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The Best Seasons Of 'The Bachelorette,' Ranked
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Vote up the best seasons of The Bachelorette.
The Bachelorette has wooed audiences for over two decades with its blend of romance and reality TV drama. Each season introduces a new Bachelorette on a quest for love, navigating through a sea of charming, ambitious, and sometimes controversial suitors.
Each season highlights contestants vying for the Bachelorette's attention while providing viewers with glimpses into the complex world of modern dating. It's no wonder that these stories have left lasting impressions on fans everywhere, making The Bachelorette into a cultural phenomenon.
A few select seasons of The Bachelorette have earned top places in series’ history. Season 1 lays the groundwork for all that will follow by introducing audiences to Trista Rehn's search for love; Season 12 sees fan-favorite Joelle "JoJo" Fletcher take the spotlight; and who could forget Season 7's Ashley Hebert as she dealt with both romance and drama? These standout seasons show why The Bachelorette continues to reign supreme in reality TV - they offer quality entertainment combined with authentic emotion.
Regardless of the varying opinions on which seasons are best, it's undeniable that these stories from The Bachelorette have captured imaginations and touched hearts for years. From proposals to betrayals, each season showcases the emotions and connections that keep viewers coming back for more.
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1The Bachelorette - Season 1
The first season of The Bachelorette premiered on January 8, 2003 and contains seven episodes. This season follows Trista Rehn as she looks for love with one lucky guy.
Ryan Sutter was the winner of this season. He and Trista were married on December 6, 2003. The couple are still together and they have two children.
Why It's A Standout Season:
Season 1 pioneers the show's format and garnered significant attention by following Trista's search for love. The season's unique appeal comes from its raw and authentic portrayal of relationships, culminating in Trista's choice of Ryan, leading to a marriage that has stood the test of time. This season's success set a high bar for future installments and remains a defining chapter in reality TV.
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2The Bachelorette - Season 12
The twelfth season of The Bachelorette premiered on May 23, 2016, and contained 12 episodes. This season follows real estate developer JoJo Fletcher in her quest for love.
Jordan Rodgers was the winner of Season 12.
Why It's A Standout Season:
Season 12 is memorable for the sheer chemistry and emotional connections JoJo forms with her suitors, particularly Jordan, the season's winner. JoJo's charisma and genuine nature make her journey compelling to watch, and this season's vibrant mix of personalities sets it apart. The emotional depth and engaging storyline continue to resonate with fans.
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The Bachelorette - Season 7
The seventh season of The Bachelorette premiered on May 23, 2011 and contains 12 episodes. This season follows Ashley Hebert as she looks for love amongst 25 contestants.
J.P. Rosenbaum was the winner of this season. The couple was married on December 1, 2012 and shares two children; they divorced in 2021.
Why It's A Standout Season:
In Season 7, Ashley navigates the complexities of romance and drama, creating a captivating viewing experience. Her eventual choice of J.P. not only provides a loving conclusion but also showcases the intricacies of modern dating. This season’s ability to balance heartfelt connections with entertaining dynamics makes it a standout.
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4The Bachelorette - Season 9
The ninth season of The Bachelorette premiered on May 27, 2013 and contains 12 episodes. This season follows Desiree Hartsock as she looks for love amongst 25 contestants.
Chris Siegfried was the winner of this season. Hartsock and Siegfried married in January 2015 and have two sons.
Why It's A Standout Season:
Desiree’s Season 9 is distinguished by the intense emotional journey she undergoes, capped off by her engagement to Chris. The season's exploration of hope, heartbreak, and ultimate joy resonate deeply with viewers. Desiree’s relatable persona and genuine quest for love make this a season to remember.
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5The Bachelorette - Season 11
The eleventh season of The Bachelorette premiered on May 18, 2015, and contained 13 episodes. This season follows dance instructor Kaitlyn Bristowe as she dates 25 guys and also walk-on Nick Viall.
Shawn Booth was the winner of Season 11. The couple announced their breakup in 2018.
Why It's A Standout Season:
Kaitlyn’s season is noted for its bold and unorthodox approach - both Kaitlyn and Britt Nilsson are announced as prospective Bachelorettes, with the men deciding whom they want to be the lead. They select Kaitlyn, and her candid approach to finding love, coupled with her eventual engagement to Shawn, provide an engaging and refreshing narrative.
