Grant Ellis’s quest for love officially began as the 29th season of “The Bachelor” premiered on January 27, 2025. The stakes are high this season with 25 women competing for Ellis’s heart, setting the stage for romance, rivalry, and possibly some unexpected drama.
Coming to the screen on January 27 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, the premiere kicked off with Ellis, who is no stranger to reality dating television. He first captured audience attention during Jenn Tran’s season of “The Bachelorette,” where he finished fifth. Ellis expressed excitement for his new role, stating to Decider, 'The women were so great this season, the choice was difficult,' and promised, ‘Expect a lot of fun, and a little bit of drama’ this season.
The show introduced new features, including 'a bold, new twist on the traditional first impression rose,' as viewers eagerly anticipated the dynamics of the rose ceremony. Such innovations could bring fresh excitement for longtime fans of the series. Ellis elaborated on his approach, acknowledging, 'It’s not often you’re dating multiple people at once,' pointing to the unique challenges posed by the Bachelor format.
For those eager to watch “The Bachelor” live, several options exist. The episodes air weekly on Mondays at the same time, making it easy for followers to tune in regularly. Cutting out the necessity for cable systems, options like DirecTV Stream, fuboTV, and Hulu + Live TV offer access to viewers seeking new ways to enjoy their favorite shows. Each of these services provides trial periods, allowing fans to watch the premiere episode without immediate costs.
Last season's structure saw approximately 10 episodes, and this season promises to follow suit, much to the delight of thrill-seeking viewers interested in the contestant drama blooming each week.
Detailed insight about the 25 women vying for Grant’s affection reveals diverse backgrounds and professions. The contestants include Alexe, 27, who works as a pediatric speech therapist from New Brunswick, Canada; Alli Jo, 30, from Manalapan, NJ, is also highlighted as a boxing trainer; and Ella, 25, who is known as a luxury travel host from Los Angeles, CA.
Ellis’s narrative is compelling, not just for the fact he is returning to the franchise, but also as he navigates the complex emotional currents of romance under the reality TV spotlight. Now recognized as the second Black bachelor since the show's inception, Ellis's presence marks another step toward inclusivity within the show’s casting practices. He values loyalty and humor and hopes for deep, genuine connections on his quest for love.
Reportedly, the season holds elements of suspense, particularly with Ellis potentially facing the return of past relationships as one of his old flames seems to join the cast, as teased during promotional material. Such twists keep viewers engrossed, creating discussion among fans dissecting what these developments could mean for the episodes to come.
Jesse Palmer returns as the host for this season, and he will guide viewers through the emotional highs and lows as Ellis sorts through the competing romantic interests. Ellis described his outlook, stating, 'I’m trying to fall in love, and the right woman’s going to knock me off my feet,' showcasing his genuine aspirations through the process.
Each week viewers will watch tensions rise after roses are handed out, some contestants crying after being sent home, and others celebrating successful connections. The dynamics between the contestants will be fascinating, with professionals from various fields all striving to win over the bachelor.
The premiere episode generated buzz, and as the season progresses, fans will hone in on the new twists and personality clashes among contestants to keep the viewing experience fresh. The emotional grip of the series remains intact as Ellis embarks on this new love-finding adventure.
By tuning in every Monday, fans will see how the relationships develop, who receives the coveted first impression rose, and whether Grant’s ex-girlfriend presence brings more conflict to this already competitive dating environment. It’s poised to be another nail-biting season for the Bachelor Nation, and many will be watching this season closely.