‘The Bachelorette’ Celebrates 200 Episodes, Shares A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Michelle Young’s Season

The Bachelorette is celebrating a major milestone. Yesterday (August 30), Warner Bros. Unscripted Television cheered on the show’s 200th episode in the midst of filming Michelle Young’s upcoming Season 18, sharing a photo of the current Bachelorette posing with hosts Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe beside a large celebratory cake covered in the franchise’s trademark red roses.

The Bachelorette was originally launched as a spinoff to The Bachelor in 2003, and was hosted by Chris Harrison until recently. The longtime Bachelor Nation figure announced he would be temporarily stepping down as host back in February, following backlash for his defense of Bachelor contestant Rachael Kirkconnell’s past racist actions. He later confirmed his departure from the franchise in June, with former Bachelorettes Adams and Bristowe taking over as the hosts of both Katie Thurston’s and Young’s Bachelorette seasons.

Young was the runner-up on Matt James’ Bachelor season, and the Minnesota teacher became a fan-favorite along the way. During the season’s After the Final Rose special in March, it was announced that both Young and Thurston would be Bachelorettes this year. Thurston’s Season 17 aired throughout the summer, while Young’s season is scheduled to premiere on ABC on October 19.

“I was a little nervous, but once I found out that it was two different seasons, I was here for it,” Young said at the time. “I’m excited that I get to have somebody to bond over with this and share notes as we go. I really do think that this process works. When you can set down all these outside distractions and really dive in, I think you can learn a lot about somebody.”

Young is the third Black woman and third woman of color to become Bachelorette, following Rachel Lindsay and Adams. During a March interview with Good Morning America, she said she was ready to advocate for racial equity within her season.

“They know I’m going to push forward to make an impact in a positive way,” Young said. “And I think they’re kind of jumping on my train to do that with me.”

The Bachelorette Season 18 premieres October 19 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Where to watch The Bachelorette