When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
The Bachelorette: Is it Canceled? Who is the next Contestant?
With The Bachelor Season 29 wrapping up, fans eager for The Bachelorette will have to wait longer than usual. ABC has decided to skip its usual summer cycle of the female-led Bachelor spinoff for the first time since 2007, raising concerns about the show’s future.
Is The Bachelorette Canceled?
ABC has not officially canceled The Bachelorette, but the network has confirmed that the series will not air in 2025. While no official reason was given, it's speculated that scheduling conflicts with other Bachelor Nation shows may have contributed to the decision.
Host Jesse Palmer reassured fans that the show will return at some point. "The good news is I know it’s not going away," Palmer said on the Playing the Field podcast in Feb. 2025. "I know it’s definitely coming back. Without being able to get into too much of the creative decisions on it, I know that when it does [return], I just think it’s going to be absolutely tremendous."
In addition, Deadline reported that ABC's decision followed claims from former and current crew members that the show had become a "toxic and hostile” workplace under executive producers Claire Freeland and Bennett Graebner, who took over after creator Mike Fleiss departed in 2023. Warner Bros. Television Group confirmed that they were investigating the allegations.
On Mar. 14, 2025, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Freeland and Graebner were set to depart the ABC reality dating franchise.
Why Is The Bachelorette on Hiatus?
There have been multiple theories regarding why The Bachelorette is skipping a season. One speculation, shared by Bachelorette alum Jenn Tran, is that the show’s summer timeslot has historically struggled with viewership. Tran told People:
"The Bachelorette does usually air in the summer when people are traveling—I heard that it doesn't do as well as The Bachelor, which airs in the fall, where people are home and ready to watch TV. So maybe it'll give a chance for the next Bachelorette to air at a time where there's more visibility. That would be nice."
Additionally, "The Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous" podcast reported a rumor that ABC had already chosen the next Bachelorette but decided to halt production. The network allegedly wanted to prioritize season two of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, a drama series with a similar target audience. However, ABC has not confirmed these claims. (via Just Jared)
Who is the next Bachelorette?
Typically, ABC announces the new Bachelorette during The Bachelor’s finale or The Women Tell All special. However, since the show is on pause, no lead has been revealed for season 22.
Fans were left disappointed when the network skipped naming a new Bachelorette following the Bachelor finale featuring Grant Ellis. Instead, Bachelor in Paradise will be the next Bachelor Nation series to air, with season ten expected in 2025.
The last Bachelorette, Jenn Tran, made history as the first Asian American lead. However, her season ended in heartbreak when her engagement to Devin Strader fell apart after the finale. Tran later revealed that Strader allegedly "denied ever being in love" and ended their relationship in a 15-minute phone call. (via Cincinnati)
When will The Bachelorette Return?
ABC has not announced a timeline for The Bachelorette's return, but given past hiatuses, it could be back in 2026. The show went on a hiatus in 2006 and 2007 after its debut in 2003. But it did return in 2008.
What’s next for The Bachelor Franchise?
While The Bachelorette is on hold, Bachelor in Paradise will return in 2025. ABC confirmed the show’s comeback with an Instagram post stating, “We’re heading back to the beach in 2025!” However, an official premiere date has yet to be announced.
The Bachelor franchise is also expanding its golden era, with The Golden Bachelor season two in development following the success of The Golden Bachelorette.
As for The Bachelorette, it remains to be seen when it will return—and who will take on the role when it does. Stay tuned for more updates! Meanwhile, you can stream the past seasons of The Bachelorette on ABC and Hulu.
Related
Most Popular
Most Popular