In an era where “Love Island” and “Love is Blind” are cultural phenomena, “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” may seem like old hat. But the franchise is banking on a reinvention in 2026, and Coloradans have a chance to be part of it this month.
On Nov. 10, “The Bachelorette” will be filming in the Centennial State as Taylor Frankie Paul, of TikTok and “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” fame, embarks on her journey to find love. The show is currently seeking Coloradans to join Paul and her gaggle of suitors on a group date in Clark, Colorado, about 20 miles north of Steamboat Springs.
Filming is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 10. It’s unclear what exactly the cast will be doing there, but the show often features events, such as talent shows or pageants, that they film in front of a live audience. Those interested in participating must apply for tickets by emailing info@bachelornationaudience.com with specific information outlined at bachelornation.com/pages/audience.
Paul’s casting as the show’s lead is a significant departure from the norm of the 23-year-old franchise, which usually recruits personalities from past seasons to lead the new ones. It’s also notable because Paul, 31, is already a celebrity and mother of three whose past relationship tribulations have played out on both phone and TV screens. For example, “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” viewers know she was arrested during a domestic violence incident that played out in Season 1. Talk about potential for the most dramatic season ever.
The consensus in reality TV circles is that this crossover is an effort to bring eyeballs back to ABC’s once-a-hit show that has since been outdone by newer inventions like “Love Island.” It also makes sense because “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” is a Hulu production. Both Hulu and ABC are owned by Disney.
Season 22 of “The Bachelorette” premieres March 22, 2026. The last time the franchise was big news in Colorado was in 2022, when local nurse and former Denver Broncos cheerleader Gabby Windey was the star. Spoiler alert: It didn’t work out for her on the show, but she has since married comedian Robby Hoffman.