Tracking The Bachelors (and what became of them)

Starting from Alex Michel who brought the hit show into our lives, let’s go through the different contests in case you’ve forgotten about the earlier ones during the 27 season (and going) run.

• Alex Michel (Season 1, 2002): A pivotal figure, Alex started this dramatic journey. While he did not pop the question to Amanda Marsh, they did venture into a relationship. Unfortunately, love didn’t last, as they split several months later.
• Aaron Buerge (Season 2, 2002): Aaron took the romantic leap, proposing to Helene Eksterowicz. However, the flame of their love dimmed soon, with the couple breaking up in January 2003.
• Andrew Firestone (Season 3, 2003): Another romantic tale turned sour. Andrew and Jennifer Schefft might have begun with a proposal, but by December of the same year, they went their separate ways.
• Bob Guiney (Season 4, 2003): Bob chose the path less taken. He didn’t propose to Estella Gardinier, but handed her a promise ring as a testament to continue dating. Alas, their story ended that December.
• Jesse Palmer (Season 5, 2004): Jesse and Jessica Bowlin skipped the engagement, opting to date post-show. Their relationship was short-lived, concluding in June 2004.
• Byron Velvick (Season 6, 2004): Among the more enduring relationships, Byron and Mary Delgado shared five years together before parting ways in December 2009.
• Charlie O’Connell (Season 7, 2005): Charlie’s love story with Sarah Brice was a roller-coaster. They started as a couple, broke up in 2007, rekindled their romance in 2008, but finally said their goodbyes in 2010.
• Travis Lane Stork (Season 8, 2006): Travis and Sarah Stone began their journey as a couple but separated merely a month later.
• Lorenzo Borghese (Season 9, 2006): Lorenzo and Jennifer Wilson’s affair, although not sealed with a proposal, still saw them as a couple. Their breakup in January 2007 was soon followed by Lorenzo’s brief romance with runner-up Sadie Murray.
• Andy Baldwin (Season 10, 2007): While Andy and Tessa Horst might have started with an engagement, they soon recalibrated to dating and eventually parted ways in September 2007.
• Brad Womack (Season 11, 2007): A season marked by the unusual, Brad chose neither of the finalists, DeAnna Pappas and Jenni Croft, making it a dramatic conclusion.
• Matt Grant (Season 12, 2008): Matt and Shayne Lamas painted a romantic picture with their engagement. Yet, the canvas of their love faded by July 2008.
• Jason Mesnick (Season 13, 2009): A twist in the tale! While Jason proposed to Melissa Rycroft, he later resumed his relationship with runner-up Molly Malaney. The couple is one of the show’s success stories, marrying in 2010, and welcoming their daughter, Riley Anne, in 2013.
• Jake Pavelka (Season 14, 2010): Jake and Vienna Girardi took the engagement route but sadly, their journey together ended in June 2010.
• Brad Womack (Season 15, 2011): Returning for a second shot at love, Brad proposed to Emily Maynard. The couple tried to make it work, but by June 2011, they had parted ways.
• Season 16: Ben Flajnik & Courtney Robertson – This season featured the intriguing romance between Ben Flajnik and Courtney Robertson. Though they broke up while the season was airing, they reconciled before the finale, only to part ways for good in October 2012. Their journey became an emblem of unpredictability and tumultuous love.
• Season 17: Sean Lowe & Catherine Giudici – In sharp contrast to many of its predecessors, Season 17 was a testament to love’s triumph. Sean Lowe’s proposal to Catherine Giudici led to marriage on January 26, 2014, and the couple have since welcomed three children. Their love story remains a beacon of genuine connection within the show’s history.
• Season 18: Juan Pablo Galavis & Nikki Ferrell – This season was marked by Galavis’s unconventional decision not to propose but to continue a relationship with Nikki Ferrell. Despite attempts to reconcile on Couples Therapy, they broke up in October 2014, adding to the complex narrative of relationships within the Bachelor universe.
• Season 19: Chris Soules & Whitney Bischoff – Chris Soules’ engagement to Whitney Bischoff ended in a break-up announced on May 28, 2015. Their journey, filled with promise yet ending in separation, reflects the uncertain path of love.
• Season 20: Ben Higgins & Lauren Bushnell – Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell’s relationship grew into their own reality show, but they eventually announced their breakup on May 15, 2017. Their story is a modern parable about love in the public eye.
• Season 21: Nick Viall & Vanessa Grimaldi – Nick Viall’s season culminated in a proposal to Vanessa Grimaldi, but their engagement would be short-lived as they announced their breakup on August 25, 2017. Their tale is another chapter in the complex journey towards lasting love.
• Season 22: Arie Luyendyk Jr. & Becca Kufrin – Season 22 was filled with unexpected twists, as Arie Luyendyk Jr. broke off his engagement to Becca Kufrin to pursue runner-up Lauren Burnham. They were married and have three children, illustrating the unpredictable nature of love.
• Season 23: Colton Underwood & Cassie Randolph – Colton Underwood’s season was marked by unprecedented events, including Randolph’s initial breakup and Underwood’s persistent pursuit. Their eventual breakup and legal issues off-screen make their story one of the most contentious in the series.
• Season 24: Peter Weber & Hannah Ann Sluss – Peter Weber’s engagement to Hannah Ann Sluss ended in January 2020, followed by a whirlwind of relationships and breakups with other contestants. Weber’s love life has become emblematic of the chaotic pursuit of love.
• Season 25: Matt James & Rachael Kirkconnell – Matt James’ relationship with Rachael Kirkconnell took a complex turn due to past controversies. Despite initial breakup, they reconciled and are still together as of August 2023, displaying resilience and growth in their connection.
• Season 26: Clayton Echard & Susie Evans – In a surprising twist, Clayton Echard’s season ended with rejection from Susie Evans, followed by reconciliation and then another breakup. Their saga adds to the unpredictable nature of modern romance.
• Season 27: Zach Shallcross & Kaity Biggar – Zach Shallcross and Kaity Biggar’s love story culminated in engagement and the couple’s decision to move in together in Austin, Texas. They remain engaged as of August 2023, adding a hopeful chapter to the multifaceted anthology of “The Bachelor.”