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Every year, there comes a strange period of time where Bachelor Nation is in between Bachelor shows. After weeks stressing and obsessing over who the Bachelor will choose and who will go on to be the next Bachelorette, The Bachelor ends and fans are thrust into the blank space between The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. Luckily for fans, the end of this waiting period is near. Both The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise have gotten premiere dates.

Michelle Young and Katie Thurston sitting together and laughing as they are announced as the next leads of 'The Bachelorette' on 'After the Final Rose'
Michelle Young and Katie Thurston are announced as the next leads of ‘The Bachelorette’ on ‘After the Final Rose’ | Craig Sjodin via Getty Images

‘The Bachelorette’ 2021

There will actually be two seasons of The Bachelorette this year. One starring Katie Thurston and one with Michelle Young. Thurston’s season will air first and is already filming.

Thurston was a contestant on Matt James’ season and though she was eliminated early on in the season, she made a big impression on viewers as she stood up against the bullying in the mansion. She is now the first Bachelorette to be chosen who didn’t make it to the top ten on The Bachelor.

“I’m ready to find love, and not just the temporary kind,” Thurston said on After the Final Rose. “I’m talking forever, my husband, and I’m in a place in my life where I feel like I’m the best version of me.” 

Thurston has already been filming her season. The 30-year-old has been dating men ranging from ages 25-36. Her season will premiere on June 7.

‘Bachelor in Paradise’ 2021

Bachelor in Paradise hasn’t graced tv screens since 2019 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic but production has been working hard to ensure that the show can film this year.

“Obviously, we don’t want producers and cast members to be getting vaccinated early just for the show, but if people can get vaccinated, then maybe we’re back in Mexico,” ABC exec Rob Mills told Variety in January. “If not, maybe there is a bubble situation in Mexico. We will figure out something — I never know what will happen, but I feel very confident in saying that you will get ‘Bachelor In Paradise’ next season.

Now, the show has a set premiere date of Aug. 16. Though fans can rest easy that there will definitely be a season of BIP, production has been reportedly having a harder time than usual getting cast members to sign up for the show. After the controversy with host Chris Harrison seemingly defending contestant Rachael Kirkconnell’s attendance at a plantation party, people are wary of joining.

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When asked if he would join Paradise, Tayshia Adams’ finalist Ivan Booth was unsure.

“Going forward, I honestly don’t know how this will all shake out but for myself for example, if they have future shows and if they were to ask me to be on like Bachelor in Paradise or something like that—and I’m sure a lot of other contestants feel this way as well—I wouldn’t feel comfortable if Chris is there, to be quite frank,” he told E!’s Daily Pop.

He reportedly isn’t the only potential cast member having second thoughts.

“Casting has begun and some members of Bachelor Nation are apprehensive to sign up,” a source recently told Entertainment Tonight. “Some are wondering what direction the season will take and are curious if it will strictly focus on contestants falling in love.”

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