Even though The Bachelor and The Bachelorette are currently on hiatus, the wide world of ABC's dating competition franchise will continue this summer with a new season of Bachelor in Paradise, but things will look different this time around as the producers aim to shake up the beloved format.
For starters, instead of taking place in Mexico, Bachelor in Paradise is moving to a Costa Rican resort and contestants will actually have their own rooms—with air conditioning! No more open-air hotels. Part of the reason for this change in locale and set-up is because season 10 of the spinoff series will also include contestants from The Golden Bachelor and The Golden Bachelorette.
In the Entertainment Weekly exclusive for the new season, it's implied that the older contestants will very much appreciate having shade and comfortable surroundings.
"We're going to make sure that they have their perfect Paradise to keep them rested and hydrated. There's plenty of shade and comfortable water temperatures to be had," says new showrunner Scott Teti.
Another reason behind these changes is that Bachelor in Paradise season 10 is trying to make things more "upscale" and "sexy" this time around. No crabs running around looking to pinch people at the Azura Beach Resort.
There is still a lot we don't know about the new season, which will debut this July, but it has been revealed that season 10 contestants will get a roommate, though they won't have to share bunk beds. By day, contestants will have the chance to luxuriate on the beach.
Apart from the main cast, EW also shares that bartender Wells Adams is confirmed to return alongside fan-favorite Bachelorette star Hannah Brown, who will offer "champagne before the rose ceremonies," along with checking in with everyone.
As for how the seniors from the Golden franchise will interact with the former Bachelor and Bachelorette stars, Teti hasn't fully divulged that info yet, saying simply that "this season is designed to encourage [people] to stay within their lanes. But yes, anything can happen in Paradise." Intriguing.
The first six of the contestants have already been announced and will include:
- Kat Izzo from The Bachelor season 27
- Zoe McGrady from The Bachelor season 29
- Hakeem Maulton from The Bachelorette season 21
- Jonathan Johnson from The Bachelorette season 21
- Leslie Fihma from The Golden Bachelor
- Gary Levingston from The Golden Bachelorette
And speaking of The Golden Bachelor, a new season will premiere on ABC this fall featuring bachelor Mel Owens, a 66-year-old former NFL player-turned-lawyer.
Don't fret about the status of the flagship series, Disney TV boss Craig Erwich has confirmed that the shows are just on a break as the producers want to ensure they continue to "meet the bar of excellence that the tradition of the show has set."
Bachelor in Paradise season 10 premieres on Monday, July 7, on ABC.