Reactions to Matt James as 'The Bachelor' by Cast Members & Fans

(Image credit: ABC)

published 12 June 2020

The surprise announcement that Matt James will be ABC's next Bachelor—the first Black male lead in a show that has seen 40 franchise seasons in almost 20 years and just one previous Black lead (Rachel Lindsay)—has been met with surprise and delight by fans. Surprise, delight, and a touch of confusion, considering that Matt James is a newbie to the franchise, and usually the Bachelor has appeared on previous seasons (and is typically a fan favorite). But fans and cast members alike, many of whom recognize James as a member of Tyler Cameron and Hannah Brown's "Quarantine Crew," are thrilled about the news. Here's how people are reacting (spoiler: Tyler Cameron is pumped).

People Are Sad It Took This Long for a Black Bachelor

In all reality, Matt James being named the next Bachelor is a game changer. But it’s sad that it took 18 years and a petition to make it happen. #TheBachelorJune 12, 2020

For 18 years, @ABCNetwork devoid us of a chance to show millions of Karens & Amy Coopers that black men are just okay. This is deeper than us just wanting a black man as #TheBachelor; it’s about finally turning the tide of how black ppl are accepted by society. #ItsAboutDamnTime https://t.co/wm24N5S1JFJune 12, 2020

The Salmon Jacket Made a Return

Is it an Easter egg that @mattjames919 is in a salmon jacket for this announcement @TylerJCameron3? (Cc: @therealDBcoop) #TheBachelor <3 pic.twitter.com/wPSYMYV3ZqJune 12, 2020

Clare's Season Is Going to Be...Interesting

How in the HELL are the men on Clare’s season going to act when they realize none of them have a chance at being bachelor?!?!? 😂😂😂#TheBachelorJune 12, 2020

Fans Are Excited About the Fresh Face

'The Bachelor' casts Matt James as first black male lead https://t.co/j1n80XeQzUJune 12, 2020

People Are Hoping It'll Also Be Size Inclusive

And Yes, Clare's Season Will Still Air

For those asking, no, this has nothing to do with Clare’s season. She’s still the “Bachelorette” and from what I’ve heard, will begin filming in July. No start date for Matt James season has been announced yet.June 12, 2020

Remember This Cameo Matt Made?

People forget the new Bachelor, Matt James crashed a pizza review with @stoolpresidente. One of the better reviews out there. @BarstoolRia @BarstoolFran pic.twitter.com/nC5Mc7ycNtJune 12, 2020

Matt James, the newest Bachelor, once crashed a pizza review. pic.twitter.com/x9AcqJNv8oJune 12, 2020

Tyler Cameron Is Very Excited

...But Tyler Is Now Just "A Friend" of Matt's

Here’s a photo of your next Bachelor, Matt James.. and a friend. #TheBachelor pic.twitter.com/G8aMki7qcfJune 12, 2020

Hannah Brown Was Also Pumped

Jenny is the Digital Director at Marie Claire. A graduate of Leeds University, and a native of London, she moved to New York in 2012 to attend the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She was the first intern at Bustle when it launched in 2013, and spent five years building out its news and politics department. In 2018 she joined Marie Claire, where she held the roles of Deputy Digital Editor and Director of Content Strategy before becoming Digital Director. Working closely with Marie Claire's exceptional editorial, audience, commercial, and e-commerce teams, Jenny oversees the brand's digital arm, with an emphasis on driving readership. When she isn't editing or knee-deep in Google Analytics, you can find Jenny writing about television, celebrities, her lifelong hate of umbrellas, or (most likely) her dog, Captain. In her spare time, she also writes fiction: her first novel, the thriller EVERYONE WHO CAN FORGIVE ME IS DEAD, was published with Minotaur Books (UK) and Little, Brown (US) in February 2024 and became a USA Today bestseller. She has also written extensively about developmental coordination disorder, or dyspraxia , which she was diagnosed with when she was nine. She is currently working on her second novel.