A gay The Bachelor season might finally be in the works after Colton Underwood came out Wednesday (14 April).
While stars of The Bachelor and its spin-offs have come out as queer after airing, and Demi Burnett and Kristian Haggerty decided to get hitched at the end of Bachelor in Paradise, the franchise has yet to see a dedicated LGBT+ season.
But Underwood’s coming out story reportedly “moved” a “number” of the reality television show’s producers to consider a “gay Bachelor season”.
“Our sources say the bigwigs on the show haven’t weighed in and there has been no formal discussion, but creative ideas for TV shows typically begin with shop talk among producers and other staff, and that’s happening now,” TMZ reported.
TMZ added that Bachelor staffers “cheered” when Underwood, 29, told Good Morning America journalist Robin Roberts that he’s gay.
The Bachelor fans clamour for LGBT+ season starring Colton Underwood
This was later publicly echoed by the show’s host, Chris Harrison, who broke his month-long break from Instagram to congratulate the former NFL tight end and leading man of the show’s 23rd season.
“Very proud of you today Colton Underwood,” he wrote in the caption.
“Happy to see you stand up and openly live your truth. You have my love and support my friend.”
Bachelor fans were also quick to call on ABC to consider an all-queer season in light of Underwood’s revelation.
This should have happened years ago. But I would say NOW is the perfect time for a gay season of The Bachelor.
— Austin Winsberg (@austinwinsberg) April 14, 2021
Does this mean we finally get a gay season of the bachelor or WHAT pic.twitter.com/QEBIJ5d51Q
— Shannon Woodward (@shannonwoodward) April 14, 2021
Okay, but like, can we have a new season of @BachelorABC with @colton ?? Where do I apply??!! https://t.co/UjDRwz2htJ
— Dr. Anthony Peddle (@DrAMPeddle) April 14, 2021
I hated Colton’s season of The Bachelor but now that he’s out we should let him give it another go and find love with a man
— victoria (@victoriakusy) April 14, 2021
While it remains unclear whether Underwood would consider returning to The Bachelor as an openly gay man, he has already secured a Netflix show about his life out of the closet, according to reports.
Multiple sources have told the press that Underwood will star in a programme about him being “eased” into life as a gay man. Gus Kenworthy, the gay Olympic skier, will be Underwood’s “gay guide”, one source described.
The pair were spotted by eagle-eyed New Yorkers walking away from the historic Stonewall Inn earlier this week.
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