The next Bachelor is Sam Hartman, a 27-year-old quarterback in the Washington Commanders organization. ABC revealed him as the lead of Season 30 on Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, during a live appearance on Good Morning America. The new season premieres Sunday, March 21, 2027, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, ending a hiatus of nearly two years for the flagship series.
Who Is the Next Bachelor?
Hartman is a Charlotte, North Carolina, native who made his name in college football. He spent five seasons at Wake Forest before finishing his college career at Notre Dame. He holds the ACC record for career touchdown passes and for 300-yard passing games.
He signed with the Commanders as an undrafted free agent in 2024 and has spent most of his pro career on the practice squad. He is listed on that squad now.
ABC’s announcement framed him as a pro athlete ready to “find his forever teammate.” Fans may also recognize him from the docuseries QB1: Beyond the Lights, which started on Netflix and now streams on Tubi.
How Hartman Reacted to Being Named the Next Bachelor
Hartman appeared on GMA hours after the Commanders’ Thursday night win over the New York Giants. He was candid about his nerves. People reported that he joked about struggling to hold a conversation with one woman, let alone a full cast of contestants.
He also admitted he was skeptical at first. A conversation with franchise host Jesse Palmer, himself a former Bachelor and ex-NFL quarterback, helped change his mind. Hartman said his parents encouraged him to be himself and trust his instincts.
When Does the Next Season of The Bachelor Start?
Season 30 premieres Sunday, March 21, 2027, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. ABC confirmed the date on Nov. 6, a week before naming Hartman.
The date carries some firsts:
- Season 30 is a milestone: the franchise has run since 2002.
- It is a new night: Deadline reported that this is the first time the show has moved to Sunday nights.
- It is a long wait: the last Bachelor season, starring Grant Ellis, aired from January to March 2025.
Premiere night also falls on the first Sunday of spring, so expect ABC to promote it heavily through the winter.
Where to Watch The Bachelor Season 30
Episodes air live on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Sundays. Each episode is expected to stream the following day on Hulu, per the People report, which matches how the franchise has been handled in recent years.
Viewers with a live-TV streaming service that includes local ABC can also watch in real time. Those in the Washington, D.C., market may see extra local interest, given Hartman’s Commanders ties.
Why This Bachelor Announcement Is Different
Historically, the Bachelor is chosen from the previous season’s Bachelorette cast. That pipeline broke in 2026, when ABC canceled Taylor Frankie Paul’s season of The Bachelorette just days before its scheduled March premiere. The decision followed the publication of 2023 footage showing a domestic dispute involving Paul.
With no Bachelorette season to introduce a leading man, ABC went outside the franchise. Hartman is the first Bachelor in recent memory to come from the world of professional sports rather than from a previous season of the show.
What We Know and What We Don’t Know Yet
Confirmed by ABC:
- Sam Hartman is the lead of Season 30.
- The premiere is March 21, 2027, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
Reported but not confirmed by ABC:
- Longtime franchise insider Reality Steve reported that filming was expected to begin in January 2027, a tighter turnaround than usual.
Still unknown:
- The cast. ABC has not announced the women competing for Hartman. These reveals typically arrive in the weeks before a premiere.
- Filming locations and dates. No details have been released.
- How filming will fit with Hartman’s football career. The network has not addressed his NFL status during production.
- Whether other franchise shows will return. Bachelor in Paradise has been renewed for an 11th season, listed for summer 2027, but there is no confirmed date.
What to Watch Next
Over the coming weeks, the biggest developments to follow are:
- The cast announcement. ABC usually releases contestant names and bios before a premiere.
- Official trailers and promos. A first look at Hartman in the role is likely to arrive during the winter.
- Reports on production. Any filming news will be the first sign of how the compressed schedule is playing out.
Until then, readers should treat unofficial casting leaks and spoilers with caution. Only announcements from ABC are confirmed.
Season 30 at a Glance
- Lead: Sam Hartman, 27, NFL quarterback
- Premiere: Sunday, March 21, 2027, at 8 p.m. ET/PT
- Network: ABC, with next-day streaming on Hulu
- Host: Jesse Palmer
- Previous Bachelor: Grant Ellis (Season 29, 2025)
Are you Team Hartman, or do you think an NFL quarterback is the right fit for The Bachelor? Share your thoughts in the comments and check back for every update as Season 30 gets closer.