The Bachelor franchise has been one of the best reality TV shows on the air, but many viewers haven’t been watching for the duration of both series considering how many seasons there are. With the first season of The Bachelor airing in early 2002, the show has changed in many ways since its first season. After The Bachelorette joined the family in 2003, the shows churned out seasons multiple times per year and pulled in viewers who were excited to see fairytale romance play out on screen. Even with several couples from the series breaking up quickly after the end of the season, The Bachelor was unstoppable.
As the shows have become more modern, The Bachelor and The Bachelorette have an interesting set of traditions and rules that come with each series. The Bachelor has gone from being a buttoned-up, traditional dating series to fulfilling some of the contestants’ most far-off fantasies. The Bachelorette, in turn, has moved away from pitting the contestants against each other to fight for the lead and instead empowered its Bachelorettes to make their own choices. As The Bachelor season 28 wraps up, it’s time to detail how to watch every season of the classic reality TV franchise in order.
The Bachelor Season 1
Alex Michel
Alex Michel was the original Bachelor, meaning he had very little context for what he would be getting into when the series started filming in early 2002. Though Alex’s season didn’t wind up a romantic success, he was able to successfully navigate the reality TV dating landscape in a brand-new way. Unfortunately, The Bachelor season 1 isn’t available to stream or purchase but may be in the future.
The Bachelor Season 2
Aaron Buerge
Aaron Buerge had some tough shoes to fill after Alex’s initial season of The Bachelor but was able to do so rather smoothly. While Aaron didn’t find a lasting love connection either, he solidified what it was like to appear on the series and helped with its continued success. The Bachelor season 2 isn’t available to stream or purchase but may be in the future.
The Bachelorette Season 1
Trista Rehn
As the first Bachelorette, Trista Rehn was hoping to change the game by taking the power of choice into her own hands. While The Bachelor contestants had a difficult time finding lasting love, Trista was able to connect with Ryan Sutter on her season, and the pair are still together, raising a family in Colorado in 2023. Unfortunately, The Bachelorette season 1 isn’t available to stream or purchase but may be in the future.
The Bachelor Season 3
Andrew Firestone
As one of the most publicized Bachelors at the time, Andrew Firestone had a family name that the general public was aware of. Bringing some clout to the series, Andrew didn’t find a lasting relationship on the series but helped to put it on the map as a cultural phenomenon. Sadly, The Bachelor season 3 isn’t available to stream or purchase but may be in the future.
The Bachelorette Season 2
Meredith Phillips
Meredith Phillips became the second Bachelorette and followed in the footsteps of Trista, hoping to find an equally beautiful love story on the series. Unfortunately, Meredith’s relationship with her final rose recipient Ian Mckee only lasted for 2 years, but her time on the series helped shape the future of the show. Unfortunately, The Bachelorette season 2 is unavailable for streaming or purchase at this time but may be in the future.
The Bachelor Season 4
Bob Guiney
As one of the first buzzed-about Bachelors, Bob Guiney was a huge deal during his time on the series. Bob was the first Bachelor pulled from a previous season of The Bachelorette, which has become the series’ standard practice in the modern era. While The Bachelor season 4 isn’t available for streaming or purchase, it may be released in the future.
The Bachelorette Season 3
Jenn Schefft
Although she was one of the last Bachelorettes for several years, Jenn Schefft didn’t disappoint as the lead. While she may not have found a lasting love on the series, she was showcased as a strong and interesting lead. The Bachelorette season 3 is unavailable for streaming or purchase right now but may become available in the future.
The Bachelor Season 5
Jesse Palmer
Before he was the face of Bachelor Nation, Jesse Palmer was an NFL star who was looking for love as The Bachelor. While Jesse didn’t find love on the series, he’s found it since with his wife Emely Fardo, who’s expecting the couple’s first child. Sadly, Jesse’s journey as The Bachelor isn’t available for streaming or purchase at this time.
The Bachelor Season 6
Byron Velvick
Byron Velvick became The Bachelor in late 2003 after a whirlwind several seasons of the series had been a success for ABC. With one of the longest-lasting relationships to come from The Bachelor, many have wondered how to watch Byron and his final rose recipient, Mary Delgado, fall in love despite breaking up five years later. Sadly, Byron’s season of The Bachelor isn’t currently available for streaming or purchase.
