Bachelor in Paradise is back for its 10th season. After taking a summer off, our favorite former Bachelor and Bachelorette contestants have traded in their usual vibrant, sandy beachfront retreat in Mexico for the serene Azura Beach Resort in Costa Rica. The show’s budget clearly got a major upgrade, and it’s probably to compete with the internet’s favorite: Love Island.
Love Island Ripoff?
Now, there’s air-conditioned private rooms, a swim-up pool bar, lawn games, and high-definition cameras (paired with some bizarre editing choices). I’m already missing the cheesy intro singalong to the ’80s hit “Almost Paradise” and the low-quality production that once made Paradise a hot summer must-watch.
If the boujee villa wasn’t enough to convince viewers that the franchise is trying to copy Love Island, the format changes might do it. Host Jesse Palmer introduces an “Informational Exercise,” which is basically a family-friendly version of Love Island’s “get to know the islanders” games. The trailer also teases games that will test relationships outside of established couples, and there’s even a cash prize offered at the end to determine if anyone’s connection is actually real.
For a show that promises engagements after about three weeks, these additions feel just a little too competition-esque.
Who we all know, love, and hate
Once you get past all the shiny upgrades, the show still feels pretty familiar. After all, the real draw is the cast: we already know their quirks, red flags, and dramatic backstories from previous seasons.
The three-hour premiere (why it was so long, nobody knows) introduced 16 contestants. Welles Adams is back as both bartender and the villa’s hilariously sarcastic voice of reason. He’s joined by Hannah Brown (Season 15’s Bachelorette), who’s supposedly in charge of the “Champagne Lounge.” We haven’t seen it yet, but I have a strong feeling it’s just another unnecessary gimmick.
After an hour of intros, the mingling finally begins.
Spencer (Jenn’s Season), a self-proclaimed “yapper” who turns pet photos into art for a living, was the first to arrive. Right behind him was no-drama-llama Alexe (Joey’s Season), whose bubbly energy catches the eye of the ever-so-charming “medium king,” Jonathon (also from Jenn’s Season). He also flirts with Kat (Zach’s Season). Remember the girl who threw a birthday cake into the waves at Playa Escondida? Yeah, that’s her.
Surprisingly, Kat already seems more mature this time around. I can actually see her redeeming herself, but don’t take my word for it.
Someone who’s not fooling anyone with a redemption arc is Sam. He’s still too egotistical to convince me he’s changed at all since Jenn’s Season. He claims he’s keeping “the main thing the main thing,” but still no one seems to know what that actually means.
Then there’s Brian (also from Jenn’s Season), a Long Island-turned-Floridian Italian whose slicked-back hair and gold chains basically scream red flag. Somehow, he ends up cozying up to Zoe, the misunderstood finalist from Grant’s Season. That pairing caught me off guard, but hopefully, it won’t last.
The most extravagant entrance goes to Dale, who literally sails onto shore on a catamaran. The girls fawn over him— sweat marks and all. To each their own, I guess.
But let’s not forget about Dale’s past: his engagement to Bachelorette Clare Crawley (after only four episodes) ended very messily.
Now 36 (which is basically ancient in Bachelor years), Dale arrives with a date card and invites Kat to sail off to a private island. They cuddle up for a makeout session, despite Kat being on the verge of seasickness. So romantic.
Back at the villa, couples solidify their early connections with a few kisses, giving the girls a bit more clarity as they prepare to hand out the roses, since they have the power this week.
In the end, four men are sent packing, including Sam (thank God).
More to come
The premiere may have been a little vanilla—low on drama and featuring an actual argument over whether the word “vanilla” is offensive—this season is still bound to deliver.
We’ve got cheeky date nights, exes showing up, potential engagements, and a whole lot of tears on the horizon. And let’s not forget: the Goldens arrive next week to shake things up in the villa.
What could possibly go wrong?
