Ep 1. New Horizons

The reality television show Bringing Up Bates has returned for its tenth season, and in this first episode titled New Horizons, fans are taken on a journey with the Bates family full of excitement, tough decisions, and changes.

As the episode opens, viewers find themselves in Florida with daughter Erin and her husband Chad. The pair has recently relocated to the Sunshine State with their four kids, and as viewers learn, this decision wasn't an easy one. Despite being hesitant to leave the rest of the family behind, Erin and Chad felt that it was an excellent opportunity to start anew in a new area and build their own life as a family. Sharing their hopes and fears about the move with the show's producers, the couple appears both nervous and excited about what's to come.

Back in Tennessee, Patriarch Gil Bates has been busy working on a new project. Gil has always enjoyed tinkering with cars, and in this episode, he decides to take his hobby to the next level by opening up a new business. Titled Bates Garage, Gil's new venture is a car restoration company that allows him to work alongside his son Zach and other staff members. The family is thrilled to have the new business, and Zach marvels at the fact that his father gets to do something that he loves every day. Throughout the show, viewers get to see Gil and Zach working on various vehicles, including a bright red race car that they're restoring.

As is typical with this large family, there are plenty of other events taking place during the episode. Michaella and her husband Brandon welcome a new puppy into their home, while Josie and Kelton prepare for the construction of their new house. Kelton's parents come to visit, and the couple sits down to discuss their ideas for the home's interior and exterior design. Meanwhile, Josie's sister Alyssa and her family come by to give their input and help out where needed.

The episode also delves into life after marriage for oldest daughter Michael. As viewers learn, Michael recently moved out of the Bates home and into her new husband's house. In scenes filmed with the couple, the pair is shown taking down wedding decorations and talking about their future plans, including having kids and picking out paint colors for the home. Michael's siblings miss her and talk about how things are different now that she's living elsewhere. They also give updates on what's happening in their own lives, including Alyssa's recent trip to the beach with her family and Carlin's pregnancy.

One of the most touching moments in the episode comes when Gil talks about the importance of family. In a voiceover, Gil speaks about how when he and his wife Kelly got married, they made a promise to always prioritize their family above all else. He shares that they've held true to that promise and have always worked hard to make sure each of their children is loved and supported no matter where they are in life. It's a heartfelt reminder of the show's underlying theme - the family bond that holds the Bates clan together through all of life's ups and downs.

Overall, New Horizons marks a strong return for Bringing Up Bates and is sure to please fans of the show. With its focus on family, hard work, and perseverance, the episode showcases the values that have made the Bates family beloved by viewers. It's an encouraging look at how even when faced with change and challenges, there's always something new to look forward to on the horizon. Whether you're a longtime fan of the show or new to the world of the Bates family, this episode is a must-see.