The Bachelor Season 7
Charlie O’Connell
As the brother of actor Jerry O’Connell, a super fan of The Bachelor, Charlie O’Connell was in an interesting position as the lead. Though he was an actor in his own right, he wasn’t quite as famous as his brother and had enough anonymity to look for love on The Bachelor. Sadly, his journey wasn’t a success long-term. Charlie’s season of The Bachelor isn’t available for streaming or purchase at this time.
The Bachelor Season 8
Travis Lane Stork
A doctor, Travis Lane Stork was a huge get for The Bachelor, who was looking for someone stable and ready for a relationship in their next lead. While Travis’s love story was interesting to watch unfold, it didn’t wind up producing a lasting couple. Unfortunately, The Bachelor season 8 isn’t currently available for purchase or streaming.
The Bachelor Season 9
Lorenzo Borghese
As one of the first foreign Bachelor leads, Lorenzo Borghese is an Italian-American businessman who has Italian royalty in his bloodline. Lorenzo searched for love on The Bachelor season 9 but ultimately didn’t find a long-lasting relationship during his time as the lead. Sadly, Lorenzo’s season as The Bachelor isn’t available for purchase or streaming at this time.
The Bachelor Season 10
Andy Baldwin
As the star of The Bachelor season 10, Andy’s season was branded The Bachelor: An Officer And A Gentleman due to his illustrious military career. While Andy didn’t go on to find a lasting love during his season of The Bachelor, his season was memorable for his lack of emotion throughout. The Bachelor season 10 isn’t currently available to purchase or stream.
The Bachelor Season 11
Brad Womack
Brad Womack is one of the most memorable Bachelor leads, as he’s appeared on the show twice to disastrous results. The Bachelor season 11 led to the first time that there was no choice made by the lead in the end, leaving Brad alone. Brad’s first Bachelor season is currently unavailable to stream or purchase online.
The Bachelor Season 12
Matt Grant
Another imported Bachelor, Matt Grant starred in The Bachelor season 12, which was branded as The Bachelor: London Calling. The season itself was fun and campy, bringing American women into a British man’s view, but didn’t lead to a lasting relationship for Matt and his final rose recipient, Shayne Lamas. The Bachelor season 12 isn’t available to purchase or stream at this time.
The Bachelorette Season 4
DeAnna Pappas
After a several-year absence from ABC, one of Brad Womack’s finalists helped to revive The Bachelorette for its fourth season. DeAnna Pappas became The Bachelorette after viewers of Brad’s season of The Bachelor found her a relatable, endearing contestant and wanted her to find her happy ending. Sadly, DeAnna’s season of The Bachelorette isn’t currently available for streaming or purchase.
The Bachelor Season 13
Jason Mesnick
A memorable candidate from DeAnna’s season of The Bachelorette, Jason Mesnick was a single dad who won the hearts of Bachelor Nation and became the next lead because of it. Starring in The Bachelor season 13, Jason made history when he proposed to Melissa Rycroft, then broke up with her for his runner-up Molly Malaney on After The Final Rose. Jason and Molly are still together, raising a family in Washington. The Bachelor season 13 is available for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV, but not available to stream currently.
The Bachelorette Season 5
Jillian Harris
After competing to win Jason’s heart on The Bachelor season 13, Jillian Harris became The Bachelorette, making her the first non-American to take the lead on the series. Originally from Canada, Jillian was well-known throughout Bachelor Nation for her fun, quirky personality, which made her a great lead for The Bachelorette season 5. Though she didn’t find a lasting love during her season, Jillian was a phenomenal lead. Unfortunately, The Bachelorette season 5 isn’t currently available for streaming or purchase.
The Bachelor Season 14
Jake Pavelka
After being eliminated by Jillian, Jake Pavelka became The Bachelor for the next season, branded The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love. Jake charmed his way through the season, proposing to The Bachelor season 14 finalist Vienna Girardi before entering into one of the most dramatic post-show relationships the series has ever seen. The Bachelor season 14 is available for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV and is available to stream on Hulu.
The Bachelorette Season 6
Ali Fedotowsky
Ali Fedotowsky was a notable cast member on The Bachelor season 14, getting an ultimatum from her job at Facebook at the time before leaving the series to return to work. After quitting, Ali became The Bachelorette and had a dramatic season that ended in a quick engagement to her final rose recipient Roberto Martinez. The Bachelorette season 6 is available for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV but isn’t currently available to stream.