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6The Bachelorette - Season 15
The fifteenth season of The Bachelorette premiered on May 13, 2019 and contains 13 episodes. This season follows Hannah Brown as she looks for love among 33 contestants.
Jed Wyatt was the winner of this season. Hannah ended her engagement with Jed in June 2019 after learning of his relationship prior to the show.
Why It's A Standout Season:
Hannah's season stands out for her candidness and the transparency she brings to the process of seeking love. Despite the ending of her engagement to Jed, the season's honest depiction of self-discovery and the complexities of relationships is worth viewers' attention. Hannah’s journey is compelling for its raw authenticity and emotional highs and lows.
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7The Bachelorette - Season 13
The thirteenth season of The Bachelorette premiered on May 22, 2017 and contains 11 episodes. This season follows Rachel Lindsay as she looks for love among 31 contestants.
Bryan Abasolo was the winner of this season. Lindsay and Bryan were married in Mexico in August 2019; they filed for divorce in January 2024.
Why It's A Standout Season:
Rachel's season stands out for its groundbreaking nature, as she's the first African American Bachelorette in the series. Her dynamic journey to find love is marked by genuine connections and emotional highs, resulting in her engagement to Bryan. The season's cultural significance and Rachel's compelling personality make it particularly memorable.
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8The Bachelorette - Season 14
The fourteenth season of The Bachelorette premiered on May 28, 2018 and contains 11 episodes. This season follows Becca Kufrin as she looks for love among 28 contestants.
Garrett Yrigoyen was the winner of this season. The couple broke up in 2020.
Why It's A Standout Season:
Season 14 features Becca, whose journey is marked by resilience and determination following a highly publicized breakup in a prior season of The Bachelor. Her search for love showcases her fortitude, ending in an engagement to Garrett. Becca's authenticity and strength highlight this season's unique charm.
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9The Bachelorette - Season 20
The 20th season of The Bachelorette premiered on June 26, 2023 and contains 9 episodes. This season follows Charity Lawson as she looks for love amongst 25 male contestants.
Dotun Olubeko was the winner of this season. As of publication, they are still engaged.
Why It's A Standout Season:
Charity's season offers a captivating and emotional exploration of love. Viewers praise this installment for its groundbreaking nature - Charity was the fourth woman of color to appear as the Bachelorette - and for its swoon-worthy romance.
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10The Bachelorette - Season 6
The sixth season of The Bachelorette premiered on May 24, 2010 and contains 12 episodes. This season follows Ali Fedotowsky as she looks for love amongst 25 contestants.
Roberto Martinez was the winner of this season. The couple broke up a year and a half after their engagement.
Why It's A Standout Season:
Ali's season provides audiences with an engaging blend of romance and personal growth. Ali's search for love is filled with both tender relationships and tough decisions, ultimately leading her to Roberto. The season's mix of heartfelt connections and drama make it uniquely captivating.
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11The Bachelorette - Season 19
The nineteenth season of The Bachelorette premiered on July 11, 2022, and contains 12 episodes. This season follows Rachel Recchia and Gabby Windey as they looks for love amongst 32 male contestants.
Tino Franco and Erich Schwer won the season. Tino and Rachel broke up in August 2022 and Gabby and Erich broke up in November 2022.
Why It's A Standout Season:
Season 19 introduces a unique twist by featuring two Bachelorettes, fan-favorites Rachel and Gabby. The innovative format of dual leads provides fresh interactions and diverse romantic pursuits, making the season distinctly memorable. The dynamic interplay between the two Bachelorettes adds an intriguing layer to the series.
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12The Bachelorette - Season 8
The eighth season of The Bachelorette premiered on May 14, 2012 and contains 12 episodes. This season follows Emily Maynard as she looks for love amongst 25 contestants.
Jef Holm was the winner of this season. The couple broke up in October 2012.
Why It's A Standout Season:
Emily's season provides a blend of personal vulnerability and romantic pursuit. Audiences respond to her relationship history; she's a single mother to a daughter, and production moved to North Carolina to accommodate her lifestyle. Emily's story and the emotional connections formed throughout make this season stand out in the series.
