April 07, 2021 • bachelor insider
Premiere Dates for 'The Bachelorette' Season 17 and 'Bachelor in Paradise' Season 7 Are Here!
Get ready for a summer of romance, Bachelor Nation!
On Wednesday, ABC announced the premiere dates for Season 17 of “The Bachelorette” and Season 7 of “Bachelor in Paradise.” Katie Thurston’s turn leading the franchise will begin Monday, June 7, at 8 p.m. ET, while “Paradise” is set to kick off Monday, August 16.
Katie — who fans met on Matt James’ landmark 25th season of “The Bachelor” — was named the next Bachelorette during March’s “After the Final Rose” special, hosted by Emmanuel Acho. (Michelle Young was also announced as an incoming Bachelorette, whose Season 18 will air this fall.)
Bachelor Nation fell in love with Katie after she emerged as a fierce supporter of her fellow contestants, repeatedly standing up to bullying and negativity in the house. Equally known for her protective nature as she is for her infectious sense of humor, the outspoken beauty became an instant fan favorite for her memorable limo entrance, during which she introduced herself — and her sparkly purple vibrator — to Matt.
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In a March 17 interview with “Good Morning America,” Katie expressed her enthusiasm at becoming the Bachelorette. “This is a modern-day Cinderella [story] for me,” the stunning Washington native said of her cycle, which is currently in production.
“The Bachelorette” Season 17 will be particularly unique, as former Bachelorettes Kaitlyn Bristowe and Tayshia Adams will be on hand to support Katie in her search for love.
“I am so freaking excited to be with Kaitlyn Bristowe here in New Mexico because we’re actually going to be helping as mentors and supporters — like the ultimate girl gang and girl power — for Katie, the Bachelorette,” Tayshia said during the March 18 episode of her “Click Bait with Bachelor Nation” podcast.
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Once Katie’s journey concludes, franchise favorites will head to the beaches of “Paradise” for another shot at love. Season 7 of the spin-off show was postponed last year due to the novel coronavirus pandemic — but Bachelor Nation can breathe a collective sigh of relief now that sizzling summer nights are coming back for the first time in two years.
