TV-RADIO

MU Law grad Rachel Lindsay set to be first black 'Bachelorette'

Sarah Hauer
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Rachel Lindsay, a 2011 graduate of Marquette University Law School, will be the next "Bachelorette" in the TV dating franchise.

It's not shocking. Or dramatic. But it is historic.

ABC dubbed Rachel Lindsay as the next "Bachelorette" on the reality TV dating franchise during an announcement on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Monday night.

The 31-year-old lawyer from Dallas quickly captured the attention of Waukesha native Nick Viall during the current season of "The Bachelor" and received the first impression rose night one. Lindsay, a 2011 graduate of Marquette University Law School, will be the first black lead for the franchise. The show, like many entertainment institutions, has come under fire in recent years for casting a homogenous lineup of potential suitors. Since her premiere on the show, rumors circulated saying Lindsay would be the franchise's next female lead.

"I'm looking for someone who's ready for what I'm ready for," Lindsay said Monday night. Lindsay said she's ready for a husband and to start a family.

The odd thing: she's still in the running for Viall's final rose.

On Monday night's episode, Lindsay and Viall shared a chill date hanging out and drinking beers. "Even though our relationship shot out like a cannon it’s not slowing down," Viall said. "I am falling for Nick," she said.

We'll have to watch and wait to find out who outshines Lindsay for Viall's affection. Perhaps they couldn't get over their competing NFL associations? In the first episode Lindsay said she roots for the Cowboys. Viall cheers for the Packers (duh).

The pair shared "explosive chemistry" during a one-on-one date in New Orleans. At dinner, Viall brought up meeting her parents. “I may be breaking rules here, but I’m super into you," he said.

“I don’t believe in fairy tales, but I believe in today and today was a fairy tale,” Rachel said after the date. Yup. Get ready to see that line get played again this summer during her intro package on "The Bachelorette."

While in Milwaukee earning her law degree, Lindsay worked in the State Public Defender's Office and as a legal intern for the Milwaukee Bucks.