By — Andrew Gillis, Associated Press Andrew Gillis, Associated Press By — Mallika Sen, Associated Press Mallika Sen, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/meet-the-new-bachelor-a-quarterback-for-the-washington-commanders Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Meet the new 'Bachelor,' a quarterback for the Washington Commanders Nation Nov 13, 2026 12:44 PM EST After a troubled year for "The Bachelor" franchise, the ABC reality dating show is going back to a familiar well: the NFL. The network announced Friday that Sam Hartman, a quarterback for the Washington Commanders, will be handing out roses on the 30th season of the show. Season 30 will premiere March 21, the network said in a statement. Hartman, 27, is a member of the Commanders' practice squad and has yet to play a regular-season game. He appeared Friday on "Good Morning America," shortly after the Commanders' win over the New York Giants on Thursday night. "I have a tough time holding conversation with one girl; 30 is going to be pretty tough," he joked to the hosts. He said his first reaction…
Meet the new 'Bachelor,' a quarterback for the Washington Commanders
In short
Sam Hartman, an active practice squad quarterback who has yet to play in a regular-season NFL game, accepted the television role following a personal conversation with host Jesse Palmer. The selection revives the franchise's historical pattern of casting football players, which includes past leads like Colton Underwood and Mel Owens. His debut arrives after the series remained off the air following the summer 2025 run of "Bachelor in Paradise." The network previously attempted an untraditional outside lead with Taylor Frankie Paul, though her season was ultimately scrapped before airing.
Key points
- The flagship dating franchise is returning from an extended production hiatus with its 30…: The flagship dating franchise is returning from an extended production hiatus with its 30th season premiere on March 21.
- ABC is pivoting away from familiar franchise alumni by tapping an active professional ath…: ABC is pivoting away from familiar franchise alumni by tapping an active professional athlete as the new romantic lead.
- The casting decision revives a recurring franchise tradition of featuring current and for…: The casting decision revives a recurring franchise tradition of featuring current and former football players in the central role.