The Bachelor Season 15
Brad Womack
After his first turn as The Bachelor went disastrously wrong, Brad was invited back to be the lead of The Bachelor season 15. Brad’s second try as the lead was a bit more successful than the first, ending in an engagement to Emily Maynard, but the pair ultimately called it quits. The Bachelor season 15 is available to stream on Hulu, and available for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV.
The Bachelorette Season 7
Ashley Hebert
Ashley Hebert was one of the contestants on Brad’s second season of The Bachelor, quickly gaining Bachelor Nation support and becoming the next Bachelorette. During Ashley’s turn as The Bachelorette, she met JP Rosenbaum, and the pair were married for nearly a decade before divorcing in 2021. The Bachelorette season 7 is available for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV but isn’t available for streaming at this time.
The Bachelor Season 16
Ben Flajnik
As Ashley’s runner-up, Ben Flajnik was the next choice for The Bachelor as many were hoping to see him find a happy ending of his own. While Ben was an interesting choice for The Bachelor season 16, his relationship with Courtney Robertson didn’t last long after the season ended. The Bachelor season 16 is available to stream on Hulu or to purchase on Amazon and Apple TV.
The Bachelorette Season 8
Emily Maynard
Although she initially wasn’t interested in accepting the title, Emily decided to become The Bachelorette after the show agreed to move its filming down to North Carolina so she wouldn’t disrupt her daughter’s life. Emily was a fascinating Bachelorette, and her season proved that the series didn’t need as much of the fairy tale romance as it initially thought. Though she didn’t find a lasting love in the series, it produced some of the most compelling reality TV in years. The Bachelorette season 8 is available to stream on Hulu and to purchase on Amazon and Apple TV.
The Bachelor Season 17
Sean Lowe
As a finalist on Emily’s season of The Bachelorette, Sean Lowe quickly became a Bachelor Nation favorite, and it felt like a no-brainer that he would become the next lead. During The Bachelor season 17, viewers got to know Sean as he met and dated a group of women, ultimately deciding to propose to Catherine Giudici. The pair have remained together ever since and are currently raising their 3 children in Texas. The Bachelor season 17 is available to stream on The Roku Channel and is available for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV.
The Bachelorette Season 9
Desiree Hartstock
Desiree Hartsock was eliminated prior to the finals on Sean’s season of The Bachelor, and while many were disappointed she didn’t go on to be with Sean, she became the next Bachelorette instead. The Bachelorette season 9 was a dramatic turn, with Desiree ultimately choosing to accept Chris Siegfried’s proposal. The pair are still married and raising 2 sons together. The Bachelorette season 9 is available to stream on Hulu and for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV.
The Bachelor Season 18
Juan Pablo Galavis
A standout on Desiree’s season, Juan Pablo Galavis was the first man of Latin descent to be the lead of The Bachelor. Although his season had a heavy focus on who would be the best match for himself and his young daughter, Juan Pablo was an uncertain Bachelor and ultimately didn’t make a lasting connection on the series. The Bachelor season 18 is available to stream on The Roku Channel and for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV.
The Bachelorette Season 10
Andi Dorfman
As the contestant who stood up to Juan Pablo, lawyer Andi Dorfman was the natural choice for The Bachelorette season 10’s lead. Unwilling to sacrifice her own journey, Andi was a great Bachelorette who has become a huge part of Bachelor Nation. Though her relationship with her final rose recipient Josh Murray didn’t last, Andi’s season is a standout. The Bachelorette season 10 is available to stream on Hulu and for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV.
The Bachelor Season 19
Chris Soules
As one of Andi’s finalists, Chris Soules was a Bachelor Nation favorite for his charming nature and traditional values. Chris, a farmer from Iowa, became the next Bachelor after Andi eliminated him and went on to have one of the most interesting seasons of The Bachelor in years, putting his contestants through farm challenges to see if they’d be able to keep up with his lifestyle. Though he didn’t find a lasting relationship on the series, his season was a great watch. The Bachelor season 19 is available for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV.
