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Season guide

The Bachelor: Season 21

13 episodes Premiered Jan 1, 2017 Updated Sep 26, 2026

When Bachelorette Andi Dorfman said goodbye to Nick Viall just as he was preparing to pick out a ring for her, he was devastated. When Nick walked up to Kaitlyn Bristowe with an engagement ring in his pocket, only to be sent home, he was crushed. How could one man endure so much heartbreak? If you believe that "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger," Nick Viall, 36 from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is back stronger than

Previously on The Bachelor

Season 21 Lore Primer

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

  • ⚡ Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of The Bachelor Season 20.
  • ⚡ Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
  • ⚡ Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
  • ⚡ Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.

Season overview

When Bachelorette Andi Dorfman said goodbye to Nick Viall just as he was preparing to pick out a ring for her, he was devastated. When Nick walked up to Kaitlyn Bristowe with an engagement ring in his pocket, only to be sent home, he was crushed. How could one man endure so much heartbreak? If you believe that "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger," Nick Viall, 36 from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is back stronger than ever, ready and eager to begin his search for true love.

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Season 21 Episodes

Episode Guide

🛡️ SPOILER SHIELD

Season 21 Progress Shield

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Binge Efficiency Engine

Season 21: 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
S21·E1 Mytharc

Week 1: Season 21 Premiere

Jan 2, 2017 · 90 min

As controversial fan favorite Nick Viall starts his search for love, three popular former bachelors offer him support and encouragement.

S21·E2 Core

Week 2: Wedding Photo Shoot

Jan 9, 2017 · 90 min

One woman feels anxious about a secret from her romantic past with Nick. 12 bachelorettes dress up for a wedding shoot. The one-on-one date sees the couple taking a helicopter to

S21·E3 Core

Week 3: The Backstreet Boys

Jan 16, 2017 · 90 min

After sending Liz home, Nick tells the rest of the women about their past. Backstreet Boys announce to the seven women that they will be joining Nick on a group date. One-on-one d

S21·E5 Core

Week 5: New Orleans

Jan 30, 2017 · 90 min

The 13 remaining bachelorettes visit New Orleans, where Nick selects one lucky lady to accompany him on a date. Later, 10 women are chosen for a night of thrills at a haunted plant

S21·E6 Core

Week 6: St. Thomas

Feb 6, 2017 · 90 min

The nine remaining bachelorettes visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, where Nick learns the details of a dark-haired beauty's heartbreaking life. Later, a group date with six ladies goes

S21·E7 Core

Week 7: Bimini

Feb 13, 2017 · 90 min

All of Nick's relationships are called into question as the remaining women deal with Nick's admission that the process may not be working for him. Nick seeks council from Chris Ha

S21·E8 Core

Week 8: Hometown Dates

Feb 20, 2017 · 90 min

The stunning surprises continue on what should be four compelling hometown dates if Nick's journey continues.

S21·E9 Core

Week 9: Finland

Feb 27, 2017 · 90 min

A no-holds barred heart-to-heart conversation ensues with Nick's former bachelorette love, Andi Dorfman. After a painful rose ceremony, where Nick makes the gut-wrenching decision

S21·E10 Core

Week 10: Finland

Mar 6, 2017 · 90 min

The overnight dates with Rachel and Vanessa continue.

S21·E11 Core

The Women Tell All

Mar 6, 2017 · 90 min

Nick faces the women he previously rejected.

S21·E12 Mytharc

The Final Rose

Mar 13, 2017 · 90 min

Nick must choose between the final two bachelorettes.

S21·E13 Mytharc

After the Final Rose

Mar 13, 2017 · 90 min

Nick recaps the season in an interview with Chris Harrison.

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