The Bachelorette Could Face Major Changes Amid The Coronavirus Pandemic

The Bachelorette will face a major shakeup amid the coronavirus pandemic. Clare Crawley’s season is postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic that’s gripped the world. That doesn’t even include the countless movies and television productions that are on hold. The season, which will have the oldest Bachelorette in history, was supposed to begin filming on Friday, March 13 in time for its May 18 premiere.

Host Chris Harrison revealed in an interview with Entertainment Tonight that the premiere date has been pushed back. It’s still soon to tell when the show will resume filming. ABC is looking into a new format for the season to keep viewers entertained during this time. Here are some details on Season 16 of The Bachelorette.

Production is currently on hold. However, Reality Steve reports that producers are looking to film at a resort for five weeks in July and August. The season should premiere some time in September if everything falls in place. Production would rent out the resort to film everything, from introductions to the final rose. That means no hometown dates or trips. In addition, everyone involved with the show will be tested for coronavirus prior to the start of filming.

The 32 men competing on Clare’s season were announced on The Bachelorette’s Facebook page on Tuesday, March 10. Of course, not all of them will make the cut. The show usually cuts off at 30. Some of these men could end up as Clare’s fiancé. Although casting is still happening since most men may not be available by the time filming starts. The photos didn’t include full bios, just ages, hometowns, and names. Neither Clare nor fans can get to know men before the season starts.

The oldest guy on the list is 42 years old, while the youngest is 23 years. The average age is mid-to-late 20s. Clare has no issue with dating younger men. However, she has asked ABC to recast her group of men. Maybe she’s not impressed?

Clare first appeared on The Bachelor back in 2014. She came in second and told infamous Bachelor Juan Pablo Galavis off when he disrespected her feelings during the finale rose ceremony. She then appeared on the first and second seasons of Bachelor in Paradise in 2014 and 2015, and then Bachelor Winter Games in 2018. Clare will be 39 during the Bachelorette filming, making her the oldest lead in history.

The Bachelorette Season 16 should air sometime in the fall season. In the meantime, The Bachelor: Listen to Your Heart airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.