Date: January 2026
Host: Jesse Palmer
The Bachelor: TBC
Showrunner: Scott Teti
Network: ABC and Hulu (stream the next day)
The Bachelor first premiered on ABC in March 2002, following a single man’s search for a fiancée.
To find his soulmate, he will have an opportunity to meet and date many beautiful, smart, and funny women. However, he will need to eliminate one romantic interest each week, culminating with a marriage proposal in the season finale.
After 29 seasons on the air, The Bachelor is now one of the longest-running dating series in the United States, and it was recently renewed for its thirtieth season.
As always, fans can expect plenty of surprises, drama, and conflict, which have helped the competition series stand the test of time.
While ABC hasn’t announced an official release date, season 30 is expected to premiere in January 2026. Also, it’s likely to continue to air on Monday nights on the network, and it will be available to stream on Hulu the next day.
The 2026 Bachelor
The season 30 bachelor hasn’t been announced, as casting is reportedly underway. The show’s producers are looking for a new star, as they are eager to avoid a familiar face within Bachelor Nation.
However, rumors are circulating that a past contestant will front the 30th season, such as Greg Grippo, Marcus Shoberg, Jason Tartick, Spencer Conley, or Blake Moynes.
It is thought producers will need to look at contestants from past seasons, as they couldn’t choose a fan favorite from The Bachelorette 2025 due to its shifting schedule.
The New Showrunner
It was recently announced that Scott Teti has secured the role of The Bachelor’s new showrunner, replacing executive producers Claire Freeland and Bennett Graebner.
Freeland and Graebner reportedly departed the hit dating series in March 2025 following accusations of a toxic work environment.
Teti’s appointment ahead of the 30th season could result in various format changes, which may help keep the much-loved show fresh and entertaining.
Teti is best known as the current showrunner and executive producer of season ten of Bachelor in Paradise. Also, he served as an executive producer on ABC’s Claim to Fame, Bravo’s Summer House, and various Married at First Sight (US) spin-off shows, such as Unmatchables and Couples’ Cam.
The Host
Jesse Palmer will return to host The Bachelor for his fifth consecutive season. The Canadian TV personality secured the role in 2022, making his debut in season 26, which starred Clayton Echard.
Since then, he has also hosted various spin-off series, including The Bachelorette, The Golden Bachelor, Bachelor in Paradise, and The Golden Bachelorette.
The Format
The Bachelor is likely to follow the traditional format that has made the show a hit with audiences across the US.
For instance, the 2026 bachelor is likely to be introduced to a pool of 25 to 30 romantic interests. After meeting all the women on the first night, he will hand a select few a single red rose, with the remaining women leaving the series.
He will then have an opportunity to go on various dates throughout the season, which include one-on-one dates, group gatherings, and two-on-one dates. After getting to know the women further, he will eliminate contestants during a weekly Rose Ceremony.
Once he has reached the final four women, the bachelor will travel to each of their hometowns to meet their families and deepen their connection.
After eliminating another contestant, he will travel to an exotic location with the three remaining contestants to enjoy private, overnight dates. He will then choose between two women at The Final Rose ceremony, where he is likely to get down on bended knee.