Bachelor in Paradise will likely return in summer 2021

Bachelor in Paradise may be back as soon as this summer!

Bachelor Nation fans have missed the drama and madness of Bachelor in Paradise. Last summer the series was postponed or rather “skipped” due to the coronavirus pandemic, but now it looks like ABC is super eager to get it back on our television screens.

According to a Variety exclusive, senior vice president of alternative series, specials, and late-night programming, Rob Mills, said they “are hell-bent on figuring out how we make ‘Paradise’ work”. Given that they had to skip a year, it’s not all that shocking that they’re willing to do whatever they can to bring it back.

"[…]Unless something horrendous happens, I feel very confident that ‘Paradise’ is coming back on this summer — how and where it’s going to be, it’s still to early to tell."

For those who have never gotten around to watching Bachelor in Paradise or have forgotten how it works, it usually brings together former contestants of Bachelor Nation, that are still single and ready to mingle. Basically, alumni of the franchise get another chance at love on what is usually the beaches of Mexico.

Of course, if/when Bachelor in Paradise returns this summer, it may not be in a tropical locale. It could very well follow in the footsteps of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, which both managed to film within a quarantined bubble without any issues. Since they have the formula right, they can likely pull off Paradise with some adjustments to the location and what not.

During his interview, Mills went on to say that details have not been ironed out as of yet, as it is still too early to tell how things will pan out over the next few months. Currently, the COVID-19 pandemic is at its deadliest, and with vaccinations slowly becoming available, things may look different in the days to come.

"Everything is day-to-day. Right now, unfortunately, we’re at a place, especially in Los Angeles, where all the productions are getting shut down — you know, [Jimmy] Kimmel is back doing his show from home. But conversely, in a couple of months, this could all change. We could have a massive rollout of vaccinations and that would make it easier to travel and shoot places. Who knows. We’re looking at different permutations and scenarios. Will the vaccine be widely available? Obviously, we don’t want producers and cast members to be getting vaccinated early just for the show, but if people can get vaccinated, then maybe we’re back in Mexico. If not, maybe there is a bubble situation in Mexico. We will figure out something — I never know what will happen, but I feel very confident in saying that you will get “Bachelor In Paradise” next season."

We’re all very curious as to who would head to Paradise if there is indeed a season headed our way in the near future. Given there have been two seasons of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette since Bachelor in Paradise last aired, there are a lot of contestants to pick from. They don’t have an easy job ahead of them, and there are many fan-favorites that Bachelor Nation fans are hoping to see get another chance at love, including Bennett Jordan and Ben Smith from Clare Crawley/Tayshia Adams’ season.

Of course, former Bachelor Peter Weber has recently become available so for all we know he could be a contender for Paradise as well! Although, my vote would be a resounding NO, THANK YOU, but you know this franchise loves to bring back anyone and everyone that make things interesting, or controversial.

We’ll have to hang tight and see how the next few months go, but it looks like as far as ABC is concerned, Bachelor in Paradise is definitely happening, if they can help it.

Here’s to hoping Paradise is in our near future!

Are you excited about the prospect of Bachelor in Paradise returning this summer? Share your comments below!