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“The Bachelorette” is back — again!
Months after Katie Thurston handed her final rose to Blake Moynes on Season 17 of ABC’s dating reality series, Michelle Young’s search for love is kicking off.
Just like Thurston, 28-year-old Young will receive guidance from former “Bachelorettes” Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe throughout her journey.
The duo took over hosting duties after franchise veteran Chris Harrison was given the boot for making some controversial statements during “The Bachelor” Season 25.
Young, a schoolteacher from Edina, Minn., will finally meet her men on tonight’s anticipated premiere of “The Bachelorette.” Here’s what you need to know before class is in session.
How can I watch?
Season 18 will premiere on Oct. 19 on ABC at 8 p.m. ET.
The show can be streamed on the ABC app with a cable login. For those who don’t have cable, episodes will be streaming on Hulu the next day.
You can catch up on the show’s previous seasons, which are also streaming on Hulu.
Where was the season filmed?
While the past two seasons of “The Bachelorette” stuck to one location due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Young got to know her contestants at multiple locations as restrictions lifted.
Season 18 filmed primarily at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, Calif., and the Marquette Hotel in Minneapolis, Minn. Both hotels feature stunning views, full-service spas and a selection of fine restaurants.
Who is Michelle Young?
Young was a late addition to Matt James’ Season 25 of “The Bachelor.” She ultimately made it to the final three before being dumped for winner Rachael Kirkconnell.
The former Division 1 basketball player is described in her ABC bio as someone who has “big dreams for the future” and “wants a man by her side that is supportive and driven to make the world a better place.”
Young is also the third woman of color to lead “The Bachelorette” following Season 13’s Rachel Lindsay and Season 16’s Tayshia Adams.
During a March appearance on “Good Morning America,” Young explained how she hopes to be a conduit for change within Bachelor Nation following years of criticism for its lack of diversity.
“They know that I’m going to push forward to make an impact in a positive way,” Young said, acknowledging the string of racist controversies the franchise has faced in the past. “And I think they’re kind of jumping on my train to do that with me.”
What do we know about Michelle Young’s season?
While it’s uncertain who wins Young’s heart, a source told Page Six in September that she had her pick of 30 impressive suitors.
“The caliber of men who came on to Michelle’s season was incredible,” the insider said at the time. “Each guy was hotter than the next and so many of them treated her like a queen.”
The tipster also noted that contestant and former Seattle Seahawks tight end Clayton Echard, who was reportedly chosen to lead “The Bachelor” Season 26, “was no exception.”
“He impressed everyone on set and is definitely a big upgrade from any of Katie’s guys,” the source added. “[There] was so much excitement about a lot of them.”
According to Reality Steve, the blogger has reason to believe Young’s season ended successfully with an engagement.
“The Bachelorette” premieres Tuesday, Oct. 19, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
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