JoJo Fletcher & Jordan Rodgers Dive into Divorced Dating: Hosting ‘The Big D’ and Its Emotional Rollercoaster

JoJo Fletcher and
Jordan Rodgers have solidified their place as one of Bachelor Nation’s most enduring success stories, proving that true love can indeed blossom amidst the unconventional backdrop of reality television. After their heartwarming journey on
The Bachelorette, which culminated in a memorable proposal and a beautiful wedding, the couple has become synonymous with relationship goals for countless fans. Now, this beloved pair is stepping into a new, equally captivating role: hosts of the groundbreaking dating competition series, The Big D. This highly anticipated show, set to premiere on June 14 at 10 p.m. on USA Network, promises to redefine the reality dating landscape, offering a unique twist on the pursuit of love.

Unlike the typical fairytale narratives often spun by reality dating formats, The Big D ventures into uncharted territory. It introduces a group of divorced couples to a luxurious tropical villa in picturesque Costa Rica, challenging them to navigate the complexities of their past relationships while simultaneously exploring new romantic possibilities. The premise is as audacious as it is emotionally charged: these individuals, having once shared a marriage, are now tasked with either rekindling old flames with their former spouses or forging entirely new connections with other divorcees residing in the same house. This unique dynamic creates an intricate web of emotions, expectations, and undeniable drama, as contestants grapple with unresolved feelings and the exhilarating potential of a fresh start. The show isn’t just about finding love; it’s about confronting history, fostering personal growth, and ultimately, discovering what a ‘second chance’ truly means after the profound experience of divorce.

For JoJo and Jordan, the decision to host The Big D was a natural progression, yet one that came with its own set of fascinating challenges. In an exclusive conversation with HollywoodLife, Jordan Rodgers revealed their initial reaction to the groundbreaking concept. “I think when this opportunity came up, our first reaction was, I don’t feel like anybody has really captured that type of show with divorced couples,” Jordan shared. This sentiment highlights the innovative spirit of The Big D, which boldly addresses a demographic often overlooked in the often-youth-centric world of reality dating. Having experienced the intense crucible of reality television themselves, the couple understood the inherent draw of such a format. Jordan admitted, “We obviously were like, we love the drama, right? Couples living together, dating other people, we’re gonna get the drama.” However, their perspective extends beyond mere entertainment. Their own journey instilled in them a deep appreciation for the authentic connections that can emerge from such an environment. “But we also came from a show where we found love and we realize how much real connections can actually happen on reality TV,” Jordan added, underscoring their belief in the transformative power of these experiences.

Beyond the inevitable drama, Jordan emphasized the profound potential for personal development and emotional healing that The Big D offers its participants. He eloquently articulated that the series is designed to empower these divorcees to “grow, turn the page, close a chapter, find new love, or sort through some of the issues that they never really sat down and went, wait, this isn’t a deal breaker.” This introspective aspect sets The Big D apart, transforming it from a simple dating game into a journey of self-discovery and reconciliation. Many couples, Jordan observed, divorce without truly understanding the underlying ‘why’ or exploring avenues for improvement. The show provides a unique platform for this critical reflection, allowing participants to revisit past grievances with fresh eyes and renewed perspective. “Maybe we have another chance,” he posited, reflecting the hope that some might rekindle their former relationships. For others, it’s an empowering “opportunity to find new love.” Ultimately, Jordan concluded, “Altogether, it’s got a really good balance,” suggesting a blend of entertainment, emotional depth, and genuine romantic possibility.

Unlike previous hosting roles, JoJo revealed that her and Jordan’s involvement in The Big D was notably more “hands-on.” Their commitment went beyond simply reading cue cards and introducing segments; they immersed themselves in the lives and stories of the contestants. “We were very involved,” JoJo stated, reflecting the deep personal connection they forged with each individual. “You become so connected to these individuals and their stories. You learn a lot about them, and you end up really rooting for all of them.” This level of engagement speaks volumes about their empathy and dedication to the show’s mission. Having traversed their own highly public romantic journey, they understood the vulnerability inherent in opening one’s heart on national television. Their hands-on approach likely provided a much-needed sense of support and understanding for the divorcees, who were navigating an already complex emotional landscape.

