The Bachelor franchise premiered in 2002 with Alex Michel as the first Bachelor, followed by The Bachelorette in 2003, and has since had 47 men and women as leads. The show has seen many twists and turns, including Clare Crawley’s early exit in season 16 and subsequent engagement and breakup with Dale Moss, and Katie Thurston’s engagement and subsequent split from Blake Moynes, followed by her relationship with John Hersey. The franchise continues to captivate audiences with its drama and romance.
This is an update on every Bachelor and Bachelorette lead, including their relationships and any significant events that occurred during or after their respective seasons.
Since premiering on ABC in March 2002, The Bachelor franchise has become one of the most successful reality TV franchises. More than 20 women competed for Alex Michel’s heart in the debut season, and the success of the show led to the creation of its spin-off, The Bachelorette, in 2003. Over the past two decades, 47 men and women have been named the Bachelor or Bachelorette, but not every romance has had a fairy-tale ending.
Season 16 of The Bachelorette saw an epic twist when Tayshia Adams replaced Clare Crawley. Clare quickly fell in love with contestant Dale Moss, and the couple left the show as an engaged couple, leaving Tayshia to carry on with the remaining suitors. While Clare defended the speed of their relationship, the couple split in January 2021, briefly reconciled, and then broke up for good later that year. Likewise, Tayshia and Zac Clark ended their engagement in November 2021.
Season 17 star Katie Thurston’s journey was also full of drama, with Blake Moynes returning to the show and eventually winning her heart. However, the couple announced their split in October 2021, and by November, Katie confirmed that she had moved on with John Hersey, whom she had sent home during the second episode of her season. They, too, split in 2022.
While not every Bachelor or Bachelorette lead has found love on the show, the franchise remains a fan favorite, with new seasons continuing to air on ABC. Sign up for updates on every Bachelor and Bachelorette lead by subscribing to our free, daily newsletter.
