ComScore

Grant Ellis Kicks Off ‘The Bachelor’ Season 29 with Explosive Premiere (& I Noticed Something Interesting About the Contestants)

This season feels different

the bachelor season 29 premiere age range
Disney/John Fleenor

Attention, Bachelor Nation fans: Grant Ellis’s season of The Bachelor finally premiered on ABC tonight. And let me tell you, I was pleasantly surprised by the season 29 contenders

As I was watching the premiere episode, I immediately noticed something interesting about the contestants’ ages when compared to past seasons. In season 29, the youngest women are 25 years old, and there are only two of them (Ella and Natalie). The rest of the contestants are older, with the majority of them falling in the 28 to 30 age range.

the bachelor premiere grant ellis
Disney/John Fleenor

In the past, the average age range has been much lower, with a heavy emphasis on early 20-somethings who often labeled the late 20-something contenders as “old.” At first, I didn’t think this difference would matter. But now that I’ve watched the first episode of season 29, I can confidently say that this season of The Bachelor will stand out among previous installments simply because the contestants are—dare I say—mature enough to get married.

the bachelor season 29 premiere age range
Disney/John Fleenor

I’m not saying that a 22 year old can’t be ready for marriage. Or that there will be no catfights in season 29 because the age range is higher. All I’m saying is there was a different vibe in the premiere episode that gives me hope for a promising season. 

The limo arrivals seem more genuine and less cheesy than past seasons (excluding Linda the llama and the wedding cake). The women are more established in their careers and financially independent. Of course, the episode did have a few cringe-worthy moments—like when Bailey pulled out a wig or when Parisa presented a PowerPoint. 

But for the most part, I have high hopes for Grant’s journey on The Bachelor

Want all the latest entertainment news sent right to your inbox? Subscribe here.



greta

Senior Editor, News and Entertainment

  • Writes and edits news and entertainment content
  • Specializes in breaking celebrity news, royal family coverage and TV show and movie recommendations
  • Has 9 years experience in entertainment coverage