UP TV announced today that "Bringing Up Bates," the network's strongest original series ever, has been renewed for a second season.

The reality series started fast out of the gate with its premiere on New Year's Day and has continued to grow ever since. Its most recent premiere episode, on February 26, was the highest rated episode to date with an average audience delivery of 786,527 P2+1, and a #6 ranking among all ad-supported cable networks in W18-49 Cov AA%2.

In "Bringing Up Bates," UP viewers look in on the ever-changing family dynamics of Gil and Kelly Jo Bates and their 19 kids, aged 2 to 25, along with their new grandchild and two more on the way. In this supersized, tight-knit Tennessee family, daily chaos is multiplied exponentially - but so are the joyful and poignant moments that life can bring.

"Since its premiere in January, 'Bringing Up Bates' has been a major success story for us," said Amy Winter, EVP/GM, UP. "The series has grown steadily each week as more and more viewers, along with other family members, tune in to see the daily lifestyle of this uncommon, unimaginable, ever expanding, but totally relatable, loving family. It's a show that entertains the whole family which makes it perfectly suited for our brand. We are very happy to bring it back for another season and look forward to sharing the new trials, new triumphs and new grandbabies in the upcoming season."

Winter said the second season is for 13 episodes and has begun filming on-location in Tennessee. The all-new episodes, produced in association with Figure 8 Films ("19 Kids & Counting," "Sister Wives") will premiere, exclusively on UP in June.