The Bachelor franchise encountered a mix of triumphs and challenges in 2024, yet Bachelor Nation can anticipate exciting developments in 2025. The year commenced with the much-publicized Golden Wedding on January 4, during which Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist, stars of The Golden Bachelor, exchanged vows in a live broadcast. Unfortunately, just three months later, the couple announced their separation. In contrast, Joey Graziadei’s Bachelor season, which also premiered in January, was hailed as one of the franchise’s best, culminating in his proposal to Kelsey Anderson, who remains his fiancée.
The franchise continued to break new ground, as Jenn Tran made history as the first Asian American lead in The Bachelorette season 21. However, her journey did not conclude as hoped; her engagement to Devin Strader ended in heartbreak. On a more hopeful note, Joan Vassos’ Golden Bachelorette season concluded with a joyful engagement to Chock Chapple. Adding to the success stories, Joey and Jenn both participated in Dancing With The Stars season 33, with Joey claiming the Mirrorball Trophy with partner Jenna Johnson. Here are eight anticipated highlights for Bachelor Nation in 2025.
1
Confirmed Weddings for Two Bachelor Franchise Leads
Zach Shallcross and Kaity Biggar & Charity Lawson with Dotun Olubeko to Tie the Knot
Two of Bachelor Nation’s most cherished couples will celebrate their love with weddings in 2025. Zach Shallcross and Kaity Biggar from The Bachelor season 27 got engaged on November 21, 2022, and are set to marry in October 2025. Zach’s wedding marks a significant moment, as he will be only the second Bachelor to marry his final choice, following Sean Lowe’s marriage to Catherine Giudici in 2014.
Charity Lawson, who starred in The Bachelorette season 20, got engaged to Dotun Olubeko on April 30, 2023. Their two-part wedding will occur in Fall 2025, with festivities in California and Dotun’s hometown of Lagos, Nigeria, showcasing the rich cultural backdrop of their love story. The upcoming nuptials for both couples promise to be extraordinary celebrations of enduring love.
2
Grant Ellis Takes the Helm of The Bachelor Season 29
Grant: A Beloved Bachelor Nation Star
Grant Ellis will debut as the lead of The Bachelor season 29 on January 27, 2025. He first garnered attention during Jenn Tran’s Bachelorette season in 2024, where he was eliminated just before the critical hometown dates. Grant’s popularity and clarity about his aspirations—to become a husband and father—make him a compelling choice for the show.
The production team announced Grant as the next Bachelor even before Jenn’s season concluded, inviting interested women to apply specifically for him. Notably, many contestants from Grant’s season are expected to appear in the upcoming Bachelor in Paradise, with potential leads for future seasons already stirring excitement among fans.
3
Bachelor In Paradise Will Make a Triumphant Comeback
The Show Returns After a Year-Long Hiatus
After a year off the air, Bachelor in Paradise season 10 is set to return in 2025. This break allowed producers to reassess the issues that led to lackluster seasons 8 and 9, following the success of season 7, which celebrated several successful couples.
Critically, every couple from the previous two seasons ended their engagements or relationships, which may have stemmed from excessive producer manipulation of the narrative. As producers step back in the upcoming season, they hope to restore the original essence of the show—genuine connections among contestants.
This season will welcome many familiar faces from previous Bachelor and Bachelorette seasons, including contestants from Joey’s and Jenn’s seasons, as well as new participants from Grant’s upcoming season. This fresh infusion of personalities could lead to a successful revival for Bachelor in Paradise.
4
The Golden Franchise Contestants’ Romantic Endeavors
Joan Vassos and Chock Chapple: Master Matchmakers
Following the conclusion of The Golden Bachelorette, Joan Vassos and Chock Chapple took on the role of matchmakers for their fellow contestants. Joan actively sought to introduce Leslie Fhima and Jordan Heller, only to discover they had already forged a connection.
Moreover, Michael Stevens is showing interest in Kathy Swarts and has been in touch with Nancy Hulkower, while Kim Buike has expressed a desire to meet Nancy. Notably, fan favorites Jonathan Rone and Mark Anderson have entered new relationships outside the show, with Jonathan reportedly in love and Mark potentially dating actress Barbara Alyn Woods. 2025 holds promising prospects for romance among Golden franchise participants.
5
The Golden Bachelor Season 2 Might Feature One of Joan Vassos’ Contestants
Several Strong Candidates are in the Running
The anticipation for The Golden Bachelor season 2 is at an all-time high, with fans speculating on who will succeed Gerry Turner as the lead. Despite Jonathan, Mark, and Jordan’s probable disqualification due to their relationships, several other fan favorites remain. These include Charles Ling, Keith Gordon, and Gary Levingston, among others.
While producers might opt for an unknown contestant, historical trends suggest they prefer featuring recognizable faces. Whatever direction they choose, it will be heartwarming to see another contestant from the Golden Bachelorette’s season get a chance at love.
6
The Bachelorette Season 22: A Chance for Redemption
Jenn Tran’s Disappointing Season
Jenn Tran’s Bachelorette journey was groundbreaking as the first Asian American lead, but it faced numerous setbacks. Dramatic contestants dominated her season, and the unfortunate status of her engagement—abruptly ended via a phone call—left fans disheartened.
Despite the low expectations for The Bachelorette season 22, there is optimism that it can conclude with a heartfelt love story, much like Charity and Dotun’s season. While the identity of the new lead is still under wraps, anticipation mounts as the lead will likely emerge from Grant’s season.
7
Alumni Might Shine on Dancing With The Stars Season 34
Joey Graziadei: A DWTS Champion
Fans delight in seeing Bachelor Nation alumni showcase their talents on Dancing With The Stars (DWTS). Joey Graziadei made history as the first male contestant from the franchise to win the competition, while Jenn Tran also made her debut on the show.
Past DWTS winners from the Bachelor franchise include notable figures like Melissa Rycroft, Hannah Brown, and Kaitlyn Bristowe. Many are hoping to see beloved personalities, like Leslie Fhima, an accomplished dancer, appear on the dance floor in the future.
8
Contestants Expected to Return for Celebrity Family Feud
Raising Money for Charitable Causes
Celebrity Family Feud offers another entertaining platform for Bachelor Nation fans, as contestants often raise money for charity through their participation. Recent episodes featured Joey, Kelsey, Dotun, Charity, Zach, and Kaity competing alongside Gerry Turner and his children.
The comedic aspects of the show allow audiences to appreciate the lighter side of their favorite contestants, adding to the enjoyment of watching them in a different context. Look forward to discovering which familiar faces will be featured in Celebrity Family Feud in 2025.
Overall, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for The Bachelor franchise. Despite the ups and downs experienced in 2024, fans can look forward to a year filled with romance, drama, and delightful surprises. 2025 could very well be the most dynamic year yet for Bachelor Nation.
The Bachelor season 29 featuring Grant Ellis premieres on January 27, 2025, at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
Sources: Bachelor Nation/YouTube, ABC/Instagram, Bachelor Nation/YouTube, Dancing With The Stars/YouTube, Family Feud/YouTube
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