Our favorite dating show is back once again! After stealing the hearts of the public in Season 28 of “The Bachelor,” the participant who finished in fifth place is back for “The Bachelorette”. Do you remember her?
Of course, it’s Jenn Tran! The Asian American contestant sent home by Joey Graziadei in the last rose ceremony before hometowns will now have her chance to pick the love of her life in the 21st season of the spin-off show, which has its start date in the second week of July.
Only time will tell if she makes it to the podium of the best seasons of “The Bachelorette.” Let’s see what Jenn Tran will have to compete with by remembering which installments of the show made it to the Top 10, according to fans, critics, and the general public.
What is the best season of The Bachelorette? Our Top 10
10. Season 9 (Desiree Hartsock)
The perfect season for those who love the no-drama bachelorettes. From start to finish, Desiree was laid-back in each step of the process, enjoying all that the show had to offer and leading herself with an authentic approach that made the production seem extremely real.
Desiree Hartsock and Chris Siegfried in “The Bachelorette”. (Source: Francisco Roman/Today)
Thus, with her being so lovable, it was heartbreaking for the entire United States when one of her final picks broke up with her, despite her telling him that he was the one. However, Desiree continued to choose the adorable Chris Siegfried, with whom she is now expecting their third child!
9. Season 18 (Michelle Young)
Seeing Michelle Young get rejected by Matt James on Season 25 of The Bachelor made us mourn, as she was a huge fan favorite. It’s no surprise that Young was called to lead the 18th season of “The Bachelorette,” where she became even more beloved.
Michelle Younga and Nayte Olukoya in “The Bachelorette”. (Source: Craig Sjodin/ABC)
The lead is often remembered for her initially closed-off character, which became lighter as she got along well with the men she spent her time with. Additionally, her season is famous for having a top three of great men, with the public not knowing who Michelle would choose. In the end, she said yes to Nayte Olukoya. Sadly, they broke up in 2022.
8. Season 16 (Tayshia Adams/Clare Crawley)
No matter what anyone thinks, this season definitely wins as the most chaotic one. It was filmed in the middle of the pandemic, featured two bachelorettes, and sparked sharp controversies and criticism for an infamous group date. Followers either love or hate this installment; there is no in-between.
Tayshia Adams and Zac Clark. (Source: Craig Sjodin/Getty)
It started with Clare Crawley, who departed the show in episode 4 after choosing 31-year-old Dale Moss as her fiancé. To replace her came Tayshia Adams, who ended up being one of the most iconic leads in the production’s history, even co-hosting seasons 17 and 18. She accepted Zac Clark‘s proposal and became engaged, but they broke up in 2021.
7. Season 7 (Ashley Hebert)
Except for the ill-famed roast that ended in tears, Ashley‘s season doesn’t have any standout features that make it particularly memorable. However, loyal viewers consider it a comfort season, as it aired before the social media era, which drastically changed the dynamics and authenticity of the show.
Ashley Hebert and J.P. Rosenbaum celebrate their one-year anniversary at ME Cancun Rose Bar at ME Cancun Resort on May 25, 2012 in Cancun, Mexico. (Source: Victor Chavez/Getty Images for Me Cancun)
Ashley accepted J.P. Rosenbaum‘s proposal in the finale, and they married on December 1, 2012, with their wedding aired as a TV special on December 16 of that year. Although they split up in 2021, they are one of the few couples from “The Bachelorette” to have children: Fordham Rhys, ten years old, and Essex Reese, eight.
6. Season 12 (JoJo Fletcher)
Since JoJo Fletcher made history on “The Bachelor” when the male lead confessed his love for both her and another contestant, it was clear that she wouldn’t be forgotten. The star went on to make a season of “The Bachelorette” full of intrigue and edge-of-the-seat moments, with fans arguing it had the best cast in the show’s chronology.
JoJo Fletcher and Jordan Rodgers. (Source: ABC/Getty)
From the extremely aggressive Chad to Jordan Rodgers and his controversial family history, the season kept viewers up at night. In the end, JoJo said yes to Rodgers, whom she is now married to, and they currently live together in Dallas, Texas.
5. Season 13 (Rachel Lindsay)
Rachel Lindsay made history as the first African-American lead on “The Bachelorette” and is remembered for striking the perfect balance between being a great protagonist and having interesting candidates.
Rachel Lindsay and Bryan Abasolo attend Thanksgiving at Project Angel Food on November 23, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Source: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Project Angel Food)
Her season featured iconic drama, such as the infamous group date disrupted by a contestant’s ghosted girlfriend. Rachel ended up choosing Bryan Abasolo, whom she married in 2019 but divorced in February 2024.
4. Season 5 (Jillian Harris)
Not all seasons of “The Bachelorette” shine solely because of their female leads. Sometimes, they are also highly remembered for the male contestants they introduce, as is the case with Jillian Harris’s installment.
Ed Swiderski and Jillian Harris pose at Venexiana Spring 2010 Fashion Show at Bryant Park on September 11, 2009 in New York, New York. (Source: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for IMG)
The woman who competed for the love of Jason Mesnick had a really fun personality, but we always look back at her season for introducing the absolutely beloved Kiptyn Locke and the forever-discussed villain Wes Hayden. Harris and got engaged with Ed Swiderski in the finale, but broke up in July 2010.
3. Season 15 (Hannah Brown)
Another spectacular season for drama lovers! Hannah Brown became beloved worldwide for speaking her mind at all times, being vulnerable, and showing extreme emotion when she felt it. Her season definitely added credibility to the show.
Jed Wyatt and Hannah Brown. (Source: ABC/Mark Bourdillon)
But she isn’t just the most famous bachelorette on social media thanks to her charm. Her season was one of the most controversial because the winner of Hannah’s heart, Jed Wyatt, had a girlfriend at the time of filming. Needless to say, they broke up before the live season finale.
2. Season 11 (Kaitlyn Bristowe)
There are two types of fans of “The Bachelorette”: those who believe the most important aspect of the show is a genuine love story, and those who adore the drama. For the latter group, Kaitlyn Bristowe‘s season is indisputably the best.
Kaitlyn Bristowe and Shawn Booth in “The Bachelorette”. (Source: Rick Rowell/ABC)
Filled with sarcasm and straightforwardness, Kaitlyn didn’t hesitate to play the game her own way, even if it meant defying expectations and sparking feuds both inside and outside the production. She said yes to Shawn Booth, but their relationship ended in November 2018. Later, she married Jason Tartick in 2021, one of the favorites from season 14, but they also separated in 2023.
1. Season 1 (Trista Rehn)
Experts on reality shows often argue that there’s no better season than the first. It’s a time when productions are still developing, finding their rules, and allowing more room for genuine connections and spontaneous situations. Season 1 of “The Bachelorette” is a prime example of this.
Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter in “The Bachelorette”. (Source: ABC)
Trista was an excellent bachelorette, keeping everyone guessing until the very last minute about whom she would choose, as she formed deep connections with most of the participants. In the end, she said yes to the lovely poet Ryan Sutter, with whom she is still happily married today!
