Ep 2. Courtship & Marriage

Bringing Up Bates is an American reality television show that follows the lives of the Bates family who have 19 children and live in rural Rocky Top, Tennessee. In season 1 episode 2, titled Courtship & Marriage, the Bates family continue to navigate their way through life as they talk about courtship, marriage, and their thoughts about each.

We join the Bates family as they sit down to have lunch together. In their usual manner, they say a prayer before eating and start discussing the topic of courtship. The older Bates siblings, who have gone through courtship themselves, offer their thoughts and advice to the younger ones. They talk about how important it is to get to know someone and their values before committing to a serious relationship. The parents, Gil and Kelly Jo Bates, share their perspective on how courtship differs from dating, with emphasis on the importance of parental involvement throughout the process.

Meanwhile, Alyssa and John Webster, who are courting, get together with their families to discuss plans for their upcoming wedding. Alyssa and John share their excitement as they talk about the details for their wedding, from the location to the decorations. Alyssa’s father, Gil, shows his protective side as he asks questions about John’s intentions and promises to always be there for his daughter.

Later on, Zach Bates, the oldest son, takes his girlfriend, Whitney Perkins, on a date to a local golf course. As they play the game, Zach talks about his desire to get married and start a family. Whitney shares her own thoughts on marriage and how she hopes to build a strong foundation with her future partner. The couple opens up about their own relationship and how they have grown to understand each other better over time.

Back at the Bates household, Kelly Jo talks about her own experience with getting married at a young age and starting a family. She shares how it was challenging to balance being a wife and a mother, but also how rewarding it was to watch her family grow. She encourages her children to think about what they want for their own futures and to pursue their dreams.

As the episode comes to a close, we see the Bates family gathered together in their living room for a family night. They sing songs and share stories while enjoying each other’s company and the warmth of the fire. Through their conversations and experiences, we see how important family values are to the Bates family and how they strive to live their lives with love and respect for one another.