The Bachelor franchise has been incredibly successful, spawning hits like The Bachelorette, Bachelor in Paradise, and The Golden Bachelor/Bachelorette. Now, fans of the franchise have something new to look forward to. A brand-new dating series, Are You My First?, is set to premiere on Hulu this August, with a provocative twist.

The show centers around a cast of single virgins hoping to find love, a premise that had already stirred mix reactions from reality TV viewers. But it’s not just the concept drawing controversy, it’s the choice of hosts. Bachelor Nation alums Kaitlyn Bristowe and Colton Underwood will co-host the series, though much of the backlash has been aimed at Colton, whose troubled past has resurfaced.

Hulu’s Brand-New Show Are You My First? Receives Mixed Reaction From Fans

Yet another dating reality show is heading our way this summer, but this one promises to be unlike anything we’ve seen before. According to Hulu, the platform set to premiere the series, Are You My First? is a bold new dating experiment that will bring together “the largest and hottest group of virgins ever assembled as they search for intimacy, love—and maybe their first—in a tropical paradise created just for them.”

” For the first time, they’re free to explore their connections without judgment, allowing these sexy young singles to embark on a heated yet heartfelt journey packed with romantic dates, revealing challenges, and new love interests eager to find “the one.” Who will find that special someone? And who will go home hot, bothered and heartbroken?”

The show is already receiving mixed reactions from viewers. Many are questioning whether it’s appropriate, or respectful, to frame virginity as a “twist” for a reality series. Others have criticized the underlying message, arguing that it places an unnecessary stigma on adult virginity and reinforces the idea that it’s something unusual or problematic.

“Between this and the Nick Viall show coming out on Netflix about age gap dating…. SMH,” a comment read under the Are You My First?” Instagram photo.

“I genuinely just questioned if if it was April 1st,” another person wrote. “THIS IS WEIRD AF,” another comment read.

However, others may appreciate the opportunity to watch adults navigate their emotional journeys with honesty and vulnerability. In fact, TLC recently premiered a series titled Virgins, which follows four adult virgins as they open up about their personal experiences with love, intimacy, and self-discovery. The show has received generally positive feedback. One review on its IMDb page reads:

“TLC’s “Virgins” tackles a sensitive topic with respect, though it suffers from typical reality TV over-production that affects its authenticity. Despite this, the series normalizes that sexual experience exists on a spectrum – virginity at any age is completely normal, and some people may never choose to have sex, which is equally valid. While the production choices may feel artificial at times, the show provides an important service to older virgin adults and helps society understand that many people share this experience. It creates important conversations about self-acceptance and societal pressure around intimacy. It’s refreshing to see media that celebrates diverse human experiences rather than perpetuating harmful stereotypes.”

Fans Outraged With Colton Underwood Co-Hosting The Show Given His Controversial Past

Are You My First? will be hosted by Bachelor Nation’s Kaitlyn Bristowe and Colton Underwood, but it’s the latter that has been receiving backlash from fans. Many have questioned why he’s being given another platform, pointing to his past with ex-girlfriend Cassie Randolph, whom he met during The Bachelor Season 23. Randolph previously accused Underwood of stalking behavior after their split in May 2020.

In September 2020, Cassie filed a restraining order against Colton after she had accused him of harassing her and sending her unsettling text messages, installing a tracking device on her car, and lurking around her home and her parents’ home. However, Cassie dropped the restraining order in November 2020 after Colton and Cassie were able to “reach a private agreement.”

“Today Cassie asked the court to dismiss the temporary restraining order against me. The two of us were able to reach a private agreement to address any of Cassie’s concerns,” he said. “I do not believe Cassie did anything wrong in filing for the restraining orders and also believe she acted in good faith. I appreciate everyone’s respect for privacy regarding this matter.”

In April 2021, Colton came out as gay during an appearance on Good Morning America. In an interview with Us Weekly, he shared that his actions towards Cassie were “a huge wake-up call” in which he realized he was not a straight man. Still, many have pointed out that this so-called “wake-up call,” which included allegations of stalking and harassment, should not be overlooked or excused.

“I’m sad that it even got to that point to where that had to be my wake-up call and me affecting other people in my life was sort of the moment that I realized I had to come out,” he told the outlet.

Many fans are not forgetting his actions towards Cassie. On the same Instagram photo, fans have brought up his past behavior: “Why are we still platforming a man who air tagged and stalked his ex gf to the point where she had to get a restraining order????”

Others wrote:

• “So we’re all still forgetting this Colton dude harassed and stalked his ex girlfriend but it’s cool just give him his own platform. wtf.”
• “Why are we giving this man a platform? He is a stalker!?

Before Colton was named The Bachelor for Season 23, he was a contestant on Season 14 of The Bachelorette with Becca Kufrin the lead. During his time on the show, he revealed that he was a virgin and ultimately made tabloid headlines. At the After the Final Rose special, Colton broke down in tears when he shared how people heavily criticized and made fun of him for being a virgin.

“You know being an athlete it’s something that I was ashamed of because it was so openly talked about, you know in our community. So I made up a lot of lies and I hid it and I was ashamed of it … People think I am less of a man because of that, that’s the hardest thing for me to hear,” he shared.

While Colton has faced significant backlash for being given this new platform, he does share some of the same experiences as the contestants on Are You My First?, and may be able to use that perspective to help guide them in making authentic choices and staying true to themselves.