On the premiere episode of The Bachelorette, Kaitlyn Bristowe and Tayshia Adams replaced long-time face of the franchise Chris Harrison...and it really didn't feel like the audience was missing out. Despite complaints from some in Bachelor Nation, the first episode showed just how replaceable the host is on a show where the role is fairly minimal. If anything, Kaitlyn and Tayshia injected some fun into what had become an overdone routine for Chris; it wouldn't have the same appeal if Chris was acting giddy and cracking jokes while looking out the window as Katie Thurston met the guys. The two-host format actually works, and although it's not a permanent decision — season 26 of The Bachelor will welcome in the official Chris successor — this move has proved to be the right one thus far.
It wasn't just the hosts who helped this franchise move on from an ugly Bachelor season. It's the lead, Katie, who appears both down to earth and ready for a commitment. She is unfazed by the fame that comes with being thrust into this role, one that can be overwhelming. It's also the relative lack of bad guys, so far, who have been cast. For the first time in a long time, there was no apparent villain who emerged in the premiere of The Bachelorette. The preview for the remainder of the season tells a different story, of course, but it's nice to sit in the fantasy for the moment that perhaps the producers have realized that conflict does not necessarily drive up viewership. There was that strange fight between Aaron and Cody that had precisely no context at all that will likely bear fruit in the episodes to come, but considering it hardly made the final edit, it probably won't be a season-long storyline. Here are some other reasons this season promises to be better than most:
Likable frontrunners
Fans loved Greg, the recipient of the first impression rose. He stood out from the pack by not doing anything spectacular. In a sea of crazy gimmicks and costumes, Greg introduced himself by saying he'd go up and talk to Katie if they met in a bar. As much as Katie enjoyed the references to her vibrator and the guys who showed up in silly vehicles and and a giant gift box, it was Greg's genuineness and boyish nervousness that endeared him to her most. Other guys, like Michael A., Connor B., and Thomas, appear to have made a lasting impression on Katie. So far, they all seem like guys who are there for Katie, which is really not a bad thing for this season of the show. Hopefully, the producers learned their lesson from the strong final four on Clare Crawley/Tayshia's season that the finalists don't need to have ulterior motives for a season to be exciting. That said, there is still much more time for those positive edits to flip into villainous ones.
Lack of serious controversies
One of the only sources of controversy on the premiere was James, who showed up in a gift-wrapped present...and stayed inside it for a way longer than he probably needed to. At the champagne toast, James decided he would rather take part while still trapped in a box. He did his confessional in a his box. And when it came time for him to reveal his identity, it took two guys to roll him into a separate room for the big reveal. James, thus far, seems to be a fairly normal, decent-looking man whose gimmick did not do much to stir up drama. Neither did Cody's blow-up doll, or Jeff's RV...though the latter did seriously creep out Katie. The point is that the show seems to be settling for silly over serious drama, which is a good thing!
If last season proved anything, it is that pettiness and fighting doesn't make for a strong season. In fact, when the drama reaches a high point, it can be off-putting, as the treatment of Katie on Matt James' season showed. In the coming attractions for this season, the one of the biggest sources of controversy is one of the guys coming onto the season for more social media followers, which, like, aren't they all? It looks like Katie has some serious conversations with the men, including the typical "If you're not here for the right reasons, you need to leave now" discussion. But overall, the cast seems to be comprised of mostly respectable men; it's something that should be expected, but it hasn't been the case in the past.
The chemistry between Tayshia & Kaitlyn
Tayshia and Kaitlyn seem determined to have as much fun as they can during what will likely be their only time as co-hosts. From sneaking up on Katie, who figured Chris wouldn't be there but potentially didn't know who would replace him, to ogling the suitors as they stepped out of the limo, they are proving that Chris doesn't need to be there for the show to thrive. Sometimes, change can be a good thing, and not all traditions are worth keeping. Specifically, when it comes to The Bachelorette, it's always been strange having a man hosting a season about a woman finding love. There are ways Tayshia and Kaitlyn can relate to Katie that Chris, or any man for that matter, can't. It helps that they've been through this before.
There are certain shows that would require a seasoned host to helm. The Bachelorette isn't one of them. From bringing in the date card to reminding a room full of men with two eyes and a rudimentary grasp on math that this is the final rose tonight when there is one rose remaining on the podium, the role of the host is minimal. Tayshia and Kaitlyn, who both probably never imagined they would be in this position, appear to be thoroughly enjoying the opportunity, living out a fantasy they never thought possible. Argue the decision of disposing of Chris, whether it constitutes cancel culture or basic accountability, but the replacements are no less entertaining than their predecessor. Chris' act was beyond stale; it was moldy. While Tayshia and Kaitlyn may be using the same trite catchphrases, the genuine energy they bring to the role is refreshing.
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The Bachelorette airs Mondays at 8pm EST on ABC.