Bachelor Nation Recap 2021
The past few seasons of the Bachelor franchise have had bachelor nation in total shock, excitement, and to some degree, distress, as there is so much to unpack within the new seasons. Where to even start?... Despite all the controversy around Rachael Kirkconnell and Matt James, he finally returned to what he knows best. Rachael and Matt have been back together after some time apart and presumably, they seem pretty darn happy.
Unfortunately, though, it is not all butterflies and rainbows for everyone. After leaving her season happily engaged, Katie Thurston and Blake Moynes took to Instagram to announce their breakup. In an effort to silence the rumors, they made a joint statement that states, “With mutual love and respect that we have decided to go our separate ways...Ultimately have concluded that we are not compatible as life partners, and it is the most caring choice for both of us to move forward independently." Truly, did not see this one coming considering how vocal they have both been about their intimate relationship.
Moving right along, Bachelor in Paradise returned to the screens and premiered in August. After taking a two-year hiatus, fans were anticipating this season the most. Arguably the most drama-filled season yet, with unexpecting guests arriving and exposing one another in efforts to keep things interesting. Despite all the chaos, three couples left Mexico with an engagement. On deck, we have Joe Amabile (sometimes referred to by Grocery Store Joe) who took a knee for Serena Pitt. Next, in an effort to be funny Riley Christian led his proposal to Maurissa Gunn with an attempt to joke around, which kept both Maurissa and the audience on our toes. Last but certainly not least, Kenny Braasch after years of trial and error, finally found his one true love, Mari Pepin-Solis. The love doesn’t end there, despite not leaving together, Thomas Jacobs and Becca Kufrin reconnected and are currently living happily together in San Diego. My personal favorite couple on the beach, Noah Erbe and Abigail Heringer rekindled their love for one another after Noah impulsively ended things in Mexico. Since premiering, it seems like all is well for these couples, some beginning to plan the wedding, others moving in together, and some...well, just enjoying being a normal couple for the first time.
Michelle Young, our second Bachelorette of the year has just kick-started her seasons with an already exciting and dramatic few episodes. Stay tuned in on Tuesday nights on ABC, to see how the rest of the journey to find love unfolds.