Who would you give the first impression rose to?
As the countdown begins for Season 17, ABC just released a sneak peek at the 34 potential contestants who might have the chance to vie for the next Bachelorette’s heart.
“We are giving you an early look at the men who may be on this season of ‘The Bachelorette’!” the network shared in a Facebook post.
ABC announced that Katie Thurston would be the next leading lady at the end of the “After the Final Rose” special on March 15. Matt James ultimately decided they weren’t the right match in Episode 6 of Season 25 of “The Bachelor.”
Thurston became an instant fan favorite on James’ season for her bold and outspoken personality. Straight out of the limo, she did, of course, meet James with a vibrator in hand. So, now, how can her men top that?
The group of potential suitors consist of men ranging in age from 25 to 36. And after a contentious previous season — in which James ultimately dumped his final pick amid a race controversy — the lineup appears to emphasize diversity where previous seasons have failed. ABC has previously expressed to The Post that efforts to “foster a diverse and inclusive culture” are ongoing.
An early look at who might be on the new season of “The Bachelorette” may point to that. Here’s a look at some of the men teased in the show’s Facebook gallery.
There’s one that might look familiar: Bachelor Nation instantly recognized that Karl Smith, 33, was supposed to be cast on Clare Crawley’s season of “The Bachelorette” but ultimately didn’t make it on.
Some are already hoping he’s here for the right reasons. “Karl was supposed to be on Clare’s season I think! He looks familiar. Why does he keep coming up? He better be a good guy or I’ll be pissed,” one comment reads. While other fans believe he resembles Ivan Hall, who came in third place on Tayshia Adams’ season.
Fans are also comparing contestant Quartney, 26, from Arlington, Texas, to Dale Moss, Crawley’s winner.
Comments such as “Does he look like Dale, or is it just me” and “Too much Dale vibes” are flooding the post.
Thurston, a 30-year-old bank marketing manager from Renton, Washington, is currently quarantining in New Mexico before shooting her season. She said she’s excited to start her journey to find her perfect suitor.
“I’m ready to find love, and not just, like, the temporary kind. I’m talking forever, my husband, and I’m in a place in my life where I feel like I’m the best version of me,” Thurston said in an interview with “Good Morning America” on March 16. “Honestly, I’ve seen it work before, why can’t it work for me?”
According to her “Bachelorette” bio, Thurston is looking for a “mature man who has ambitions to succeed in everything he does, both personally and professionally.”
Take notes, men! “Nothing turns her off more than someone who sits around playing video games all day or a man who tries to kiss her at the inopportune moment . . . it’s all about creating the right vibe with Katie,” said her bio.