Entertainment TV Matt James Jokingly Apologizes to Rachael Kirkconnell for Binge-Watching a New Show Without Her "I told Rachael I was going to wait and start Mare of Easttown until she got out here," Matt James said By Dory Jackson Dory Jackson 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 has also helped recap popular TV shows like 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,' 'Sister Wives' and 'Vanderpump Rules.' The New York-based Maryland native graduated from Randolph-Macon College in May 2016 with a focus on 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. People Editorial Guidelines Published on September 14, 2021 12:55PM EDT Matt James is in the doghouse with his girlfriend Rachael Kirkconnell. James jokingly made a plea for forgiveness on his Instagram Story on Sunday after he admitted to finishing the entire first season of HBO's Mare of Easttown without Kirkconnell. James began his apology to Kirkconnell, 24, by writing across his Instagram Story video post: "I'm sorry." Matt James Says He Grew His Beard 'to Get Away from Looking Like the Bachelor' "I told Rachael I was gonna wait and start Mare of Easttown until she got out here [in Los Angeles]," he continued, in a video captured by The Hollywood Gossip. "And then I made the mistake — I was all, 'Oh, I'm just going to watch 15 minutes. I'm just going to watch 30 minutes,' last night. And I went to bed at 5 a.m. I watched the entire show." Teasing a bit of the show's shock ending in a second video, James added: "And I can say that I had no idea — I had zero idea — it was going to be who it was. I've never been that unsure of who I thought was gonna be the person. But now I need a new show." Captioning the second video, James noted that Mare of Easttown "had me guessing everyone" was the culprit. The HBO crime drama, starring Kate Winslet, quickly became a hit with viewers after its April premiere. Mare of Easttown was nominated for 16 Emmy Award nominations — including outstanding limited series and outstanding actress in a limited series or a movie. Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell. Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty Kirkconnell responded to James' public apology on her own Instagram Story. Sharing James' video posts, the Bachelor winner wrote: "Begs him to start it with me the entire week we're together. Starts it right after I leave." Kirkconnell has been busy attending Fashion Week events and the U.S. Open Tennis Championships in new York City. James, meanwhile, is in Los Angeles training for his upcoming run on Dancing with the Stars. James recently revealed to PEOPLE how Kirkconnell has helped him prepare for the upcoming season of the dance competition series. 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. "She's been my dance partner outside of Dancing with the Stars," he said. "I come back and try to apply the same lessons that I learned during my rehearsals. She's been keeping me in shape!" Kirkconnell was James' final pick on his Bachelor season, which aired earlier this year. Though they announced their split in March after Kirkconnell's past racially insensitive actions resurfaced, James confirmed to PEOPLE in April that he's "pursuing" a relationship with her. Kirkconnell recently spoke to Extra about how they've managed to progress as a couple. "It was a bit of a journey," she said. "But I think we're in a really good place. We've had a lot of love come our way, but I like to think that even though people have been super, super nice, we just like to focus on each other and put all of that aside and let that outside noise stay a little more quiet these days. So it's been good though, we've been good."