'Bachelorette' intros get even more ridiculous with 'box man' and 'cat man'

Bachelor Nation has been waiting for the Katie Thurston's debut as the new Bachelorette ever since campaigning for her during the last season of The Bachelor with Matt James. On Monday night, the 30-year-old fan favorite made a splash and so did the show's new co-hosts!

Former Bachelorettes Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe have stepped in as the first women hosts of the series, after Chris Harrison announced that he would be temporarily stepping down from the franchise following his controversial reaction to the accusations of Rachael Kirkconnell's racist history during Matt James's season.

"I couldn't have imagined anything more perfect. Kaitlyn and Tayshia. The dream team, right here," said Katie, who had no idea the ladies would be co-hosting the season until the first night.

Earlier this year, fans fell in love with the new Bachelorette because of her realness, sex positivity and emotional maturity. However, on Monday, it was about the silly contestants, like the "cat man" and the "box man," who got her attention.

"Oh, my gosh, I couldn't stop thinking about you. Honestly, I was like, 'I need to see him,'" Katie told contestant Connor Brennan, who legitimately pulled up wearing a full head-to-toe cat costume since Katie loves her cat so much. Katie added, "I mean, truly, anyone who comes in with, like, a cat pun or a cat costume, like, knows what they're doing."

As for the "box man," whose real name is James Bonsall, the contestant was wheeled in in a massive, gift-wrapped box, and didn't reveal himself until much later during the cocktail party. While the other hopefuls initially rolled their eyes at the man who literally sees himself as a gift, after James revealed himself and turned out to be attractive, he immediately became a threat as Katie stated, "Finally, I was able to open the gift, and it was a gift; it was James. I think he's superhot."

However, unfortunately for box man and cat man, neither of their shticks got them the first impression rose. In the end, it was sweet, wholesome and shy Greg who won Katie and Bachelor Nation's hearts.

Video Transcript

- My name's Connor. I'm a math teacher from Nashville.

KATIE THURSTON: Oh, my god.

- And I heard you're a huge cat lover.

KATIE THURSTON: I think I'm in love. Oh, [BLEEP].

- So I was hoping that this would make you want to ask me out.

KATIE THURSTON: I think it's purr-fect.

[LAUGHTER]

KYLIE MAR: "Bachelor" Nation has been waiting for the premiere of Katie Thurston's season of "The Bachelorette" ever since campaigning for her to be the next "Bachelorette" during the last season of "The Bachelor" with Matt James. And on Monday night, the 30-year-old fan fav made her debut, and so did the show's new co-hosts.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

TAYSHIA ADAMS: Katie.

KAITLYN BRISTOWE: Katie.

[LAUGHTER]

KATIE THURSTON: Oh, my god! [SCREAMS]

KYLIE MAR: Former "Bachelorettes" Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe have stepped into the role as the first women hosts of the series after Chris Harrison announced that he would be temporarily stepping down from the franchise following his controversial reaction to the accusations of Rachael Kirkconnell's racist history during Matt James' season.

But back to Katie. Earlier this year, fans fell in love with the new "Bachelorette" because of her realness, sex positivity, and emotional maturity. But on Monday, it was all about the silly contestants, like the cat man.

KATIE THURSTON: Oh, my gosh. I couldn't stop thinking about you. Honestly, I was like--

- Katie--

KATIE THURSTON: --I need to see him.

- Aw, really?

KATIE THURSTON: Yeah. I mean, truly, anyone who comes in with, like, a cat pun or a cat costume, like, knows what they're doing.

KYLIE MAR: And if you think the cat man was wacky, meet box man.

- Everyone came here to find love. I'm a little jealous of all the other guys that have gotten to see her and give her a hug, but I wouldn't say I'm prepared to stay in here too much longer, honestly.

KYLIE MAR: "Bachelor" Nation had a field day with box man and cat man on Twitter with hilarious jokes like "Chris Harrison trying to get in" and "Connor B. stepping out of the limo." However, unfortunately for box man and cat man, neither of their schticks got them the first impression rose. In the end, it was sweet, wholesome, and shy Greg who won Katie and "Bachelor" Nation's hearts.

- I really, truly feel like there's a connection between us, and--

KATIE THURSTON: I hope this gives you some validation.

- It does. It does.

KATIE THURSTON: So Greg, will you accept this rose?

- Absolutely.

KATIE THURSTON: [LAUGHS]