Key dates at a glance
The table below summarizes the core timeline for The Bachelor Season 22 starring Matt James.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Season | 22 | Official |
| Lead | Matt James | Announcement press release |
| Premiere date | March 5, 2018 | ABC press release |
| Taping location | Agoura Hills (The Hills) and Italy | Production reports |
| Filming period | Fall 2017 to early 2018 | Industry and news reports |
| Finale date | May 21, 2p.m. ET / 11a.m. PT | ABC schedule |
| Typical episode pattern | One episode per week, with two-part season finale | Standard franchise format |
What we mean by "start" for The Bachelor
The question "when does The Bachelor start" can refer to several moments: the premiere airing, when contestants begin filming, or when the rose ceremony first appears on screen. For Season 22, the widely reported air date is March 5, 2018. Taping usually begins months earlier in the fall, which is common for long-running franchises that plan edits and story arcs well ahead of broadcast.
Presentation and lead announcement
Matt James, a real estate entrepreneur from New York, was announced as the lead in September 2017. This was notable as the franchise’s first Black lead at the time, a milestone widely covered by entertainment and news outlets. The announcement was accompanied by carefully released photos and an official press statement from ABC.
Filming locations and schedule
Principal photography started in the fall of 2017, primarily in the Agoura Hills area, consistent with earlier seasons that use the same Hills house and surrounding locales for the initial weeks. Episodes then transitioned to an international location, which for Season 22 was Italy, a popular recurring destination on the show. This phased approach allows producers to capture both intimate rose ceremonies and high-production date sequences.
Episode-by-episode context for Season 22
After the premiere on March 5, 2018, new episodes typically aired on Monday nights at 8p.m. ET on ABC, with variations for holiday weeks or special two-hour episodes. Most seasons maintain a one-episode-per-week rhythm until the finale week, when condensed scheduling may occur. The Season 22 finale aired in late May, wrapping the season’s rose distribution and final one-on-one conversations.
Standard episode progression
- Week 1: Introduction and first impression rose ceremony
- Weeks 2–10: Group dates, solo dates, and elimination rounds
- Weeks 11–12: Hometown visits and family interactions
- Finale week: Final dates, last chance rose, and live finale
How to watch and access past seasons
ABC provides multiple ways to watch The Bachelor. New episodes aired on linear television on the dates listed in the schedule, and full episodes were available on ABC.com with Hulu subscriptions the day after broadcast. For ongoing access, past seasons rotate through the Hulu library, and you can purchase digital episodes from major retailers if you prefer permanent copies.
Reliable viewing options checklist
- Live or on-demand via Hulu with an active subscription
- ABC.com access with a TV provider login
- Digital purchase through iTunes, Google Play, or Amazon Video
- ABC app with cable provider credentials for authenticated streaming
Frequently asked questions
Below are concise, evergreen answers to common questions about start dates and timing for The Bachelor Season 22.
| Question | Answer | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| When did Season 22 premiere? | March 5, 2018 | ABC press materials |
| Who was the lead? | Matt James | Official announcement |
| Where was most of it filmed? | Agoura Hills, California and Italy | Production coverage |
| How long did filming last? | Approximately 8 to 10 weeks | Industry timelines |
| How often did new episodes air? | Weekly, typically Mondays | Standard schedule |
| When did the finale air? | May 21, 2018, at 2p.m. ET / 11a.m. PT | ABC schedule |
Why start dates matter for long-running franchises
For enduring shows like The Bachelor, knowing when a season starts helps viewers plan viewing routines, understand where a season sits in the franchise timeline, and contextualize casting choices and story arcs across years. The March 2018 start for Season 22 places it between Seasons 21 and 23, fitting the show’s annual cycle that has largely held to a winter-to-spring premiere pattern since its early years.
Bottom line
Season 22 of The Bachelor, led by Matt James, premiered on March 5, 2018, following the franchise’s typical weekly episode schedule. Taping began in fall 2017, and the season concluded in May 2018. If you’re looking to watch or reference this season, episodes are available via Hulu and digital platforms, with a consistent pattern that makes it easy to follow the show’s ongoing format.