archytele The Vault
Season guide

The Bachelor: Season 20

13 episodes Premiered Jan 3, 2016 Updated Oct 4, 2026

Bachelor Nation experienced heartbreak when fan favorite Ben Higgins, a charming software salesman, was sent home by Kaitlyn Bristowe on The Bachelorette after she left him without a rose. Although Ben envisioned a great life with Kaitlyn, it disappeared before him. Opening himself up to love on The Bachelorette had not been easy for Ben because he had been hurt in past relationships. However, knowing now that he is

Previously on The Bachelor

Season 20 Lore Primer

Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.

  • ⚡ A single bachelor dates multiple women over several weeks, narrowing them down to hopefully find his true love.
  • ⚡ Ben Higgins was a fan-favorite contestant and software salesman on The Bachelorette.
  • ⚡ Ben was previously sent home by Kaitlyn Bristowe on The Bachelorette after not receiving a rose.
  • ⚡ Ben has experienced hurt in past relationships, making it difficult for him to open himself up to love.
Advertisement

Season overview

Bachelor Nation experienced heartbreak when fan favorite Ben Higgins, a charming software salesman, was sent home by Kaitlyn Bristowe on The Bachelorette after she left him without a rose. Although Ben envisioned a great life with Kaitlyn, it disappeared before him. Opening himself up to love on The Bachelorette had not been easy for Ben because he had been hurt in past relationships. However, knowing now that he is capable of both being in love and being loved, he is ready to put that heartbreak behind him. As the new journey begins, Ben embarks on a search to find his one true love, following the format of a single bachelor dating multiple women over several weeks and narrowing them down.

Advertisement
Season 20 Episodes

Episode Guide

🛡️ SPOILER SHIELD

Season 20 Progress Shield

Future titles & synopses blurred. Tap "Reveal" on any card to peek.
Binge Efficiency Engine

Season 20: Filler vs. Essential Canon

Filter episodes by narrative weight. Focus on essential mytharc and skip standalone side quests.

23%
77%
Mytharc (3): Crucial lore & season climaxes
Core (10): Character development & subplots
Side Quest (0): Standalone / filler
S20·E1 Mytharc

Week 1

Jan 4, 2016 · 90 min

Season 20 begins with 26-year-old Ben Higgins meeting 28 beautiful bachelorettes vying for his attention and for the first impression rose. Among the ladies are identical twin sist

S20·E2 Core

Week 2: Back to School

Jan 11, 2016 · 90 min

Ben takes 10 ladies back to school where they battle to become homecoming queen. Later, Ice Cube and Kevin Hart show up on a date; singer Amos Lee performs for Ben and a lucky bach

S20·E3 Core

Week 3: Soccer Date

Jan 18, 2016 · 90 min

Ben and Lauren B. fly over the mansion in a bi-plane, share a romantic dinner and enjoy a performance from country trio Lucy Angel. Next, 12 ladies are coached by soccer stars Alex

S20·E5 Core

Week 5

Feb 1, 2016 · 90 min

S20·E6 Core

Week 6

Feb 8, 2016 · 90 min

S20·E7 Core

The Bachelor At 20: A Celebration of Love

Feb 14, 2016 · 90 min

Ben and the six remaining ladies visit his hometown of Warsaw, Ind., where one lucky bachelorette is given a private tour by Ben. Later, Ben takes a date to Chicago's Wrigley Field

S20·E8 Core

Week 7

Feb 15, 2016 · 90 min

Ben goes on hometown dates to meet the families of the final four ladies. One family question the certainty of Ben's feelings and bring him to tears, and a concerned dad grills Ben

S20·E9 Core

Week 8

Feb 22, 2016 · 90 min

The Bachelor is an American reality television dating game show debuting in 2002 on ABC. For all seasons, the show is hosted by veteran television personality, one-time game show h

S20·E10 Core

The Women Tell All

Mar 7, 2016 · 90 min

Ben Higgins faces 17 of the bachelorettes he sent home as they discuss the season. Also: a sneak peek at the emotional final days of Ben's journey after telling two women he is in

Advertisement