The Bachelor series began in 2002, and the franchise has expanded to cover shows such as The Bachelorette and Bachelor In Paradise, collectively known as The Bachelor Nation. Still, The Bachelor itself doesn't have the best track record for love. Some couples have passed the test of time, others dwindled under the pressure, and some cracked just after the cameras stopped rolling.
But one thing is for sure: fans of The Bachelor have always been honest about who they like and who they don't. As the seasons have gone on, and as the cameras have stopped, some surprises have drifted across our screens, taking fans from hate to love, in the blink of an eye.
Sean Lowe And Catherine Giudici
When this series of The Bachelor started, fans weren't initially drawn to Catherine as Sean's winner. She was viewed as more of a background girl. This all changed when Catherine and Sean spent time together, the heat was electric. When things are right, they're right, and this couple proved that theory. The fans weren't disappointed, as Sean and Catherine are still together now, building their family, as happily as ever. They now have three beautiful children to complete the package, just proving that The Bachelor actually has some amazing couples, even if they didn't start the season off as front runners.
Jason Mesnick And Molly Malaney
Jason's first appearance was actually on The Bachelorette, where he met DeAnna Pappas. He was in fact down on one knee at the finale, but ultimately rejected. Fans were excited to see him return as the lead in season 13 of The Bachelor.
Fans watched him get closer to Melissa Rycroft, they saw their budding relationship build on the screen, believing they could potentially go all the way. Unfortunately, not only did Jason not want to be with Melissa, but he went on to tell runner-up Molly Malaney that he actually wanted her. To fans surprise, they are together even now! This might not have been love at first sight, but it's love which has lasted!
Peter Weber And Hannah Ann Sluss
Not all contestants on The Bachelor last; in fact, the odds are against them. Peter chose Hannah Ann, but before the final episode had time to air, he decided Hannah wasn't the one for him and ultimately split from her. Fans were disappointed, and Peter started to go down in the ranks. His next move didn't help his case, after essentially dumping Hannah, he turned his gaze to the runner-up Madison which unfortunately didn't last either. His next step as a failing contestant was when he had a relationship with another contestant Kelley, but this had the same time span as the other two relationships and ended after a few months.
Prince Lorenzo Borghese And Jennifer Wilson
This was a first for The Bachelor - when they managed to land a real life Italian Prince. Fans watched when the Prince chose his leading lady Jennifer Wilson. Prince Lorenzo seemed to know exactly what he was looking for, and fans believed he found it in Jennifer. But after the cameras stopped rolling, the relationship only lasted a couple of months, when the Prince soon moved on to the runner up Sadie Murray. A bit of a blow for poor Jennifer. Unfortunately, his relationship with Sadie was also short lived and ultimately broken down shortly after getting together. It turned out that maybe the Prince didn't know what he was looking for after all.
Chris Soules And Whitney Bischoff
When Chris Soules entered The Bachelor, it was clear he was going to have a few women fawning after him. He managed to get three women to confess their growing feelings for him, before having to choose one to eliminate. While Chris might have said he was falling in love with Becca Tilley, the soon to be runner up, he decided to propose to Whitney Bischoff instead.
Fans were rooting for Chris to pick Becca Tilley, and although they might have predicted the future with his final choice, they believed in Chris' heart, Becca was the one for him. Unfortunately, the name of the game is to find what works and what doesn't, and Becca was just pipped to the post because of logistics.
Arie Luyendyk Jr And Lauren Burnham
This season was one of the most controversial of all. The finale took a bit of a detour when it was split into two parts, ultimately because of Arie's inability to make a decision. Becca Kufrin was seen being proposed to, but as quick as it happened, Arie took it back! Yes, fans were shocked when Arie decided he had actually chosen the wrong girl. Arie went on, in true Bachelor fashion, to get together with runner up Lauren Burnham.
Ultimately, fans saw Arie and Lauren's relationship as disposable, but they're now married and have children together. It just shows that sometimes, you just need to go with your gut, and if something doesn't feel right, change it.
Bob Guiney And Estella Gardinier
The Bachelor 2003 saw this couple get together, as Bob handed Estella a promise ring instead of a proposal. Unfortunately, this couple went their separate ways after a mere month together. It's reported Bob broke up with Estella over the phone, not the ideal or mature way of ending a relationship, and fans were disappointed in his lack of judgment and care at this stage. All hopes of him sweeping Estella off her feet and living in happiness soon went out of the window. Sometimes fame can change people, perhaps this was the catalyst, perhaps it was something more. Either way, the love for Bob across the nation soon dwindled when he showed his true colors.
Brad Womack And Emily Maynard
Season 15 of The Bachelor saw an old face return. A second chance at love for Brad came in the form of Emily Maynard after not choosing anyone in season 11. Emily not only won over the heart of Brad, but also captured the hearts of America, with her Southern charm. Brad decided to propose to Emily in the final ceremony, and she said yes. However, this relationship again fell to The Bachelor curse and ended a short 8 months after filming. Fans were disappointed Brad and Emily didn't make it work, but soon the excitement began again when Emily returned to The Bachelorette. Brad might have been a distant memory to his once eager fans, but Emily returned with a new lease of life and a second chance to find her happily ever after.
Matt James And Rachael Kirkconnell
When Matt met Rachel initially, things seemed great. Although Matt decided not to propose to Rachel during the finale, they continued dating each other. Unfortunately, Rachel got tangled up in racial social media controversy, and fans turned against her overnight. While this couple were getting closer on television, behind the scenes things were different, with Rachel coming under serious fire. The first time this couple broke up was after Rachel released her first apology regarding the college photos.
Fans have been on a rollercoaster of emotions with this one, from love to hate, to despair to hope. The disappointment in Rachel regarding the scandal certainly, and understandably, put a damper on their views towards her. However, it appears Matt might just have moved on from this. This relationship is more up and down than a yoyo, but there's speculation that maybe, just maybe, they're trying to work things out!
Travis Stork And Sarah Stone
The Bachelor fans were happy when they met Travis Stork. They hoped, beyond all hope, that this time, love would be ever-lasting. Travis Stork was an emergency room doctor looking for love in the capital of romance, Paris. Travis and Sarah made it to the end of the season on a good note, and although he didn't propose to Sarah in the final episode, fans believed they might just have a shot at love. However, shortly after filming ended, they announced their split in one of the fastest turnarounds of The Bachelor. This split appears to be one of the most amicable splits of The Bachelor to date, with the pair remaining friends. Travis has since met and married the love of his life, Parris Bell, and he has gone on to host the show Doctors, making this season of The Bachelor quite significant after all.