The Bachelorette Season 19 Release Date, Cast, And Drama - What We Know So Far

A fresh crop of men will be vying for roses on the forthcoming season of "The Bachelorette." Now in its 19th year, the spinoff of "The Bachelor" typically chronicles the dramatic journey of one woman as she chooses a fiancé out of 30-plus suitors. But for the first time in franchise history, the format is getting a major revamp.

Gabby Windey and Rachel Recchia, finalists on Clayton Echard's season of "The Bachelor," are both starring in Season 19 after their emotional rollercoaster in Iceland. They were heartbroken to learn that Clayton was physically intimate with the two of them, and also told both that he loves them. Then, when he decided to fight for Susie Evans, who pulled herself from the show, he sat Gabby and Rachel down and broke up with them at the same time. There was an outpouring of support for the women, who formed a close friendship through all of the heartache. 

It was revealed on the finale that they'd both get a second chance at romance. Host Jesse Palmer said, "At the end of the day, watching you both support each other in Iceland, and also how you have tonight, that is really the big reason why we decided to give you both a shot. You truly are deserving of this."

On "The Bachelorette" Season 19, these besties will be by each other's side as they attempt to find love once again. Let's take a look at everything we know so far about the historic upcoming season.

For the most part, the franchise typically follows a set timeline. "The Bachelor" airs at the beginning of January, followed by "The Bachelorette" in the spring, and "Bachelor In Paradise" in the summer. However, the schedule shifted in 2020 in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which means premiere dates are now more of a surprise to Bachelor Nation.

Straying away from its usual May premiere, "The Bachelorette" Season 19 is scheduled to hit ABC on Monday, July 11, at 8 p.m. EST. "Bachelor In Paradise" will then follow in the fall, according to an announcement by the network.

An official trailer for the season dropped in May, showing Gabby and Rachel in coordinated red, floral dresses. In a red convertible, which has "BFFS" as the license plate, Rachel says, "Get in loser we're going shopping," to which Gabby responds, "For a husband!" And the description for the season reads, "After unwaveringly supporting each other through a devastating dual breakup in the Season 26 finale of 'The Bachelor,' fan favorites and fierce women Gabby Windey and Rachel Recchia stand by each other's side yet again as they set out on a journey to find love."

As Gabby, 31, and Rachel, 26, navigate their dual quest to find love, Jesse Palmer is returning as host. After starring as "The Bachelor" on Season 5, he was brought on this year to host Clayton's controversial journey. Now, he'll be there as Gabby and Rachel get to know the guys. The cast was announced on June 7, with the group of 32 men, who range in age from 23 to 36, boasting a vast array of careers, hobbies, and interests. 

Brandan, 23, a bartender from Carlsbad, California, has a deep love for Disneyland, while 36-year-old Colin, a sales director from Chicago, Illinois, used to breakdance in high school. There's also a set of twins from Brookfield, Connecticut — 24-year-old Joey and Justin Y., who enjoy go-karting and salsa dancing, respectively. Other interesting cast members include Roby, a 33-year-old magician from Los Angeles, California who, according to his bio, wants to live in a home that has secret rooms. And then there's James, a 25-year-old from Winnetka, Illinois whose job is labeled as "meatball enthusiast."

While there are no pilots in the lineup, which is Rachel's career and passion, there is someone who shares Gabby's affinity for dogs: Ryan, 36, an investment director from Boston, Massachusetts, hopes to someday open his own dog shelter. He might catch her eye given the fact that her bio reads, "Whatever man captures Gabby's heart must also have room in their life for her four-legged friend because she and her goldendoodle, Leonardo, are a package deal."

It's impossible for an installment of the franchise to occur without drama. When 30-plus individuals are all vying to make the same person fall for them, things have a tendency to get ugly. While tensions will surely become high among the men, many fans fear that "The Bachelorette" will have a negative impact on the friendship of Gabby and Rachel. What happens if they like the same guy?

On Twitter, @BarstoolFran said, "I love Gabby and Rachel but there's no way this doesn't pit these two against each other. Every guy is gonna be asked the same question 'who do you like more!'" 

Producer Mike Fleiss cryptically responded, "Not true! You'll see..." In April, while filming was underway, Fleiss also tweeted a photo of the pair smiling at dinner. He assured fans, "See, no drama... Just two friends helping each other find true love!"

At this point, it has yet to be revealed exactly how the season will work. It may follow the setup of MTV's "Double Shot at Love with DJ Pauly D & Vinny," which saw the "Jersey Shore" friends date the same group of women. But given their different tastes, it worked well. There's also the possibility of Gabby and Rachel each having their own suitors. Whatever the format is, Fleiss promised, "This double Bachelorette thing is working great!!!"