The Bachelor Season 29 has officially kicked off, featuring Grant Ellis, the 31-year-old day trader from Newark, New Jersey. Recognized for his charismatic personality and infectious smile, Ellis first captured the attention of Bachelor Nation when he was sent home during Week 6 of The Bachelorette Season 21 with Jenn Tran. Following his emotional exit, Grant was announced as the franchise's next Bachelor during Jenn's 'Men Tell All' episode, marking his debut at the helm of this iconic dating show.
Season 29 premiered on ABC on January 27, 2025, and takes viewers through Grant's quest for love among 25 incredible women hailing from diverse backgrounds. This marks Grant as the second Black Bachelor—and the sixth Black lead—in the extensive history of this popular franchise. His selection highlights The Bachelor's commitment to showcasing contestants who reflect the country's diversity. "The core value to this show is... everybody deserves to find love, regardless of race, ethnicity, background, faith," explained executive producer Claire Freeman to The Los Angeles Times.
Grant's anticipated season commenced filming on September 18, 2024, and concluded at the end of October, featuring stunning locations such as Los Angeles, Madrid, Edinburgh, and various sites within the Dominican Republic. After his elimination from The Bachelorette, Ellis eagerly leveraged the opportunity to lead his own season, voicing, "I have a chance to write my own story, so that's something I'm interested in." His ideal partner embodies compassion, loyalty, and humility, with Grant sharing, "I’m looking for love that's kind and understood," reported on Good Morning America.
Among the 25 women vying for his heart are contestants like Alexe Godin, 27, a pediatric speech therapist from New Brunswick, and Juliana Pasquarosa, 28, from Newton, Massachusetts. Each contestant brings their unique story and determination to find lasting love. Many have expressed intentions of working alongside Grant to create memories filled with adventure. For example, Juliana emphasizes her desire for connection similar to her parents, who were high school sweethearts.
Drama is no stranger to reality dating shows, and Ellis acknowledged this aspect when he said, "Some drama is good. Not too much, but a little bit. There's... emotions involved. I think we’ve come to a resolution." He hinted at the interconnectedness among contestants, highlighting, "A theme of the season is... everyone was smart, witty, and beautiful." This dynamic promises to engage fans as romantic interests develop and challenges arise.
One intriguing twist this season involves Grant's first impression rose, which was awarded to Alexe Godin, who arrived with her llama to provide comic relief. Following the initial episodes, audiences may find every contestant showcasing her unique flair during group dates and themed performances, including talent showcases centered around R&B music during episodes filmed at Bellwether Theater.
Throughout the season, viewers witness the women grapple with emotional challenges amid the unpredictable nature of the competition. From defending their bonds to confronting each other, drama inevitably arises. Yet, as tensions escalate, so too do the connections formed. An early standout, Zoe McGrady, 27, has proven her knack for flourishing amid competition, with former contestants like Grant noting the challenges of maintaining personal connections when emotions run high.
Ellis' reflections on this contest showcased his desire to find love and build meaningful connections. "No regrets, only lessons," he shared, indicating his commitment to growing from each decision made throughout his Bachelor experience. The aim isn't simply to find love; for him, it's also about emotional maturation alongside potential partners.
The excitement culminates as the season progresses toward its finale, which is set to take place amid the breathtaking scenery of the Dominican Republic. Viewers will undoubtedly anticipate Grant's ultimate choice among the final contestants, particularly with his runner-up being the determined Litia Garr, age 31, from Soda Springs, Idaho.
With the stakes at hand, all eyes are on the new Bachelor. Will Ellis discover the love he’s so fervently searching for? Tune in weekly as the rollercoaster ride continues, with new episodes airing every Monday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and available on Hulu the following day. Will Grant Ellis find the meaningful connection he seeks, or will his fairy tale remain just out of reach?