Is Jason Tartick the Next Bachelor?
If Twitter has anything to say about it, then America should get ready to meet its next Bachelor: Jason Tartick. Yes, the Buffalo native with the slicked-back hair just positioned himself as a front-runner for the next installment of the ABC reality show.
To recap—spoilers ahead—the corporate banker was sent home before the fantasy suite on last night’s episode of The Bachelorette when Becca realized that she couldn’t see a future with him. Of course, this came after Jason repeatedly said that he found his best friend, his partner, and hopefully his fiancee in Becca. Oof. Even a detailed scrapbook that Jason made to document every rose, kiss, and hair product wasn’t enough to get her to change his mind. (Note to Jason: It’s fine, really. You’re going to find someone that will make you a beautiful scrapbook in return one day).
But in the two months since Jason and Becca said their goodbyes in Thailand, how’s the 29-year-old doing now? And would he even want to be the next Bachelor after getting his heart broken on national TV? Following last night’s emotional episode, we sat down with Jason to find out all that and more.
Now that you’ve seen last night’s episode, do you still have questions about why things didn’t work out between you and Becca?
Jason Tartick: I think I have the closure I need from her and where she’s at and where I’m at. She’s taught me a lot about myself and that has put me in a better position to find what I’m looking for. So not only do I feel like I have that closure, but I also am very grateful for what she did for me as a person, and the position she’s put me in for what’s next.
Speaking of what’s next, would consider being the next Bachelor if asked?
Jason: Yeah. The experience is incredible. The producers, the relationships with the cast, the production…it exceeded everything I could have asked for, and because of that I would be more than open if that opportunity presented itself.
And if you’re not the next Bachelor, you could totally play Milo Ventimiglia’s younger brother on This Is Us.
Jason: [Laughs] There you go! I’ve gotten that a lot!
Back to your show though, was it any consolation that Becca said you were the best kisser?
Jason: [Laughs] It doesn’t hurt!
Let’s talk about the memory book that you made for Becca. Did you really put this together throughout the entire season? Or did a producer do it for you?
Jason: Yes, I did it all, and I did it early on when we started sharing memories. Because there’s so much emotion going on, it was the one way for me to channel my energy with what we had. When I was struggling or going through tough times, I would go back to it and make notes after every single date. I was fortunate enough to have a producer who would take pictures and print them off for me. So it was something that I made throughout the journey and was preparing to give it to her that night [of the fantasy suites date], but unfortunately, I wasn’t in a position to do so. Still, I wanted to make sure she had it. Even though she’s on her way to finding happiness [with someone else], I still think there’s something special we can take away [from our time together].
Was there any hesitation giving it to her once she broke your heart? Like, ‘You broke my heart, but here, remember all the lovely times!”
Jason: [Laughs] I understand it’s something difficult to comprehend and deal with it, but honestly it gave me more reason to share it because I think it really…I’ve talked a lot and we had a physical connection, but this was a true example of how much I really cared, and I’m really glad I did.
Have you done that for other girlfriends in the past?
Jason: No. Never. This is a first for me.
Well, guess what, now you’re going to have to.
Jason: Now it’s a benchmark. I’m the photo book guy!
All in all, how did this experience change you?
Jason: There were no distractions…no internet, no phone, no TV, so we all really developed strong relationships with each other. I spent more time with these guys than I’ve spent with my best friends over the last five years, cumulatively. You start to really dig deep and talk about family and friends and exes and things that have made those people who they are today. I just think that the social climate of it, to really dig deep within yourself when [normally] we’re in a culture that’s so distracted by everything else, it was honestly refreshing and a great take away. Now I have dark days with my phone where I won’t touch my phone, so it’s been a good take away.
Stream this season of The Bachelorette here.