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Almost Paradise! ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ Will Return in 2023: Season 9 Cast, Premiere Date
Almost paradise! Bachelor Nation fan favorites are headed back to Mexico for Bachelor in Paradise season 9.
A whole new batch of Bachelor and Bachelorette alums are set to spend summer 2023 at Playa Escondida in Sayulita, Mexico, for a second (third for some) chance at love.
Are there possible engagements on the horizon? Some of the hopeful singles have already shared they’re falling for each other!
Will ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ Return in 2023?
Yes, the fan-favorite Bachelor Nation spinoff series is set to return for a ninth season.
Last year, during season 8, two couples left the beach engaged, Victoria Fuller and Johnny DePhillipo and Brandon Jones and Serene Russell. Both have since called it quits since their romantic proposals aired.
Who Was Cast on ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ Season 9?
A few casting decisions dropped along with the official trailer before the entire cast was revealed. For instance, Brayden Bowers from Charity Lawson‘s current Bachelorette season will make an appearance on the beach.
Brayden, the villain of Charity’s season, was one of the first contestants confirmed to appear on Paradise and will embark on a love journey with Kat Izzo from Zach Shallcross’ season of The Bachelor.
Host Jesse Palmer shared a short clip of the spinoff’s upcoming season during the Men Tell All episode on August 14, giving fans a taste of what to expect this upcoming season.
In the footage, Kat admits that she “loves” Bayden’s “golden retriever energy,” while he claimed he “can see spending” his “life with” the fellow registered nurse.
Former Bachelorette star Rachel Recchia has also been confirmed to hit the beach after months of speculation. This is crazy getting a second chance,” she said in the season 9 trailer, appearing to kiss season 19 contestant Jordan Vandergriff oncamera. “I think things happen for a reason.”
When asked about appearing in Mexico before her casting was confirmed, the former Bachelorette was cagey with the details. “I don’t know,” Rachel teased while appearing on Kaitlyn Bristowe‘s “Off the Vine” podcast in April 2023 alongside her real-life roommate, Genevieve Parisi. “Something to think about in the future. Maybe. I mean, I’m still in the same spot. So, who knows.”
She continued, “If I ever went to Paradise, I would have to go down just like completely open-minded. I would have to really go down and be like I’m [going to] talk to whoever and give them a chance … even though everyone there would probably [already be] my ex-boyfriend.”
Rachel left her season of The Bachelorette engaged to Tino Franco. They split before the season 19 finale aired after admitted to cheating on her amid their engagement. If she heads to the beach, Rachel could possibly be reunited with her runner-up, Aven Jones, who reportedly will be traveling to Mexico for the summer, too. Will these two pick up where they left off? Eager franchise fans will have to wait and see.
Some stars have confirmed that they won’t be hitting the beach, however, including former lead Clayton Echard. And, despite telling Instagram followers that “enough leads” were heading to Mexico, Katie Thurston will make a surprise appearance alongside former fiancé Blake Moynes, who is also looking for another shot at love.
“I don’t think Blake’s going to be happy I’m here,” Katie is heard saying in the season 9 trailer, to which Blake quipped, “I don’t think there’s a worse scenario.”
On August 25, ABC finally confirmed the full cast lineup for Bachelor in Paradise season 9: Aaron Bryant, Aaron Schwartzman, Blake Moynes, Brayden Bowers, Brooklyn Willie, Catherine “Cat” Wong, Eliza Isichei, Greer Blitzer, Jessica “Jess” Girod, Katherine “Kat” Izzo, Kylee Russell, Mercedes Northup, Olivia Lewis, Peter Cappio, Rachel Recchia, Samantha “Sam” Jeffries, Sean McLaughlin and Will Urena. Of course, there could be some cast shakeups in classic Bachelor in Paradise fashion, but fans will just have to wait and see what happens.
Who Is Hosting ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ Season 9?
Jesse will return to the beach to host the show once again and exclusively told Life & Style that possible “love squares” will form on the white sand beach.
“It has been a very active beach – lots of movement. I think there were times last season where couples established really early and then [contestants] just rode the season through this year. There’s a lot of this going on,” the retired NFL star told Life & Style in June. “I would have a board with faces and a marker and, and that you can erase and just every week you’re gonna have to reshuffle your board because it’s a lot to keep track of.”
When Will ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ Season 9 Premiere?
The upcoming season will premiere on Thursday, September 28, from 9-11 p.m. ET. This season, fans will get their Bachelor Nation fix as Bachelor in Paradise will air right after The Golden Bachelor, which also premieres on September 28 at 8 p.m. ET.
