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ABC has some somber news for Bachelor Nation. Warner Bros., which produces ABC's The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, and the growing number of spinoffs, just announced production on season 16 of The Bachelorette with Clare Crawley is postponed due to novel coronavirus.
A spokesperson for Warner Bros. Television group shared in a statement per EW , "With the rapidly changing events related to COVID-19, and out of an abundance of caution, Warner Bros. Television Group is halting production on some of our 70+ series and pilots currently filming or about to begin. There have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on any of our productions, but the health and safety of our employees, casts and crews remains our top priority. During this time, we will continue to follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control as well as local officials and public health professionals in each city where our productions are based.
Reality Steve was already speculating the novel coronavirus would impact The Bachelorette. He tweeted , "The "Bachelorette" is set to begin filming tonight. As some1 who covers the show & whose income basically rests on this show being on air, w/ the current state we're in as a country and as much as it would affect my business, I don't see how this show can start filming tonight."
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The "Bachelorette" is set to begin filming tonight. As some1 who covers the show & whose income basically rests on this show being on air, w/ the current state we're in as a country and as much as it would affect my business, I don't see how this show can start filming tonight. RealitySteve (@RealitySteve)
It looks like he was right again, and Clare's crop of 20- and 30-something dudes won't be moving into the Bachelor Mansion just yet. She and her eligible suitors will have a bit more time to kill before their journey to find love begins.
It's still unclear if the Bachelorette production delay will also push the premiere date. Currently Clare is set to debut as The Bachelorette on Monday, May 18 at 8:00 p.m.