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United Bates of America
Common Sense says
- TLC
- Reality TV
- 2012
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that United Bates of America, a 19 Kids and Counting spin-off, features a large Tennessee family being raised according to the tenants of their conservative faith and subsequent lifestyle. Some may not agree with the values they live by, but the show does contain positive messages about love, respect, and family. Despite some images of hunting rifles (both real and toy), there's no violence, language, or other iffy content to worry about.
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What's the story?
UNITED BATES OF AMERICA is a reality series featuring the energetic Bates family clan as they live their lives in the hills of Tennessee. The spin-off of the hit show 19 Kids and Counting stars Gil and Kelly Jo Bates raising their 19 children, ranging in ages from 23 to a few weeks old, according to the tenets of their faith. From playing music to organizing a Valentine's Day dinner, life gets a little crazy some times. But with hard work, patience, and love, they all work together to keep the household running smoothly.
Is it any good?
Like Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, the Bates show what their lifestyle is like as practitioners of the controversial Quiverfull Movement, which has its roots in conservative Christian evangelism, and which views having large families as a way of promoting their faith. While the family does not discuss their religious philosophies in any depth on camera, they offer brief faith-based (but non-judgmental) explanations of why they live in a way that is often different from the mainstream.
Watching how this large family manages their lives is interesting, but some viewers may have difficulty with their efforts to keep the children from secular influences, from homeschooling children to limiting access to the media (despite their willingness to appear on a reality show). Their adherence to patriarchal gender norms may also be troubling. But the messages it contains about love, responsibility, and respect, are definitely positive ones.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about the Bates parents' decision to have so many kids. Do they ever explain their reasons fully? Why are some people critical of their decisions?
How do the Duggars and the Bates compare to your family? If you have a small family, do you ever wish that you had a bigger one? Why or why not?
Why do you think families like the Duggars and the Bates have agreed be on a reality show that appears in the mainstream media, despite the fact that they do not permit access to it in their homes? Why were they offered the chance to appear on mainstream TV in the first place?
TV details
- Premiere date: August 13, 2012
- Cast: Gil Bates, Kelly Jo Bates, Michaela Bates
- Network: TLC
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters
- TV rating: TV-G
- Available on: Streaming
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.