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13The Bachelorette - Season 18
The eighteenth season of The Bachelorette premiered on October 19, 2021 and contains 11 episodes. This season follows Michelle Young as she looks for love amongst 30 male contestants.
Nayte Olukoya won this season. The couple broke up in June 2022.
Why It's A Standout Season:
Although Michelle's engagement to Nayte ended, this season stands out due to Michelle's genuine quest for love and deep connections. Her ability to navigate the complexities of relationships make this installment particularly engaging.
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14The Bachelorette - Season 17
The seventeenth season of The Bachelorette premiered on June 7, 2021 and contains 10 episodes. This season follows Katie Thurston as she looks for love amongst 30 male contestants.
Blake Moynes won this season. The couple broke up in October 2021.
Why It's A Standout Season:
Katie's season is notable for its emotional intensity and Katie's bold approach to love. Navigating relationships with 30 male contestants, Katie ultimately chooses Blake. Despite their breakup, the season is unique for its focus on honesty and emotional transparency.
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15The Bachelorette - Season 10
The tenth season of The Bachelorette premiered on May 19, 2014, and contains 13 episodes. This season follows Andi Dorfman as she looks for love amongst 25 contestants.
Josh Murray was the winner of this season. The couple broke up in 2015.
Why It's A Standout Season:
Andi's season is notable for her strong personality and the romantic tension that unfolded with her suitors. The season concludes with an engagement to Josh, showcasing a heartfelt and poignant search for love. Andi's assertiveness and emotional depth set this season apart.
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16The Bachelorette - Season 16
The sixteenth season of The Bachelorette premiered on October 13, 2020. This season initially follows Clare Crawley as she looks for love among 31 contestants.
Clare decided to get engaged to Dale Moss shortly after the season started; they ultimately broke up in 2021. Tayshia Adams was brought in as the new Bachelorette. She and Zac Clark were engaged at the end of the season, but broke up in 2021 as well.
Why It's A Standout Season:
Clare and Tayshia's season is notable for its sheer unpredictability. After Clare chooses to leave early on, Tayshia steps in as Bachelorette, proving herself to be a charming and enthusiastic lead. This season is also notable for its COVID-19 protocols - the entire installment is set at one resort.
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17The Bachelorette - Season 5
The fifth season of The Bachelorette premiered on May 18, 2009 and contains 12 episodes. This season follows Jillian Harris as she looks for love.
Ed Swiderski was the winner of this season. The couple broke up in July 2010.
Why It's A Standout Season:
Jillian's season stands out for its emotional resonance and her genuine pursuit of a lifelong partner. Despite her engagement to Ed ending, Jillian's heartfelt journey and the season's emotional richness make it particularly memorable.
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18The Bachelorette - Season 3
The third season of The Bachelorette premiered on Jan. 10, 2005 and contains nine episodes. This season follows Jennifer Schefft as she looks for love with one lucky guy.
Jerry Ferris was the winner of this season, but Jen turned down his proposal.
Why It's A Standout Season:
Jen's season is notable since she rejects the final proposal. Her journey highlights her independence and search for authentic love. This season's candid emphasis on personal conviction and independence add a unique touch.
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19The Bachelorette - Season 4
The fourth season of The Bachelorette premiered on May 19, 2008 and contains 11 episodes. This season follows Deanna Pappas as she looks for love amongst 25 contestants.
This season's winner was Jesse Csincsak. The couple was set to get married on May 9, 2009, but they broke up in November 2008.
Why It's A Standout Season:
Deanna's season is memorable for its exploration of heartfelt connections and genuine emotions. Though her engagement to Jesse didn’t last, Deanna's earnest pursuit of love and the emotional intensity of the season resonate with fans.
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20The Bachelorette - Season 2
The second season of The Bachelorette premiered on January 14, 2004 and contains nine episodes. This season follows Meredith Phillips as she looks for love amongst 25 male contestants.
Ian McKee won this season. The couple broke up in February 2005.
Why It's A Standout Season:
Meredith's season is distinguished by its heartfelt exploration of romantic possibilities. The season concludes with Ian winning her heart, though they eventually part ways. Meredith’s genuine quest and emotional journey make this season memorable.
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