The Bachelorette Season 11
Kaitlyn Bristowe
A standout from Chris’s season of The Bachelor, Kaitlyn Bristowe become the second Canadian Bachelorette, known for her outspoken personality and sense of humor. After spending her season stuck between Andi’s runner-up Nick Viall and Shawn Booth, Kaitlyn and Shawn got engaged at the end of the season. Though the couple has since broken up, The Bachelorette season 11 is well worth the watch. Kaitlyn’s season of The Bachelorette is available to stream on Hulu and available for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV.
The Bachelor Season 20
Ben Higgins
A late elimination for Kaitlyn, Ben Higgins won Bachelor Nation’s heart as a young, sweet man who was looking to find the love of a lifetime. Starring on The Bachelor season 20, Ben was a calm, collected lead who did a great job keeping the emotions of his decision in mind. His season of The Bachelor marked a huge anniversary for the series and made Ben a huge part of Bachelor Nation. The Bachelor season 20 is available to stream on Hulu and available for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV.
The Bachelorette Season 12
Jojo Fletcher
As one of Ben’s finalists, Jojo left a huge impression on Bachelor Nation after she was left brokenhearted by The Bachelor. She became the lead of The Bachelorette season 12, ultimately choosing Jordan Rodgers as her winner and accepting his proposal. The pair have been together ever since, getting married in 2022 after postponing their wedding several times due to COVID-19. The Bachelorette season 12 is available to stream on Hulu and for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV.
The Bachelor Season 21
Nick Viall
As a huge part of Bachelor Nation after being second-place on both Andi and Kaitlyn’s seasons of The Bachelorette, Nick Viall finally got the opportunity to become the lead himself on The Bachelor season 21. Nick’s season introduced several great contestants, and when he chose Vanessa Grimaldi at the end of the season, it seemed he may have finally found his happy ending. Though the pair has since split, Nick is currently engaged to Natalie Joy, who gave birth to the couple’s first child.The Bachelor season 21 is available for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV.
The Bachelorette Season 13
Rachel Lindsay
After getting rejected by Nick, Rachel Lindsay became the first woman of color to take the title of The Bachelorette. A smart, strong lawyer who knew what she was looking for, Rachel was a phenomenal lead and did a great job throughout her time on the series. She chose to accept Bryan Abasolo’s proposal at the end of her season, and the pair are still married, happily living in Miami. The Bachelorette season 13 is available to stream on Hulu and for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV.
The Bachelor Season 22
Arie Luyendyk Jr.
After getting his heart broken on Emily’s season of The Bachelorette, Arie Luyendyk Jr. took some time away from Bachelor Nation before agreeing to be the lead. When he accepted the role for The Bachelor season 22, Arie had his work cut out for him, ultimately proposing to Becca Kufrin at the end of his season. When he realized his heart was still with Lauren Burnham, his runner-up, Arie broke up with Becca and proposed to Lauren. The couple are still together, raising their 3 children in Arizona. The Bachelor season 22 is available to stream on Hulu and for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV.
The Bachelorette Season 14
Becca Kufrin
After getting her heart broken on Arie’s season, Becca was the natural choice for the next Bachelorette. She quickly became a Bachelor Nation favorite, and her catchphrase of “let’s do the damn thing” was heard around Bachelor Nation for the duration of her season. Though Becca didn’t find her lasting love on The Bachelorette season 14, she wound up meeting Thomas Jacobs on Bachelor In Paradise years later, and the pair are now engaged and expecting their first child. The Bachelorette season 14 is available for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV.
The Bachelor Season 23
Colton Underwood
As one of Becca’s standouts, Colton Underwood was publicly lauded for revealing that he was a virgin before his time as The Bachelor. Though his season wasn’t a long-term success for Colton, he did get the opportunity to discover more about himself which led to a revelation later in life. Colton is the first Bachelor to come out as gay after being a part of the series. The Bachelor season 23 is available to stream on Hulu and for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV.
The Bachelorette Season 15
Hannah Brown
A favorite from Colton’s season, Hannah Brown became The Bachelorette after being eliminated during his season. Known for holding her beliefs strong and not feeling ashamed for being outwardly sexual during her season, Hannah didn’t find a lasting relationship during her time as The Bachelorette. Still, she became a Bachelor Nation sweetheart and went on to win Dancing With The Stars. The Bachelorette season 15 is available for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV.
