The eighteenth season of The Bachelor premiered on January 6, 2014. This season features 32-year-old Juan Pablo Galavis, a former Venezuelan professional soccer player from Miami, Florida. Galavis finished in seventh place on the ninth season of The Bachelorette featuring Desiree Hartsock. He is the first Latino lead. The season concluded on March 10, 2014, with Galavis choosing to pursue a relationship with 26-year-old pediatric nurse Nikki Ferrell. They ended their relationship in October 2014.

The ninth season of The Bachelorette premiered on May 27, 2013. This season features 27-year-old Desiree Hartsock, a bridal stylist from Northglenn, Colorado. Hartsock finished in fourth place on season 17 of The Bachelor featuring Sean Lowe.