No 'Bachelorette' Season This Summer, Breaking Franchise Pattern
ABC's popular dating franchise will not feature a "The Bachelorette" season this summer, Variety has exclusively learned.
Typically, the franchise airs "The Bachelor" in spring and selects a contestant to lead "The Bachelorette" in summer. However, this year, ABC will deviate from this schedule. Consequently, any women vying for Grant Ellis' affection on the current season of "The Bachelor" will have to wait until next year if they aspire to become future franchise stars.
While the reason for the delay is unknown, "The Bachelorette" has not been canceled.
Besides "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette," the franchise also includes "Bachelor in Paradise," which will return with a new season after a two-year hiatus. Additionally, ABC has launched "The Golden Bachelor" and "The Golden Bachelorette," spinoffs featuring older adults. "The Golden Bachelor," starring Gerry Turner, premiered in 2023, while "The Golden Bachelorette" featured Joan Vassos, a contestant from Turner's season. Renewals and new leads for these spinoffs are yet to be announced.
Grant Ellis, the current "The Bachelor" lead, was chosen after being eliminated by Jenn Tran, the star of "The Bachelorette" Season 2028. His season premiered on January 27.
Warner Bros. Unscripted Television produces "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette" in partnership with Warner Horizon. Executive producers include Bennett Graebner, Claire Freeland, Jason Ehrlich, Tim Warner, and Peter Gust.
Deadline first reported the news.