6 Bachelor Runner Ups Who Should Have Won

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5. Lindzi Cox

Ben Flajnik made jaws drop all around America when he selected Courtney Robertson over Lindzi Cox in the 16th season finale of the Bachelor. Courtney had become known as the real-life “mean girl,” calling other women “fatty” and “stripper” behind their backs. Bachelor fans were horrified during the finale, but relieved when their engagement was called off after only a few months. While there were accusations that Ben had been cheating on Courtney, Bachelor nation was certain that our beloved grape grower from California had just been played and could have lived happily ever after if he had only chosen Lindzi!

Craig Sjodin/ABC Television Group © 2011 Disney

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4. Tenley Molzahn

After being eliminated from Jillian Harris’ season of The Bachelorette, the world watched as pilot stud, Jake Pavelka, went on his own quest to find a fiancé on The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love. Unfortunately, fans were left aghast when he selected the most immature, catty contestant on board, Vienna Girardi. How could he possibly choose such a woman over the sweet and much loved Tenley? Tenley has gone on to be a Bachelor franchise staple, also appearing on Bachelor Pad and Bachelor in Paradise. And of course, Jake and Vienna split not long after their engagement. Vienna accused Jake of being a “fame whore”…maybe Tenley dodged a bullet!

James Atoa/Everett Collection

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3. Molly Malaney

Jason Mesnick was the beloved single dad that shocked Bachelor fans when he selected Melissa Rycroft over Molly Malaney. Molly was clearly better suited to Jason and his lifestyle. Luckily, Jason quickly realized the error of his ways and in one of the most awkward Bachelor moments ever, he broke up with Rycroft and begged Molly for another chance! All of the humiliation could have been avoided if only Jason had selected Mollie the first time round. I guess all’s well that ends well though. Jason and Molly married for fans to see on the Bachelor: Jason and Molly’s Wedding, and Rycroft has gone onto to marry and have a very lucrative television career.

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2. Trista Rehn

Trista was our first and most beloved bachelorette, but she landed the gig only after being rejected by Alex Michel, the first ever bachelor. We can’t help but feel bad for Michel on some level. He didn’t have the luxury of watching dozens of seasons in preparation for his role, and many process kinks of the show still needed to be smoothed out. But when he chose Amanda Marsh, hearts broke for Trista! Michel and Marsh didn’t end up taking the plunge, and fans were happy to see Trista move onto find true love with Ryan Sutter. But we can’t help but wonder what would have happened if Alex Michel had followed the advice we yelled at the television screen!

Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com

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1. Clare Crawley

Juan Pablo Galavis was the most villainous bachelor of all time, and while we wouldn’t wish him on anyone, fans were pretty shocked when he chose Nikki over Clare! Nikki was known as a bit of a mean girl and seemed to lack the maturity needed to be a step mom to Galavis’ daughter. On the After the Final Rose episode, Clare reclaimed her dignity by refusing to speak to Juan Pablo, saying that she had heard enough “bullsh*t” from him. Clare has been seeking love with the Bachelor franchise at every opportunity, and we’d just really like to see her find happiness!

Jessica Bowden