s hard to keep count. Here is the current state of the "Grand-Bates" count as we kick off 2026:
- Zach and Whitney are expecting their sixth baby—a girl—due in May 2026.
- Tori and Bobby recently announced their sixth pregnancy.
- Josie and Kelton Balka have been navigating a high-risk journey with their fourth baby, dealing with blood antibodies that required intense monitoring.
- Trace and Lydia are expecting a daughter in June 2026.
Carlin Bates: Health Struggles and the "Money Pit" House
Carlin and Evan Stewart remain the most visible members of the clan, but it hasn't been all sunshine. People keep asking about Carlin’s health, and for good reason. She’s been open about her seizure-like episodes that started after her second child, Zade, was born.
The good news? She recently shared a 2026 health update stating that her issues have largely cleared up. She even mentioned wanting more kids—possibly "one or two more"—though Evan joked about not wanting to be a "15-passenger van guy."
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The real stressor lately has been their new home. They bought what many fans are calling a "money pit" in late 2025. After the initial excitement of moving into their dream house, reality set in. By mid-December, they discovered a laundry list of structural and maintenance issues that seem to have dampened their spirits. There’s a lot of chatter online about whether they’ll end up selling it at a loss, but for now, they are documenting every renovation (and every tear) for their YouTube channel.
The Paines and the "Darkest Hour"
In Florida, Erin and Chad Paine have had a much heavier year. Erin recently detailed what she called her "darkest hour" following the birth of her son, Henry. She experienced severe medical complications and a seizure that left her genuinely fearing for her life. While she’s recovered, she’s been uncharacteristically quiet about future pregnancies, even hinting that Henry might be her last. For a family built on the "19 and counting" brand, that’s a significant shift.
Why the TV Show Actually Stayed Canceled
There is still a lot of misinformation about why Bringing Up Bates never came back. While the network cited a "shift in programming," most industry insiders and eagle-eyed fans point to a 2021 social media video posted by Carlin that featured a "charades" game. The clip contained a racially insensitive remark that went viral.
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UPtv never officially confirmed this was the cause, but the timing was impossible to ignore. Since then, the family has had to pivot. They aren't "TV stars" anymore; they are influencers.
The Reality of Being a "Foster" Bates
Michaela and Brandon Keilen have taken a different path. While they’ve been very open about their infertility struggles over the years, 2025 and early 2026 have been defined by their journey as foster parents. They’ve been caring for two foster sons, though recent updates suggest the situation is bittersweet. Foster care is designed for reunification, and Brandon has looked a bit more "checked out" in recent videos, perhaps bracing for the heartbreak of the kids eventually returning to their biological parents.
Practical Steps for Following the Bates Family
If you’re trying to stay updated without getting lost in the sea of siblings, here is how to filter the noise:
- Watch the YouTube "Big Three": Carlin & Evan (The Stewart Fam), Trace & Lydia, and Lawson & Tiffany provide about 80% of the actual news.
- Check the "Bates Family Blog": It’s still the most reliable spot for birth announcements and official dates without the fluff of social media reels.
- Ignore the "I Love You Day" Rumors: Every February, the internet speculates about family rifts. Pay attention to who actually shows up in the background of the photos; that tells you more than any curated caption.
The Bates family in 2026 is a far cry from the matching-outfit kids we saw on 19 Kids and Counting years ago. They are a massive, sprawling group of adults trying to make sense of life after reality TV. Some are thriving in the spotlight, and others, like Jackson and Emerson, are choosing a much quieter, private life in Florida. Either way, the "Bates" brand isn't going anywhere; it just moved from your TV screen to your phone.