While JoJo and Jordan had never experienced divorce themselves, being recently married, they found unique ways to offer guidance to the participants. JoJo articulated this nuanced position to HollywoodLife: “I think you know for us, obviously, we’ve never been divorced. We are recently married, so it wasn’t like we could give advice on divorce.” Instead, their wisdom stemmed from their shared experience of finding love in an “unusual” reality TV setting. They imparted invaluable insights on how to harness such an environment for personal and relational growth. “We could give insight that we met in a similar setting, unusual, on a reality TV show, cameras all around you, not thinking anything could happen from a show like this, and kind of going to have a fun time,” she explained. This underlying message — to approach the experience with an open mind and heart — became a cornerstone of their hosting philosophy. JoJo emphasized the profound impact of truly opening oneself up: “But if you really open yourself up to the possibility of self-growth, of forming new relationships, new connections, healing things from your past… I mean, that happens organically.” She further highlighted the unique psychological effects of being “stripped from everything in your normal life,” including phones, family, and external access. This isolation, while challenging, forces an intense focus on internal feelings. “It’s a period of your life where you’re solely focused on what you’re feeling,” she observed, drawing parallels to their own emotional journey on The Bachelorette. “We went through that emotional journey on our show individually and as a couple, but it was also something that we encourage other people to realize can actually happen.” Their advice, therefore, was less about the specifics of divorce and more about the universal principles of vulnerability, self-reflection, and the courage to pursue genuine connection under extraordinary circumstances.

Hosting The Big D offered JoJo and Jordan an “interesting perspective” on the intricacies of marriage and relationships, an experience that unexpectedly deepened their own marital bond. Despite being recently wed, JoJo was quick to acknowledge a fundamental truth: “nothing’s perfect, ever. We know that no relationship is perfect.” This realistic outlook is crucial for navigating any long-term partnership. She elaborated on the continuous effort required, regardless of a relationship’s stage or duration. “Whether you’re married or engaged, you’ve been together for 10 years or been together one year, you always got to work. You’ve always got to compromise. You’ve always got to continue to put in the effort. It can’t be one-sided ever in a relationship, no matter how great the relationship is.” By witnessing the narratives of individuals whose relationships had faltered, the hosts gained profound insights into common pitfalls and mistakes. JoJo explained, “I think that it’s just hearing and seeing the different stories and relationship things that broke the relationship or mistakes they made, and taking a step back and just like hearing that and realizing that, I think that you do a lot of self-reflection on your own relationship.” This constant exposure to others’ struggles served as a powerful catalyst for introspection, allowing them to re-evaluate and reinforce the foundations of their own strong partnership.

While both The Big D and the iconic The Bachelor/The Bachelorette franchises fall under the broad umbrella of reality dating television, JoJo and Jordan are quick to highlight the profound differences in their underlying dynamics and participant experiences. JoJo articulated a key distinction: “I will say the thing that is the most different that I think actually plays in favor of The Big D and its setup is on The Bachelor/Bachelorette you are living a fairytale life.” The traditional Bachelor Nation experience, with its opulent dates and curated romantic settings, often creates an idealized bubble. “You’re going on the craziest dates,” she noted. Conversely, The Big D, while featuring “some incredible romantic dates,” grounds its participants in a far more raw and unfiltered reality. JoJo pointed out that on The Bachelor/Bachelorette, contestants and leads are often “pretty much separated during filming… until we have one of our amazing dates, so you’re not really forced to have tough conversations or conflicts that could arise in a natural setting when you’re with each other 24/7.” This separation allows for the postponement of difficult discussions, potentially glossing over compatibility issues. In stark contrast, The Big D thrusts its divorced couples into communal living. “All these divorced couples are living in a house together where one guy might be trying to put on a show for a new girl that he’s interested in, and maybe trying to lie about how great of a guy he is, while his ex is sitting over there being like, that’s not true.” This immediate and inescapable proximity to former spouses creates an environment ripe for confrontation, honesty, and a rapid acceleration of emotional truths, stripping away any pretense that might otherwise persist.

Jordan further expanded on the critical difference, emphasizing how The Big D better prepares its contestants for the realities of lasting relationships. “I feel like when we fell in love that the part that misses is when you go back to real life you never really went through adversity,” he reflected on his own Bachelorette journey. The “crazy fun dates” and whirlwind romance, while enjoyable, often bypass the practical challenges that define a real partnership. “We went on these crazy fun dates and had all this fun. And then you go well, that’s not really real life. Real-life kind of hits you in the face.” This realization informed their approach to hosting The Big D. As hosts, they actively engineered situations designed to foster genuine connection through challenge. “On this show, as hosts, we kind of put them through these exercises that are designed to create adversity, to force you to communicate, and force you to find new connections.” This intentional introduction of conflict and complex situations ensures that participants are not simply falling in love with an idealized version of a person, but rather engaging with their authentic selves under pressure. “We kind of put an environment together that really sets you up to either learn really quick whether it’s not going to work or is going to work,” Jordan concluded. This intense, accelerated learning environment is precisely what distinguishes The Big D, offering a more realistic and ultimately more sustainable path to new beginnings after divorce.