The Bachelorette season 21 premiere: Recap and more details explored

The Bachelorette season 21 premiered on Monday, July 8. The hit ABC dating franchise made history by featuring its first Asian-American bachelorette, Jenn Tran.

Tran entered the show hoping to find true love and potentially her future husband. For the unversed, the show's format allows the single female to mingle with and date multiple men to see who she has the strongest connection with. The official synopsis reads:

"In her quest to find true love, a single woman gets a chance to date various men over a period of several weeks and decide whom she will marry."

The premiere showcased 26-year-old physical assistant Jenn meeting the men as they walked into the resort trying to make a good impression. After meeting all the contenders, Jenn gave her First Impression Rose to suitor Sam M. The two shared a kiss, the only kiss viewers saw throughout the episode. The episode also featured the elimination of seven men.

What happened in the premiere of The Bachelorette season 21?

The episode started with the introduction of the male suitors, vying for Jenn's hand. First came Marcus, the 31-year-old former Army Ranger, ready to settle down after five years of single life, followed by 28-year-old luxury event planner Marvin, whose appearance impressed Jenn.

Sam N., a 25-year-old bachelor from California, introduced himself as a "love virgin," taking Jenn by surprise. Coming from an Iranian family, he was uninterested in casual dating and looked for marriage. Next up was Grant, a 30-year-old day trader from Houston who tried to make a grand entrance by beatboxing his way to Jenn.

"It's nice to meet you. My name is Grant. We'll make all these guys so jealous. Because at the end of this show, we'll change your name to Mrs. Ellis," said Grant.

Sam M., a 27-year-old contractor from South California, was next. He said he was ready to find love again on The Bachelorette after his fiancee cheated on him, calling the experience the "biggest heartbreak" of his life. Thomas N. walked in next. The 31-year-old retirement advisor from Georgia impressed Jenn by gifting her a friendship bracelet that read his last name, "Nguyen." He hoped their love story could turn into a "Nguyen win situation."

30-year-old Brendan's "fiery" entrance left Jenn speechless after he consumed two hot peppers on his way to The Bachelorette. Next were 27-year-old Dakota, 35-year-old Kevin, 30-year-old "pet portrait entrepreneur" Spencer, 33-year-old Brian from Florida, and 27-year-old Matt, who offered Jenn a ginger shot that matched his hair's color.

Austin, 28, made an entrance with a fire extinguisher ready to call emergency services since Jenn looked "so fire." 28-year-old Ricky's inappropriate joke about the Bachelorette's body made her uncomfortable. 27-year-old Tomas A. brought puppies to win Jenn's heart. She appreciated his gesture and confessed that it would be difficult to top that.

Jonathan, 27, entered on a stretcher, covered in bandages, to showcase he was "lovesick." Next was Aaron, 29, who arrived on a motorcycle with a sidecar for Jenn. He confessed he was "cautious" around marriage since he had been married once before, but it did not survive.

Next was Jeremy, 29, who arrived in a red Corvette. 24-year-old Dylan followed, who was an aspiring medical student from California. 25-year-old John was another medical student, aiming to capture the bachelorette Jenn's heart.

The last segment of introductions included 28-year-old health and safety manager Brett, 25-year-old teacher Moze, 28-year-old startup founder Jahaan, 28-year-old freight company owner Devin, and 29-year-old medical device salesman Hakeem.

Sam M. was the first to interact with Jenn privately. He tried to lean in for a kiss, but the Bachelorette swerved. She confessed, "It didn't feel right," and wanted to know the person first. Tomas A. decided to play the game of Truth or Dare to enliven the ambiance. The first to do a dare was Austin, who had to "go streaking through the house." The men continued to play exciting dares and ask controversial questions.

Jonathan, who walked in covered in bandages, asked Jenn to unwrap his face, leading to the big reveal and impressing the Bachelorette. She said she liked what she saw and complimented him as "very hot." Brian interrupted Jenn and Jeremy's conversation inside the Corvette. Both men clashed over Jenn's time, but eventually Jeremy gave up, letting Brain take control.

"That was a bold move of you," said Jenn.

Devin believed he made a good impression on Jenn as they engaged in a lengthy conversation. Grant challenged Jenn to a game of hoops, hoping to get a kiss from her, but failed as Thomas N. stole her away.

After much contemplation, Jenn gave her First impression Rose to Sam M. He was the only suitor to get the Bachelorette's kiss. The first elimination included Brendan, Brett, Dakota, Kevin, Matt, Moze, and Ricky. At the end of the episode, Jenn announced that the safe contenders would accompany her to Melbourne, Australia. Having processed the elimination, the Bachelorette said: