Charity Lawson didn't come to play. When she was announced as the lead for The Bachelorette Season 20, fans were coming off a few years of chaotic, messy, and—frankly—exhausting seasons of the franchise. We had the double-lead experiment with Gabby and Rachel that felt like a fever dream. We had leads who didn't seem to know what they wanted. Then Charity stepped in. She was poised. She was a child and family therapist. She was, quite literally, the adult in the room.
It worked.
People think reality TV is only good when it’s a train wreck, but Charity proved that a lead who actually knows how to communicate can produce some of the most compelling television in years. The season wasn't just about roses and helicopters; it was a masterclass in emotional intelligence. If you weren't watching her handle Brayden Bowers' earring-clad ego with the precision of a surgeon, you missed out on one of the best character arcs in Bachelor Nation history.
The Men Who Defined The Bachelorette Season 20
The casting for this season was... interesting. You had the usual suspects. You had the guys who were clearly there for a Revolve partnership, and then you had the genuine contenders.
Let's talk about Brayden. Every season needs a "villain," but Brayden wasn't your typical malicious bad guy. He was just young, loud, and incredibly unsure of how the process worked. He wore those massive dangling earrings and moved fast. Charity gave him the First Impression Rose, which sent the house into a tailspin. Watching her navigate his insecurities versus her own feelings was a huge part of the early episodes. She didn't just cut him the second he became difficult. She tried to understand him. That’s the therapist in her. Eventually, even she had to admit that his "excitement" was actually just instability. He left, and the season breathed a sigh of relief.
Then you had the heavy hitters: Dotun Olubeko, Joey Graziadei, and Aaron Bryant.
Dotun vs. Joey: A Tale of Two Great Guys
Usually, the Final Two includes one guy the audience hates and one guy the audience loves. Not here. The Bachelorette Season 20 gave us two genuinely fantastic options. Joey, the tennis pro from Hawaii, was the "golden retriever" boyfriend. He was sweet, vulnerable, and had those eyes that seemed to look right into Charity’s soul. On the other hand, you had Dotun.
Dotun was different. Their connection felt cosmic. It wasn't just "we're having fun on a date." It was "I feel like I've known you for ten years." The way he looked at her during the marathon date or in New Orleans felt more like a documentary about soulmates than a produced reality show.
The Brayden Factor and the "Wrong Reasons" Trap
We need to address the drama because that’s what keeps the Google searches humming. Brayden Bowers was the primary source of friction. He questioned the logic of the show constantly. Honestly? He wasn't wrong. It is weird to be engaged to someone after a few weeks. But in the world of the Bachelor, saying that out loud is like screaming "Voldemort" at Hogwarts.
The other men, particularly Aaron B. and Adrian, took it upon themselves to be the "truth police." This is a classic trope. It happens every year. But Charity handled it better than most. She didn't let the men dictate her journey. When Aaron B. came back to Fiji after being eliminated, Charity didn't just fold. She had a conversation. She listened. She still sent him home eventually, but she did it on her own terms. That is the hallmark of Season 20. Control.
The Emotional Toll of the Final Three
Fiji was brutal.
Charity had to send Xavier Bonner home during the Fantasy Suite dates because of his honesty regarding past infidelity. It was a polarizing moment. Some fans praised Xavier for being "real" about his fears of straying again. Others—rightfully—noted that telling a woman you're about to propose to that you aren't sure if you can be faithful is a massive red flag.
Charity's reaction was iconic. She didn't cry and beg him to change. She stood her ground. She basically said, "I can't fix this for you," and showed him the door.
Then came the Joey breakup. If you didn't cry during that, check your pulse. Joey was halfway through a proposal speech when Charity stopped him. It was devastating. The silence in the Fiji heat was heavy. But it paved the way for Joey to become the next Bachelor, so in the weird ecosystem of this franchise, everyone won.
