The Best Seasons Of 'The Bachelorette,' Ranked

The Best Seasons Of 'The Bachelorette,' Ranked

Benjamin Lopez
Updated July 17, 2024 50.3K views 20 items

Facebook

X.com

Threads

Copy link

Ranked By
963voters4.7Kvotes
Voting Rules

Vote up the best seasons of The Bachelorette.

The Bachelorette has wooed audiences for over two decades with its blend of romance and reality TV drama. Each season introduces a new Bachelorette on a quest for love, navigating through a sea of charming, ambitious, and sometimes controversial suitors.

Each season highlights contestants vying for the Bachelorette's attention while providing viewers with glimpses into the complex world of modern dating. It's no wonder that these stories have left lasting impressions on fans everywhere, making The Bachelorette into a cultural phenomenon.

A few select seasons of The Bachelorette have earned top places in series’ history. Season 1 lays the groundwork for all that will follow by introducing audiences to Trista Rehn's search for love; Season 12 sees fan-favorite Joelle "JoJo" Fletcher take the spotlight; and who could forget Season 7's Ashley Hebert as she dealt with both romance and drama? These standout seasons show why The Bachelorette continues to reign supreme in reality TV - they offer quality entertainment combined with authentic emotion. 

Regardless of the varying opinions on which seasons are best, it's undeniable that these stories from The Bachelorette have captured imaginations and touched hearts for years. From proposals to betrayals, each season showcases the emotions and connections that keep viewers coming back for more.

Most divisive: The Bachelorette - Season 13
Over 900 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Every Season of The Bachelorette, Ranked
This list is dynamically ranked based on user voting. The order reflects the consensus of our voters and is not influenced by paid placements or editorial bias.

  • The Bachelorette - Season 1
    1

    The Bachelorette - Season 1

    The first season of The Bachelorette premiered on January 8, 2003 and contains seven episodes. This season follows Trista Rehn as she looks for love with one lucky guy.

    Ryan Sutter was the winner of this season. He and Trista were married on December 6, 2003. The couple are still together and they have two children.

    Why It's A Standout Season: 

    Season 1 pioneers the show's format and garnered significant attention by following Trista's search for love. The season's unique appeal comes from its raw and authentic portrayal of relationships, culminating in Trista's choice of Ryan, leading to a marriage that has stood the test of time. This season's success set a high bar for future installments and remains a defining chapter in reality TV.

    310 votes
    Best of the best?
  • 2

    The Bachelorette - Season 12

    The twelfth season of The Bachelorette premiered on May 23, 2016, and contained 12 episodes. This season follows real estate developer JoJo Fletcher in her quest for love.

    Jordan Rodgers was the winner of Season 12. 

    Why It's A Standout Season: 

    Season 12 is memorable for the sheer chemistry and emotional connections JoJo forms with her suitors, particularly Jordan, the season's winner. JoJo's charisma and genuine nature make her journey compelling to watch, and this season's vibrant mix of personalities sets it apart. The emotional depth and engaging storyline continue to resonate with fans.

    262 votes
    Best of the best?
  • 3

    The Bachelorette - Season 7

    The seventh season of The Bachelorette premiered on May 23, 2011 and contains 12 episodes. This season follows Ashley Hebert as she looks for love amongst 25 contestants.

    J.P. Rosenbaum was the winner of this season. The couple was married on December 1, 2012 and shares two children; they divorced in 2021.

    Why It's A Standout Season: 

    In Season 7, Ashley navigates the complexities of romance and drama, creating a captivating viewing experience. Her eventual choice of J.P. not only provides a loving conclusion but also showcases the intricacies of modern dating. This season’s ability to balance heartfelt connections with entertaining dynamics makes it a standout.

    271 votes
    Best of the best?
  • 4

    The Bachelorette - Season 9

    The ninth season of The Bachelorette premiered on May 27, 2013 and contains 12 episodes. This season follows Desiree Hartsock as she looks for love amongst 25 contestants.

    Chris Siegfried was the winner of this season. Hartsock and Siegfried married in January 2015 and have two sons.

    Why It's A Standout Season: 

    Desiree’s Season 9 is distinguished by the intense emotional journey she undergoes, capped off by her engagement to Chris. The season's exploration of hope, heartbreak, and ultimate joy resonate deeply with viewers. Desiree’s relatable persona and genuine quest for love make this a season to remember.

    258 votes
    Best of the best?
  • 5

    The Bachelorette - Season 11

    The eleventh season of The Bachelorette premiered on May 18, 2015, and contained 13 episodes. This season follows dance instructor Kaitlyn Bristowe as she dates 25 guys and also walk-on Nick Viall.

    Shawn Booth was the winner of Season 11. The couple announced their breakup in 2018.

    Why It's A Standout Season: 

    Kaitlyn’s season is noted for its bold and unorthodox approach - both Kaitlyn and Britt Nilsson are announced as prospective Bachelorettes, with the men deciding whom they want to be the lead. They select Kaitlyn, and her candid approach to finding love, coupled with her eventual engagement to Shawn, provide an engaging and refreshing narrative.

    248 votes
    Best of the best?
  • The Bachelorette - Season 15
    6

    The Bachelorette - Season 15

    The fifteenth season of The Bachelorette premiered on May 13, 2019 and contains 13 episodes. This season follows Hannah Brown as she looks for love among 33 contestants.

    Jed Wyatt was the winner of this season. Hannah ended her engagement with Jed in June 2019 after learning of his relationship prior to the show.

    Why It's A Standout Season: 

    Hannah's season stands out for her candidness and the transparency she brings to the process of seeking love. Despite the ending of her engagement to Jed, the season's honest depiction of self-discovery and the complexities of relationships is worth viewers' attention. Hannah’s journey is compelling for its raw authenticity and emotional highs and lows.

    31 votes
    Best of the best?