It looks like that's a wrap for the Bates family. The Duggar-sized clan appears to be going off the air after UPtv announced that it has no plans to air the 11th season of Bringing Up Bates next month, contrary to previous plans. This has many wondering if a video captured of someone in the family making racist remarks sealed the deal.
UPtv shared the news on Instagram.
Many loyal followers of the series found out the disappointing news on Tuesday when the official Bringing Up Bates Instagram page shared the statement.
"We will not be premiering Bringing Up Bates season 11 on UPtv as planned as we will be focusing our programming in 2022 on movies and a new scripted series to be announced soon," a message read.
Fans were caught off guard because the series was set to resume next month.
The statement went on to explain how the show was originally about the Bates family and its 19 children, which followed in the Duggar family's famously unconventional footsteps. Although UPtv thanked the children along with parents Gil and Kelly Jo for allowing it to follow their family, it didn't offer much more in the way of an explanation.
Just this past September, UPtv announced that it would be renewing the series for another season, so many were shocked by the sudden turn of events.
Allegations of racism may be at the heart of UPtv's decision to cancel the series.
In November, a video was posted by Carlin Bates in which inappropriate comments were made about George Floyd. The video was quickly taken down by the network but not before it was saved by others, including Without a Crystal Ball's Katie Joy.
In the video it looked like the family was playing a game of charades. Although one person was mimicking someone with a gun, a participant in the family could be heard shouting out George Floyd, prompting laughter from others gathered for the game.
The news has prompted strong reactions.
People on both sides of the news seem to have strong feelings about the decision. Some are celebrating the fact that the series is being pulled, due in no small part to the way the family appears to be connected to the Duggars.
"Another cult family off air, another good day," wrote one person.
"Wow I am so upset," commented someone else. "Canceled the best show on tv."
The Bates family has responded to the news.
In a statement obtained by People magazine, the Bates family thanked UPtv for giving them the platform to tell its story. "We realize God's timing is always perfect, and we are looking forward to what the future holds for our own family, as well as the network," the statement read.
We'll have to wait to see if the Bates family lands at another network, but for now it sounds like the family will be out of the limelight for a bit.
