Though most fans of The Bachelor who weren’t living under a rock were already aware that Clayton Echard is the next lead, the former football player was officially announced this week, and fans have gotten their first peek at the upcoming season. Though the trailer is a bit of a jumbled mess, there are some details fans can be sure of, and based on what’s come out about season 26, the show is going to feel more like “classic” Bachelor than ever.
News spread that Clayton was the next Bachelor before he even made his debut on Michelle Young’s season of The Bachelorette. That made it difficult for many viewers to watch his journey on the show—they knew that he didn’t end up with Michelle, so it was tough to get invested in his love story.
Though it already felt like everyone knew Clayton was the Bachelor and his season was already filming, ABC recently made the big reveal that, surprise! Clayton is going to be the Bachelor. He got a promo poster and teaser, so it’s definitely official. Between the information that has leaked and the information gleaned from the trailer, there’s a lot of drama ahead.
No More Bubble
The past four seasons of the franchise have more or less taken place in a quarantine bubble with little or no travel. However, on Clayton’s season, the cast and crew will be moving the action to multiple locations throughout the U.S. and the rest of the world. Texas, Toronto, Austria, and Croatia are all places where the next season traveled to, and many fans are looking forward to a scenic season.
New Host Energy
After former host Chris Harrison’s dramatic exit, the host of season 26 will be Jesse Palmer, a sports announcer and former Bachelor himself. Like current Bachelorette hosts Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe, Jesse will be able to help Clayton navigate his new role as the lead in a way few others can. There’s a lot to be said for getting help from someone who’s been through the same process.
30 Women
Though it was originally rumored that there would be a whopping 33-woman cast next season, new reports indicate that three of those women didn’t make the final cut. It seems there will be thirty women vying for Clayton’s heart, and he’ll have a lot of connections to make on night one.
Tears, Tears, and more Tears
Like most seasons, Clayton’s season promises to be the most dramatic ever, and by the amount of crying included in the teaser, this one is a definite contender. There’s certainly a lot of boo-hooing to be seen, but that doesn’t always guarantee compelling content.
A Happy Ending
There has been a ton of heartbreak in Bachelor Nation lately, and it’s starting to get fans down. The franchise has always been criticized for its spotty success rate, but after the recent string of breakups and messy relationships, a lot of viewers are ready for an actual love story. Well, fans looking for a storybook ending are in luck, because Clayton has confirmed he finds love this season.
Clayton may not have been most fans’ top pick, but he’s the next Bachelor all the same. From everything viewers have gotten a look at, Clayton’s season seems like it will be a cookie-cutter season of The Bachelor, which may or may not be a good thing, depending on who you ask.
Source: Reality Steve, People