After watching almost an entire season of Peter, aka Pilot Pete, on Hannah Brown's season of 'The Bachelorette,' it was evidently clear to Bachelor Nation that he was a front runner for the next bachelor. He wasn't the only contestant Hannah sent to the exit limos that America wanted to see more of, though.
According to incessant Twitter rumors and ABC announcements immediately after the final rose in 'The Bachelorette,' other men who were debated for this lead role as the bachelor were Tyler Cameron and Mike Johnson.
As soon as Hannah's season was over, America shared their interest and consideration in having Tyler become the bachelor. Tyler Cameron was on Hannah's season as well, where he made a lasting impression because of his charming romantic speeches and catchy dance moves. In fact, Tyler successfully made it to Hannah's final two and got to meet her family. Although he was undeniably a fan favorite, Tyler could not have been the bachelor.
In the "After the Final Rose" episode, Hannah Brown (already broken up with Jed Wyatt, her ex-fiancée) took advantage of her moments of fame on camera with Tyler and confidently asked him out for drinks off-camera, for all of America to see. It is because of his answer, "yes," said with no anticipation, that Tyler would probably not have moved on so quickly in order to become the bachelor a few weeks later. Additionally, when Hannah and Tyler didn't work out, rumors of him sneaking around with celebrity, Gigi Hadid were spread and confirmed.
Mike Johnson, also a contestant on Hannah B.'s season, may have not made it as far as the top two, but Bachelor Nation is still obsessing over him. Mike was remembered for his bright smile and gentleman ways. He had the utmost respect for Hannah, even when he was sent home. ABC acknowledged America's love for him and disappointment when he left the season, so they asked him to join 'Bachelor in Paradise,' and he did. It is because of this, though, that Mike Johnson probably could not have been suited for the bachelor this time around. It has been done before, with Nick Viall for example, but it is definitely uncommon for a "BiP" contestant to be announced the bachelor for the airing season of 'The Bachelor' immediately after.
In favor of many, ABC decided to choose Peter as their top pick. Peter is the oldest of the potential runners, giving him a slight advantage of experience and maturity. He has a steady career as a pilot, which may have pioneered many of the women on his season's pickup lines on night one, but also makes him a well-suited potential husband at the end of this. Peter takes family very seriously, which we have already seen lots of just a few weeks into this season. Although he may not fit the bachelor stereotype of having the most tone muscles and smoothest ways with girls, he has a unique, genuine personality that is rarely found on reality TV shows like this one.
