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Happy 18th birthday to Bachelor Nation!

By Ariba Bhuvad

THE BACHELOR - "The Bachelor: The Women Tell All" - Peter's dramatic and emotional journey is about to come to an end. But first, he must come to grips with Madison turning away from the strong relationship they have developed until the fantasy suites. Will Madison even show up to the rose ceremony? And then it's a sensational and shocking "The Bachelor: The Women Tell All," MONDAY, MARCH 2 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on ABC. (ABC/Kelsey McNeal)CHRIS HARRISON
THE BACHELOR - "The Bachelor: The Women Tell All" - Peter's dramatic and emotional journey is about to come to an end. But first, he must come to grips with Madison turning away from the strong relationship they have developed until the fantasy suites. Will Madison even show up to the rose ceremony? And then it's a sensational and shocking "The Bachelor: The Women Tell All," MONDAY, MARCH 2 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on ABC. (ABC/Kelsey McNeal)CHRIS HARRISON /
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Happy 18th birthday to Bachelor Nation!

Bachelor Nation has just turned 18–yay, it can officially vote! But real talk, I can’t believe that we are celebrating 18 years of a franchise that has forever changed our lives. It’s hard to believe its been so long but when one sits down to reflect upon it, you start to grasp how much has happened since the franchise kicked off back in 2002.

The franchise’s very first show was The Bachelor with Alex Michel as the lead. While most may not remember that very first season, you will likely remember contestant Trista Rehn, who was the runner-up. She went on to be the lead for the very first season of The Bachelorette and met the love of her life, Ryan Sutter.

Of all the Bachelor Nation couples, they are still together and have two kids. If you’re asking me, they are the reason why this franchise blew up in the way it did. Whether or not you watched from the start, you’ve likely heard of Ryan and Trista. They are the face of Bachelor Nation!

Let’s not forget our beloved host, Chris Harrison. From day one, he’s been there for every single moment as people found love or nursed their broken hearts. We are forever in his debt for giving us 18 years of memorable moments, and for his comforting presence when things got rough.

Multiple spin-offs and 18 years later, Bachelor Nation continues to be a cultural phenomenon. I remember when I didn’t watch the shows, I’d always hear about it. Literally everyone was obsessed with it and it never occurred to me just how big of a deal Bachelor Nation was.

But alas, here I am, totally immersed in this world and I can’t imagine a life without it. That’s the beauty and magic of this franchise and it’s why fans have been devoted for as long they have. 18 years is an incredible achievement, and we all understand why it’s lasted for as long as it has, and why it will continue to.

We have watched so many love stories rise, crash and burn, or just end in the weirdest ways possible. At this point, I feel like we’ve seen everything but every time I think that we get something like Peter Weber’s season of The Bachelor. But I can’t go down that rabbit hole again, and I’m sure you don’t want to either.

From Ryan and Trista to Dylan Harbour and Hannah Godwin, we’ve witnessed some amazing stuff. Amidst all the tears, drama, and love, Bachelor Nation has snuggled into our hearts, and I don’t think it will ever leave.

Happy 18th birthday, Bachelor Nation. Here’s to 18 more!

The Bachelor: Are Connor Saeli and Madison Prewett…a couple?. dark. Next

How are you celebrating Bachelor Nation’s 18th birthday? Tell us below!

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