The Bachelorette: Production cautiously looking at fall premiere

It could be the fall season before we get Clare Crawley’s season of The Bachelorette–maybe.

The Bachelorette is one of many shows to have halted production following the coronavirus pandemic. We’ve all been anxiously awaiting some news about when production could possibly begin, and it seems like we still don’t have a solid answer. This makes total sense given the uncertainty of the situation, of course.

As states are beginning to look ahead to reopening their economies and attempt to get things back to a “new normal”, it seems The Bachelorette production is looking to do the same. Now, there is no official confirmation date as of now, but they are cautiously looking at a fall premiere date.

If that does end up being the case, then it means production must begin sometime this summer. These are weird times for the franchise as the only other time major changes were made to the show was following the tragic events of 9/11. The Bachelor’s first season aired in 2002 and adjustments had to be made to the location for the final rose ceremony, which was originally meant to take place in front of the Eiffel Tower but was then shifted to strictly domestic locations.

I think drastic adjustments will have to be made for The Bachelorette as well when it comes to locations, potential quarantine protocols, and even the hometown dates. Let’s just say, international traveling won’t be a luxury the contestants and lead will be given.

ABC’s reality chief Rob Mills has been thinking quite a bit about what the season could potentially look like. And we’re right there with him. I mean, do we really want to be stuck inside the Bachelor Mansion all season? If we’re going to go with just one location, could we perhaps go somewhere else? Maybe? Possibly? Of course, it’s easier said than done given the Bachelor Mansion is a place they can personally manage, but wouldn’t it be nice if there was a different spot?

"We’ve looked at everything — are travel restrictions going to ease up? And it just doesn’t look like anything is changing anytime soon, and what we would rather do is start getting the season underway, sooner rather than later. As of right now, the plan is to get a great location that has a ton of space where everybody could safely be together and we can still have great dates that still feel big and romantic, and we would shoot the entire season there."

I’m liking what you’re saying, Mills.

As far as the contestants for Crawley’s season go, it seems like that is still a work in progress as well. Initially, the men had all been selected and were just about to film their limo entrances, but production didn’t reach that point before halting production.

So, along with a potential new location, the production is likely to bring in new, fresh faces for Crawley. It’s not so easy to uproot your life for a show like this, and given a bunch of men had already done that, it’s unlikely every single one can return.

Real talk, though, did it really make sense to have a 23-year-old on for her season? It just felt like a disaster that the producers were hoping to cook up behind-the-scenes. And we all know they love doing that.

While the Bachelor Nation shows remain in flux for now with only The Bachelorette confirmed to proceed next (sorry senior citizens, your show is on hold for right now), we do have one unexpected series to look forward to–The Most Unforgettable–Ever! 

This retrospective look back at past season will surely keep us entertained for the gap that Bachelor in Paradise will leave behind–and I can’t wait. I mean, can you imagine revisiting Juan Pablo Galvais’ season or Ben Higgins’?! I’m so here for that, and I know Bachelor Nation is too.

Luckily, ABC has opted to take the remote route in recent days with even a show like American Idol having its contestants perform and be judged from home. There are strange times indeed, and while it may seem like a long road ahead, we will surely get back to our regularly scheduled programming soon enough.

If you could pick one location for The Bachelorette to take place next season, what would it be, and why? Share with us in the comments below!