Ep 1. Debut

As the popular spin-off of The Bachelor, The Bachelorette debuted on January 8, 2003, with a season starring Trista Sutter as the leading lady. The first episode of The Bachelorette's inaugural season, named Debut, sets the tone for the drama-filled reality dating series.

Debut begins with a brief introduction from the show's host, Chris Harrison, who introduces Trista as the first Bachelorette and explains the rules and premise of the show. As Trista arrives at the gorgeous mansion where she'll be living and dating her suitors for the next few weeks, she talks about her experience on the previous season of The Bachelor and how excited she is to have the tables turned and be the one doing the choosing.

The episode quickly dives into the drama, with the 25 contestants stepping out of limousines one by one to introduce themselves to Trista and make a memorable first impression. From a firefighter to a cowboy to a man wearing a kilt, the bachelors showcase their personalities and romantic intentions in creative ways. Some offer Trista flowers, while others serenade her with their guitar skills.

As the night unfolds, Trista gets to know each of the contestants through one-on-one conversations and group interactions. Some make strong connections right away, while others struggle to stand out in the crowded field. Meanwhile, the contestants begin to size each other up and form alliances or become rivals for Trista's affection.

Debut also features the season's first rose ceremony, where Trista must choose which contestants she wants to keep around for another week and which she must say goodbye to. The ceremony is a tense affair, with the men anxiously awaiting their fate as they hold their roses. Ultimately, Trista cuts four of the 25 men, leaving 21 to fight for her heart in the coming weeks.

The episode ends with a sneak peek at the season to come, teasing a number of conflicts, dates, and romantic moments. As Trista reflects on the excitement and challenges of the experience, viewers get a sense of the rollercoaster ride that is to come.

Overall, Debut sets the tone for what would become a popular and enduring franchise, introducing viewers to the format and structure of The Bachelorette while also laying the groundwork for the drama and romance that would define the series. With Trista as the pioneering Bachelorette, the show successfully flipped the script on traditional gender roles in dating and launched a cultural phenomenon that continues to captivate audiences to this day.