Few reality TV shows have captured the hearts (and frustration) of audiences quite like The Bachelor. With over two decades of romance, heartbreak, and drama, the franchise has given us unforgettable moments—some incredible, some cringeworthy. As Bachelor Nation debates which seasons stand out, we’re diving into the definitive ranking of every season, from the least compelling to the absolute best.
28. Season 9 (Lorenzo Borghese)
ABC went international with an Italian prince, but this season was about as exciting as a history lecture. Lorenzo lacked charisma, the romance felt forced, and the only notable takeaway was future Bachelor Nation staple Erica Rose.
27. Season 6 (Byron Velvick)
This season had a promising twist with a face-off between Byron Velvick and Jay Overbye, but after that, things fizzled fast. The most interesting moment? Byron’s engagement to Mary Delgado—which eventually ended in the late 2000s.
26. Season 1 (Alex Michel)
The OG Bachelor gets credit for launching the franchise, but let’s be real: this season was tame compared to what came later. Alex picked Amanda Marsh over Trista Rehn, who went on to become the first—and arguably best—Bachelorette.
25. Season 8 (Travis Lane Stork)
Before he was a TV doctor, Travis was a Bachelor with all the excitement of a medical textbook. His romance with winner Sarah Stone was dead on arrival, ending immediately after the finale.
24. Season 10 (Andrew Baldwin)
A dreamy Navy officer? Yes. Memorable season? Not quite. The biggest takeaway was Baldwin’s brutal breakup with Peyton, which left her stranded on a runway—ouch.
23. Season 27 (Zach Shallcross)
Dubbed the “boring Bachelor,” Zach made it worse by breaking his own “no sex” rule during Fantasy Suites, then awkwardly fumbling the fallout. At least his finale provided some must-watch discomfort.
22. Season 12 (Matt Grant)
ABC thought a British accent would shake things up, but Matt Grant’s season was a dud. His relationship with Shayne Lamas had red flags waving from day one, and fans saw the breakup coming a mile away.
21. Season 19 (Chris Soules)
“Prince Farming” Chris Soules was charming but dull. His personality got overshadowed by contestant Ashley S., whose oddball antics stole the show.
20. Season 18 (Juan Pablo Galavis)
What started as a promising season with a single dad heartthrob quickly turned into a train wreck. Juan Pablo’s dismissive attitude and infamous “it’s okay” catchphrase made him one of the most disliked Bachelors ever.
19. Season 26 (Clayton Echard)
Clayton’s season was full of bad decisions, including keeping villain Shanae way too long and telling all three finalists he loved them. The chaos made for entertaining TV, but he was clearly in over his head.
18. Season 7 (Charlie O’Connell)
Charlie was refreshingly honest about being an actor, but his season didn’t leave a lasting impact. He avoided an engagement and eventually split from winner Sarah Brice.
17. Season 21 (Nick Viall)
Four-time franchise star Nick Viall was already overexposed when he got his turn as the lead. While Corinne Olympios and her cheese pasta antics provided entertainment, the season was largely forgettable.
16. Season 25 (Matt James)
Matt James had the pressure of being the first Black Bachelor, but his season was overshadowed by racial controversy. His romance with Rachael Kirkconnell was marred by revelations from her past, and host Chris Harrison’s exit made headlines for all the wrong reasons.
15. Season 16 (Ben Flajnik)
Ben’s season was doomed when he chose villain Courtney Robertson. Their engagement didn’t last, but his rumored post-show fling with Kris Jenner kept him in the tabloids.
14. Season 4 (Bob Guiney)
Bob was the first “average guy” Bachelor and became infamous for allegedly hooking up with the most contestants in franchise history. His season proved relatability could work—just not for long-term love.
13. Season 14 (Jake Pavelka)
Jake started as America’s sweetheart but ended up a villain after his disastrous split from Vienna Girardi. His angry, public breakup cemented this season’s place in Bachelor history.
12. Season 23 (Colton Underwood)
Colton’s fence jump after Cassie’s rejection was peak reality TV. He eventually won her back, but they later split. The biggest twist? Colton later came out as gay.
11. Season 2 (Aaron Buerge)
Aaron’s season gave us the first-ever Bachelor proposal, but his romance with Helene Eksterowicz ended quickly. The real drama was his shocking elimination of front-runner Gwen.
10. Season 3 (Andrew Firestone)
A rich heir looking for love? Yes, please! Andrew’s season felt like a fairytale, even if his engagement to Jen Schefft didn’t last.
9. Season 5 (Jesse Palmer)
Jesse was the first athlete Bachelor, and while his romance didn’t last, he made history as the only Bachelor to give a rose to the wrong contestant. Now, he’s hosting the show—full circle moment!
8. Season 15 (Brad Womack, Take 2)
Brad returned for redemption and found love with Emily Maynard. They didn’t last, but the season’s second-chance storyline made it compelling.
7. Season 24 (Peter Weber)
Pilot Pete crashed and burned with multiple messy breakups, his mom’s savage live-TV commentary, and an engagement that lasted about five minutes. A train wreck, but an entertaining one.
6. Season 22 (Arie Luyendyk Jr.)
Arie pulled a Jason Mesnick and dumped his fiancée Becca Kufrin on camera to get back with runner-up Lauren Burnham. Messy, yes, but undeniably compelling TV.
5. Season 11 (Brad Womack, The First Time)
Brad became the first (and only) Bachelor to reject both finalists. Love him or hate him, he made history.
4. Season 20 (Ben Higgins)
Ben broke the rules by saying “I love you” to both JoJo and Lauren, causing maximum heartbreak. He got engaged to Lauren, but it didn’t last. Still, his season was peak romance.
3. Season 17 (Sean Lowe)
Sean is the franchise’s golden boy. He actually married his winner, Catherine Giudici, making this one of the rare success stories.
2. Season 13 (Jason Mesnick)
The king of the Bachelor switcheroo! Jason chose Melissa, then changed his mind and picked Molly in a tear-filled live special. They’re still married today!
1. Season 22 (Arie Luyendyk Jr.)
It had everything: romance, betrayal, and a shocking on-camera breakup. Arie’s change of heart and eventual happy ending with Lauren make it the ultimate Bachelor rollercoaster.
