UP's Bringing Up Bates Becomes Instant Hit

UP announced today that the premiere episode of its original series “Bringing Up Bates” on January 1 was the strongest original telecast ever for the network among W18-49 and W25-541.  Based on live + same day data, the series ranked #16 in the time-period among ad-supported cable networks in W25-54 and #20 in W18-492.

“I can’t think of a better way for UP to start 2015 than having viewers embrace ‘Bringing Up Bates’ and this remarkable family,” said Charley Humbard, president & CEO, UP.

Led by devoted father Gil and his loving wife Kelly Jo, the Bates do everything in bulk while staying true to their values and rules for the family.  With a grand total of 19 children ranging in age from 2 to 25, they are the definition of a “big, happy family.”  But lately – as viewers will see – their simple rural lifestyle in Tennessee is in a flurry of transitions and is continually challenged by the modern world.

The 13-episode UP Original Series will explore new, ever-changing family dynamics as the Bates celebrate the birth of the 1st grandchild, Bradley Gilvin Bates, with son Zach (25) and his wife Whitney; foster the courtship of Michaella (24) and Brandon Keilen by allowing him to share an extended visit with the family during the holiday season; support Erin (23) and her husband Chad Paine as they face a health issue that challenges their hope of starting a family; check in on newlywed Alyssa (20) as she finds her way in Florida with new husband, John Webster, the son of recently re-elected U.S. Representative Daniel Webster (R-Fla.) and prepare for the birth of her first child; encourage Tori (18) to bring order to the family schedule and step up to meet the challenges of child training as her parents have become more lax in their later years.

The Passion of the Christ Still Setting Records: Excels with Premiere on UP

The ratings grew dramatically for UP with the commercial television premiere of The Passion of the Christ.   Mel Gibson’s graphic tale of Jesus’ final hours set a host of Nielsen marks for UP on Palm Sunday.  

The film was UP’s top telecast ever with an average audience of 1.1 million viewers on April 13, according to Nielsen data. The rating ranked eighth and the audience seventh in the time period among ad-supported cable   UP ranked 10th among women 25 to 54 and adults 25 to 54.    

UP, benefiting from the film and a number of other Bible-tied films, ascended to its strongest day ever in households, persons 18 to 49 and adults 25 to 54 on April 13 and the network's strongest week ever in household delivery.  

“We knew that The Passion of the Christ would resonate with our audience and attract new viewers to UP as well," said Charley Humbard, president and CEO, UP. "The film is the centerpiece of our extensive Easter programming and truly epitomizes our holiday theme: ‘Easter Lives Here’. The Thursday night special encore presentation provides the perfect movie to watch before Good Friday.”

Charley Humbard Chats with American Dream on The Impact of Faith on Media

Charley Humbard, founder and CEO of UP, shares with American Dream his journey that led him to establish UP, initially the Gospel Music Channel.

American Dream is broadcast around the world on the American Forces Network.  AFN is the largest radio network in the world, reaching American military and their families in 177 countries and on every US ship at sea.