The Bachelor Season 24
Peter Weber
After trying to win Hannah’s heart on The Bachelorette, Peter Weber went on to become one of the messiest Bachelor stars to date. His season led to a huge breakdown on After The Final Rose where his family got involved in sharing their displeasure about his final choice. Peter, better known as Pilot Pete, originally chose Hannah Ann Sluss as his final rose recipient but went on to date his runner-up Madison Prewett as well as his fifth-place contestant, Kelley Flanagan. The Bachelor season 24 is available for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV.
The Bachelorette Season 16
Clare Crawley & Tayshia Adams
Clare Crawley, a Bachelor Nation favorite who had originally appeared on Juan Pablo’s season before going on to compete on several Bachelor spin-offs, was supposed to be The Bachelorette for the duration of the season. When Clare met Dale Moss, she felt like she’d met the love of her life and decided to leave the series with Dale. Tayshia Adams, from The Bachelor season 24, took her spot as The Bachelorette creating an interesting, if slightly cramped season. The Bachelorette season 16 is available for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV.
The Bachelor Season 25
Matt James
As the first black man chosen to be The Bachelor, Matt James had a huge weight on his shoulders going into his season. Carrying himself with class and compassion, Matt was a great Bachelor and wound up choosing Rachael Kirkconnell as his final rose recipient. Though the couple broke up after some racially insensitive content came out with Rachael involved, the pair got back together and are still going strong. The Bachelor season 25 is available for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV.
The Bachelorette Season 17
Katie Thurston
Katie was a standout on Matt’s season of The Bachelor, and though Bachelor Nation was excited to see her as The Bachelorette, her season became a dramatic turn of events. As she moved through her time as The Bachelorette, Katie built connections with many of the guys on her season. She accepted a proposal from her final rose recipient, Blake Moynes, but the pair broke up shortly thereafter, and she went on to date a few other men from her season. Katie’s season of The Bachelorette is available for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV.
The Bachelorette Season 18
Michelle Young
With the first back-to-back seasons of The Bachelorette, Michelle Young became the next Bachelorette as another standout from Matt’s season of The Bachelor. Michelle was a strong, capable Bachelorette who Bachelor Nation enjoyed watching throughout her journey. Michelle chose Nayte Olukoya, accepting his proposal at the end of The Bachelorette season 18, but the pair broke up about a year later. The Bachelorette season 18 is available to stream on Hulu and for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV
The Bachelor Season 26
Clayton Echard
Clayton Echard was a standout from his appearance on The Bachelorette season 18. A former football player, Clayton was sweet and named the underdog during his time on The Bachelorette. His time as The Bachelor produced a relationship for him with Susie Evans, who he proposed to at the end of his season. Though their relationship didn’t last, watching them fall in love was interesting. However, there’s been plenty of drama since his season aired. The Bachelor season 26 is available for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV.
The Bachelorette Season 19
Gabby Windey & Rachel Recchia
The first season of the series to have two Bachelorettes at once, The Bachelorette season 19 named Clayton’s finalists Gabby Windey and Rachel Recchia as the leads. Juggling two leads proved somewhat difficult for the series, especially when both were doing their best to stay present in their relationships on the series while consulting with one another. Gabby got engaged to Erich Schwer during the finale, though the two broke things off quickly. Rachel chose Tino Franco as her final rose, but the couple called their engagement off before the season finale aired. The Bachelorette season 19 is available for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV.
The Bachelor Season 27
Zach Shallcross
Although he wasn’t a Bachelor Nation favorite, Zach Shallcross was one of the runners-up for Rachel on The Bachelorette season 19 and seemed like a safe choice for The Bachelor. Starring in a moderate season of the series, Zach ultimately chose Kaity Biggar and proposed to her during the season finale. Kaity and Zach are still together, living in Austin, TX. The Bachelor season 27 is available to stream on Hulu and for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV.
The Bachelorette Season 20
Charity Lawson
Charity Lawson was a Bachelor Nation standout on Zach’s season of The Bachelor and ultimately became the next Bachelorette. Her journey as The Bachelorette has been a fun and interesting watch, especially with how emotionally mature Charity can be. The Bachelorette season 20 is available to stream on Hulu and for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV.
The Bachelor Season 28
Joey Graziadei
As one of the standouts from Charity’s season of The Bachelorette, Joey is the star of The Bachelor season 28. The finale of The Bachelor airs on Monday, March 25. While there have been plenty of spoilers, all will be revealed soon. Joey and Kelsey are allegedly engaged after the show. His season is available to stream on Hulu.
