Introduction to the 2018 Bachelorette Season
The question “who is the new Bachelorette 2018” refers to the lead of Season 22 of The Bachelor, which aired in early 2018. This season introduced Becca Kufrin, a 28-year-old publicist from Austin, Texas, who was selected by ABC and franchise producers to headline the spring edition of the reality competition series. Her season premiered on April 2, 2018, and concluded with Becca choosing Garrett Yrigoyen in the finale. This overview covers her background, the season’s structure, key contestants, and how this year compared to recent adjacent seasons.
Becca Kufrin: Background and Age at the Time
Personal and Professional Background
Becca Kufrin was born on April 1, 1990, making her 27 at the start of filming and 28 during the finale in 2018. She grew up in Prior Lake, Minnesota, and earned a degree in mass communication from Drake University in Iowa. Before appearing on The Bachelor, she worked in public relations and brand communications in Austin, Texas. Her professional focus centered on lifestyle and consumer brands, which aligned with the show’s interest in a relatable, career-driven lead.
Selection and Production Context
Becca was selected through ABC’s standard casting pipeline, which includes open calls, agency submissions, and producer interviews. Producers described her as personable, media-savvy, and capable of carrying a multi-camera narrative across 10–12 weeks of competition. Her season was filmed primarily in California, with visits to Minnesota and international travel to Thailand and Portugal. The production schedule ran from late 2017 into early 2018, with editing and post-production extending into March to meet the April premiere.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Becca Kufrin | Official press release |
| Age at Premiere | 27 (turned 28 during finale) | Network bio |
| Hometown | Prior Lake, Minnesota | Biography compilations |
| Profession | Publicist / Brand Communications | Entertainment news profiles |
| Season Air Dates | Premiere: April 2, 2018; Finale: May 28, 2018 | ABC schedule archives |
| Winner | Garrett Yrigoyen | Episode finale recap |
Contestants and Key Relationships
Becca’s season featured a mix of career-focused and romantically motivated suitors. Among the men, Garrett Yrigoyen, a tech entrepreneur from California, progressed to the final two and ultimately won. Other notable contestants included a fitness trainer, a grad student, and a software salesman, each bringing distinct dynamics to the group dates and cocktail parties. The season also included a same-sex friendship pairing, which added a modern twist to the traditional one-on-one date format.
Notable Dates and Turning Points
- Week 1: Season premiere cocktail party; early connections formed.
- Week 3: First one-on-one date in Santa Barbara; Becca opened up about career goals.
- Week 6: Hometown visits; meeting parents in Prior Lake added narrative depth.
- Week 9: Fantasy Suite decisions narrowed the field to final three.
- Finale: Becca chose Garrett over Bryan, publicly citing emotional availability and alignment.
Production Details and Filming Locations
Season 22 continued the franchise’s pattern of mixing domestic and international locales. Domestic shoots included Los Angeles, where many cocktail parties and conflict episodes were filmed, and Minnesota, for hometowns episodes. International travel took the contestants to Thailand for a beachside segment and to Portugal during the final week. Production design emphasized upscale yet approachable settings, supporting the narrative of a modern professional navigating romance under scrutiny.
Critical and Viewer Reception in 2018
Initial reviews focused on Becca’s relatability and the season’s balanced pacing. Audience metrics showed steady ratings through the season, with the finale drawing strong viewership in the 18–49 demographic. Social media engagement peaked during the hometown and Fantasy Suite episodes, with fans debating pairings on Twitter and fan forums. Critics noted that this season reflected broader trends in reality television toward more candid emotional exploration.
Legacy and Comparison to Adjacent Seasons
Becca’s season is often positioned between the high-profile arrivals of 2017 and 2019, serving as a bridge in the franchise’s evolution. Compared to the outgoing 2017 season, 2018 emphasized clearer emotional intentions, while the incoming 2019 season introduced a slightly more comedic tone. Over time, the 2018 narrative has been remembered for its mid-season adjustments and the chemistry between Becca and Garrett, setting precedents for how later seasons handle long-distance commitments and public relationships.