A timeline of Colton Underwood on reality television!
If you watch a lot of reality shows, chances are that Colton Underwood has popped up on your screen! The former NFL player started his career in showbiz by competing on dating shows. Since then, he’s gone on to headline a lifestyle reality series, compete on physically-demanded shows, and even do a singing competition!
Over the years, Underwood really struggled to come out as gay, and didn’t do so until a 2021 interview with Good Morning America. But following his coming out, Underwood found love and got married to Jordan C. Brown, all while participating in various reality shows on different networks and streaming services.
Scroll through to see all the reality TV shows that have featured Colton Underwood.
‘The Bachelorette’ Season 14 (2018)
It all started with The Bachelorette season 14, led by Becca Kufrin, who had just gotten engaged to Arie Luyendyk Jr. on The Bachelor. However, Kufrin was completely subsequently blindsided when Luyendyk called it all off and chose another contestant from his season instead. So producers brought Kufrin back as the leading woman of The Bachelorette, and Underwood was one of the men vying for her love. In case you didn’t know, Underwood made it all the way to the final four in Kufrin’s season!
‘Bachelor in Paradise’ Season 5 (2018)
Bachelor Nation fans fell in love with Underwood after watching his story on Kufrin’s season of The Bachelorette. This prompted Underwood to be immediately cast in the 5th season of Bachelor in Paradise — which many fans believe was an experiment to “test him out” as a potential leading man for the franchise.
‘The Bachelor’ Season 23 (2019)
Despite not having the splashiest run on Bachelor in Paradise, Underwood was chosen to lead The Bachelor season 23. The marketing strategy for that season really focused on branding Underwood as “the virgin Bachelor” (in reference to Underwood’s throughline in the franchise that he was still being a virgin). The finale did not include a proposal from Underwood, but he did pick a winner and started a relationship with her after the show.
‘Coming Out Colton’ (2021)
Coming Out Colton was advertised a docuseries about Underwood’s path to self-discovery and his process coming out to family and friends. But this Netflix project definitely felt more like a lifestyle reality show in the vein of The Kardashians, following Underwood along in his day-to-day life.
‘Beyond the Edge’ Season 1 (2022)
CBS’ Beyond the Edge was advertised as a Survivor-like reality competition, but this time with celebrities! In the end, Underwood was the winner of Beyond the Edge season 1, beating out retired NFL linebacker Mike Singletary (who finished as runner-up).
‘Name That Tune’ Season 3 (2024)
Underwood appeared as a contestant in season 3, episode 16 of Fox’s Name That Tune revival. Hosted by the legendary Jane Krakowski, Underwood competed on this music-based game show alongside John Tucker Must Die actor Jesse Metcalfe.
‘The Masked Singer’ Season 14 (2024)
The Masked Singer is well-known for casting celebrities of all kinds — and most of them aren’t exactly phenomenal singers with powerhouse vocals. When season 11’s Lovebird was unmasked and revealed Underwood underneath the costume, judges and audiences alike were truly gagged.