The essential episodes of The Bachelor

Watch these 12 in order and you've got The Bachelor — each pick states its reason.

1. 01S01E01

   S01E01 · Pilot · March 25, 2002 · 2h

   Week One (S1)

   The 25 beauties find themselves on parade at a dinner party in their honor. But as the soiree progresses, Alex must choose the 15 he'd like to get to know better.

2. 02

   S27E01 · Season 27 peak · January 23, 2023 · 2h

   Week 19.5

   Zach meets 30 women looking for love.

3. 03

   S27E02 · Top rated · January 30, 2023 · 2h

   Week 28.0

   Zach continues to carve his own path and decides to give each of the 20 women a chance to take the next step on their journeys to potential love; Zach takes off on a helicopter ride to his hometown for his first one-on-one date.

4. 04

   S27E03 · Top rated · February 6, 2023 · 2h

   Week 39.5

   During a crucial week, Zach takes two lucky women on jaw-dropping one-on-one dates featuring prehistoric creatures and a romantic musical performance.

5. 05

   S27E04 · Top rated · February 13, 2023 · 2h

   Week 48.0

   Zach begins his international journey to find love with a deep-sea dive and all-terrain vehicle adventure on the romantic beaches of the Bahamas.

6. 06

   S27E05 · Top rated · February 20, 2023 · 2h

   Week 57.7

   Zach and the remaining women head to London for another week of adventure; Zach is in a never-before-seen scenario which could drastically alter the journey ahead.

7. 07

   S27E06 · Top rated · February 27, 2023 · 2h

   Week 67.5

   Zach is making up for lost time in Tallinn, Estonia, where he tests the strength of one connection in a friendly local competition and steps out of his comfort zone at a nude sauna; an Estonian witch works her magic to help him find love.

8. 08

   S27E07 · Top rated · March 6, 2023 · 2h

   Week 77.0

   After a week of scenic overlooks, mystical mentalists and hot air balloon rides, Zach comes closer to finding the one.

9. 09

   S27E08 · Top rated · March 13, 2023 · 2h

   Week 87.0

   Zach returns to the United States and sets off on a cross-country adventure to meet the families of his four remaining women in their hometowns.

10. 10

    S27E09 · Top rated · March 14, 2023 · 2h

    The Women Tell All7.5

    Zach's former flames come together to address some of the season's most unforgettable moments and dramatic controversies; Zach enters the hot seat to answer questions and share a sneak peek of overnight dates; an announcement changes someone's life.

11. 11

    S27E10 · Top rated · March 20, 2023 · 2h

    Week 107.5

    Love is in the air when Zach and the final three women travel to Krabi, Thailand.

12. 12

    S27E11 · Top rated · March 27, 2023 · 3h

    Finale and After the Final Rose6.0

    Zach introduces Gabi and Kaity to his family; a live studio audience watches as Jesse Palmer sits down with Zach and his three final women to watch the emotional conclusion of his journey.