Why Dotun Olubeko Was the Only Choice
From their very first one-on-one, the chemistry between Charity and Dotun was undeniable. They shared a level of maturity that we rarely see. There were no "games." Dotun wasn't trying to win a competition; he was trying to build a life.
When he proposed in the finale, it felt earned. Their engagement was one of the most sincere moments the show has ever aired. Unlike many couples who break up before the "After the Final Rose" special even airs, Charity and Dotun have remained a unit. They moved in together in Brooklyn. They’ve been hitting red carpets. They’ve been living a relatively normal life despite the chaotic start.
The Impact of Charity’s Season on the Franchise
The Bachelorette Season 20 was a turning point. It proved that you don't need a "jump the fence" moment to be interesting. You don't need a lead who makes terrible decisions just for the sake of a cliffhanger. Charity brought a level of class and intentionality back to the show.
She also became a fan favorite on Dancing with the Stars, further cementing her status as one of the most successful leads the show has ever produced. She wasn't just a "Bachelorette"; she was a brand.
Technical Details and Production Notes
Season 20 aired in the summer of 2023. It consisted of 9 episodes plus the "After the Final Rose" special. Filming locations included:
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- Los Angeles, California (The Mansion)
- Oceanside, California
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Stevenson, Washington
- Fiji (Fantasy Suites and Finale)
The ratings were steady, but more importantly, the social sentiment was overwhelmingly positive. People liked Charity. They liked her family—especially her brother Nehemiah, who went "undercover" in the premiere with a wig and a fake name. That was probably the funniest thing the show has done in a decade. Nehemiah was the MVP of the first night, scouting the guys and reporting back on who was there for the "wrong reasons." Every lead should get a Nehemiah.
Common Misconceptions About Season 20
Many people think the "drama" with Aaron B. returning in Fiji was staged. While production obviously facilitates the flights and the "surprise" arrival, the emotional fallout was very real. Charity was genuinely conflicted. You could see it in her face.
Another misconception? That Joey was "heartbroken" for a long time. In reality, the Bachelor pipeline moves fast. By the time the finale aired, Joey was already deep in prep for his own season. That's the nature of the beast. It doesn't mean the feelings weren't real in Fiji, but time—and a fresh contract—heals all wounds.
What We Can Learn From Charity's Journey
If you’re a fan of the show or just someone looking for love, Charity’s season offered some legitimate life lessons.
First: Trust your gut over the "hype." Brayden had the hype. Dotun had the substance. Charity eventually chose substance.
Second: Communication is a superpower. Charity didn't let misunderstandings fester. She asked direct questions. When Xavier struggled with the concept of monogamy, she didn't sugarcoat the reality of what she needed.
Third: It’s okay to be "boring." A stable, happy relationship might not make for the most explosive TikTok edits, but it makes for a much better life after the cameras stop rolling.
Actionable Steps for Fans and Future Viewers
If you’re looking to dive deeper into The Bachelorette Season 20 or keep up with the couple today, here is how to navigate the post-season landscape:
- Watch the "After the Final Rose" Special: If you skipped the season and just want the highlights, this special summarizes the emotional beats and shows the current state of Charity and Dotun’s relationship.
- Follow Charity’s Advocacy: As a therapist, Charity often uses her platform to talk about mental health and wellness. Her Instagram isn't just "ads"; it’s actually quite insightful.
- Compare to Joey’s Season: To see how the "runner-up" dynamic changes a person, watch Joey Graziadei’s season of The Bachelor. You can see how his experience with Charity shaped his approach to being the lead.
- Look for the "Nehemiah Method": Next time you watch a premiere, try to spot the "spy." Production has tried to replicate the undercover brother/friend tactic since, but Season 20 did it best.
Charity Lawson’s time as the lead was a refreshing palate cleanser. She reminded us that the "Bachelorette" isn't just a role—it’s a person looking for a partner. And in Dotun, she seemingly found exactly what she was looking for. Whether they make it down the aisle in a televised wedding or keep things private, their season stands as a high-water mark for a franchise that often loses its way.