Poor me a drink, Wells, I'm ready to sit down and watch Bachelor alums get drunk on a beach. Bachelor in Paradise Season 7 finally set a premiere date, and it's the news I've been waiting for all panorama. ABC announced on Wednesday, April 7, that the new season will hit our screens Monday, Aug. 16.
In addition to BiP's premiere date, ABC also announced that Katie Thurston's Bachelorette season will premiere on June 7, with Michelle Young's season still set for later this year. BiP will begin filming in June, according to Us Weekly, but an official location has not been announced. While traditionally the show shoots on a beach in Mexico, odds are the pandemic will force production to relocate, likely to a tropical resort in the U.S. It'll be sad to say goodbye to Mexico, but, as any member of Bachelor Nation knows, what happens in Mexico never stays in Mexico. The setting doesn't really matter as long as there's sun, water, alcohol, and singles who are ready to mingle.
Another key detail that remains unknown at the moment is the identity of the BiP host. An ABC rep told TV Line that there would be "more details on Bachelor in Paradise at a later date," suggesting that the network is likely still deciding what to do following Chris Harrison's decision to temporarily step aside as Bachelor host. Harrison made the decision after a disastrous interview with Rachel Lindsay, in which he defended racially insensitive actions of Rachael Kirkconnell, and used language, like "woke police," that many felt dismissed Lindsay's valid concerns. It's already been announced that Harrison will not be returning to host Katie's Bachelorette season, with former Bachelorettes Tayshia Adams and Katilyn Bristowe taking over instead. But after that, it's all a big question mark.
If Harrison is going to make a Bachelor comeback, BiP would be a good place for it. It's traditionally the franchise he appears the least in. But, there are also plenty of other Bach alums who could step in. Wells Adams is the obvious choice. He's been playing bartender on BiP for a few seasons now, and remains a beloved member of Bach Nation. Or maybe one of BiP's most dramatic success stories, Ashley Iaconnetti and Jared Haibon, could come back to help others find love in Paradise.
Finally, of course, there's the question of who's going to Paradise this season. Since last summer's season was skipped due to coronavirus, the show has even more potential singles to choose from in casting. Recent Bach alums are already posting thirst-traps on Instagrams, making the case for their invitations to Paradise. But casting will be more exclusive than ever this year, with four full Bachelor/Bachelorette casts to choose from in addition to all other previous seasons. Will fan favorites from Peter Weber's season be knocked out in favor of Matt James' exes? (Cast Victoria F and Kelsea Weier, or we riot!) Or maybe Katie's men will blow Tayshia and Claire's exes out of the water? It's a valid concern.
All I know is, as long as Joe Park is there, I won't complain...much.
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Image: ABC/John Fleenor