If you’re a fan of The Bachelorette or The Bachelor, the past year may have been difficult.
Longtime host Chris Harrison departed from the show after defending racist actions by The Bachelor contestant Rachael Kirkconnell. Fortunately, former Bachelorettes Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe have returned as co-hosts. Some new faces at the top of the show, as well as a new bachelorette and dozens of new contestants, could help stabilize the series for the time being.
The 17th season of The Bachelorette stars Katie Thurston, a 30-year-old bank marketing manager who finished in 11th place on the most recent season of The Bachelor. When should you start watching? Read on for the details.
When does The Bachelorette start?
The Bachelorette’s 17th season has already begun. The season premiered on June 7, 2021, with more than 3.7 million viewers watching across the United States—the lowest number of viewers for a season premiere in the show’s history.
That’s because viewers may not be used to the change in days. The Bachelorette returned to Monday nights at 7pm CT on ABC, where it had been from season three until season 16. Last season, the show aired on Tuesday nights.
Thirty male contestants began the show, but the number will continue to drop until Katie chooses her man. The season will likely wrap up sometime before the fall, when the 18th season is set to premiere.
