Entertainment TV 'The Bachelorette' Celebrates Its 200th Episode While Filming Michelle Young's Season Michelle Young's season 18 premieres Oct. 19 on ABC By Dory Jackson Dory Jackson Instagram Twitter Website Dory Jackson is an Associate Editor for PEOPLE's digital TV team. While at the brand, she's had the opportunity to interview a long list of celebrities, from Kate Hudson to Pierce Brosnan to Billy Porter. She also recaps popular TV shows like The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Vanderpump Rules.The New York-based Maryland native graduated from Randolph-Macon College in May 2016 with a focus in Communication Studies and Journalism. She came to PEOPLE in March 2021 after working at a number of major news companies, including Newsweek and Us Weekly. She also previously co-hosted a podcast called "Idol Nation." People Editorial Guidelines Published on August 30, 2021 04:50 PM Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: ABC/Craig Sjodin The Bachelorette just hit a major milestone! While filming for Michelle Young's upcoming season 18, Warner Bros. Unscripted Television celebrated the long-running show's 200th episode. To commemorate the occasion, a rose-adorned, six-tiered cake was baked by Sugarspoon Desserts — a Black-owned business in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Young's home state!) — and featured 200 red roses and a single stem rose at the center, representing the franchise's iconic Final Rose. In a photo released by the network on Monday, Young, 28, poses next to the cake alongside hosts Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe. The Bachelorette premiered on ABC in 2003 as a spinoff to The Bachelor. Trista Sutter (née Rehn) was the series' first leading lady. Bachelorette Creator Mike Fleiss Offers Behind-the-Scenes Look at Michelle Young's Upcoming Season Chris Harrison had served as the franchise's host until earlier this year. After coming under fire for his controversial defense of Rachael Kirkconnell's past racially insensitive actions, he temporarily stepped down as host before confirming his departure in June. Adams, 30, and Bristowe, 36, stepped in to host Katie Thurston's recent Bachelorette season and have since been tapped to host Young's upcoming season. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Young was officially announced as the season 18 Bachelorette in March, making her the third Black woman to lead the franchise after Rachel Lindsay and Adams. She previously competed for Matt James' heart on his Bachelor season, which aired earlier this year. Speaking to Good Morning America after her casting, Young said she was eager to see more diversity within her own season. "They know that I'm going to push forward to make an impact in a positive way," she said. "And I think they're kind of jumping on my train to do that with me." ABC/Craig Sjodin Thurston, 30, recently revealed the advice she gave to Young before she began filming this summer. "I've spoken to her as much as I can because I know it's any day now they're gonna take her phone away," Thurston, who is engaged to Blake Moynes, told Entertainment Tonight last month. "I think the biggest advice I've given her is to just be open. Don't close yourself off too early. I think guys can surprise you ... weeks later when you don't expect it." Season 18 of The Bachelorette premieres Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.