Bachelor Nation has experienced numerous shocking choices when it comes to selecting the lead for the franchise. While it’s usually easy to predict who will be chosen, there have been instances where unexpected contestants were picked. Clare Crawley, the oldest Bachelorette in history, surprised fans when she was announced as the lead for the upcoming season on March 2, 2020. Crawley had not appeared on a Bachelor series since 2018’s Bachelor Winter Games, making her selection a surprising choice for viewers.
Typically, the next Bachelor or Bachelorette is chosen from the final four contestants, often the No. 3 runner-up. However, there have been instances where the franchise threw curveballs to fans. Becca Kufrin, for example, surprised viewers when she became the Bachelorette in 2018 after winning her season of The Bachelor only to be dumped on national television. Arie Luyendyk Jr. also made waves when he initially picked Kufrin but later pursued his runner-up, Lauren Burnham, whom he eventually married. Luyendyk Jr. had been out of the reality TV game for six years before returning as the lead on The Bachelor.
Another unexpected choice for the lead role was Nick Viall, who appeared on The Bachelorette twice before being selected as the Bachelor. His casting created a divide among viewers, with some supporting him and others backing Luke Pell. In 2015, the franchise introduced another twist by having two Bachelorettes, Britt Nilsson and Kaitlyn Bristowe, who the men voted on before moving forward with one of them. Looking back a few years, fans may also remember Emily Maynard’s journey as a Bachelorette, who returned to the franchise after her split from Brad Womack.
The history of Bachelor Nation is filled with surprising lead choices, such as Becca Kufrin, Arie Luyendyk Jr., Nick Viall, and Emily Maynard. These selections deviated from the usual pattern of picking the final four contestants as the next Bachelor or Bachelorette. The franchise has also introduced unexpected twists, like having two Bachelorettes in one season, to keep viewers engaged and entertained. Despite the controversies surrounding some of the lead choices, fans continue to tune in to see how each season unfolds and who ultimately finds love on the reality dating show.
The Bachelor and The Bachelorette have seen a mix of traditional and unconventional lead choices over the years. From Clare Crawley to Becca Kufrin to Nick Viall, each season brings its own surprises and unexpected twists. While some selections may have initially raised eyebrows among fans, the franchise has managed to keep audiences engaged with its unpredictable casting decisions. Whether fans are Team Nick, Team Luke, or Team anyone else, the excitement and drama of Bachelor Nation continue to captivate viewers season after season.
In the ever-evolving world of reality TV dating shows, The Bachelor franchise remains a powerhouse with its ability to surprise and captivate audiences. With each new lead announcement, fans eagerly anticipate the drama, romance, and unexpected turns that the show will bring. While some choices may have been unconventional, they have all added to the legacy of Bachelor Nation and kept viewers invested in the search for true love on television. As the franchise continues to evolve and innovate, fans can expect more shocking lead choices and twists in the future that will keep them coming back for more.
