The Bachelorhas become one of the most genuinely dramatic franchises in reality TV history, butI can’t believe the show itself has recaptured its ability to create fun dramaas the franchise itself is crumbling. Throughout the last few years,The Bachelorfranchise has had a difficult time. After moving away from former host Chris Harrison for public racial insensitivity and pressingpause on the problematicBachelor In Paradiseto reevaluate the practices behind the series, things seemed like they may finally change for the long-running franchise. Instead, their problems got worse, and the producers answers for them stopped.
WhileBachelorfranchise producers and executiveshave been asked about the inequality featured on the shows, the lack of diversity, and the insincerity time and time again, there has been a lack of response about the issues that makes it clear producers don’t want to drag them into public spaces. Regardless of issues with public perception,The Bachelorfranchise has continued to generate seasons of content over the last few years, but the shows have become increasingly less dramatic and interesting. Instead,Bachelorfranchise shows have faced intense criticism and put out shows that spark more backlash, leaving viewers unsatisfied.
It’s interesting to me that the show is finally showing signs of life again while it’s on the brink of destruction.
The Bachelor Franchise Has Been Growing Stale For Years
The Show Itself Hasn’t Been Exciting
ThroughoutThe Bachelor’smulti-decade run, there’s been a lot of change for the franchise, especially in the last handful of years. White the initial run of the series in the early 2000s utilized unknown leads who were cast for the show, it became clear that viewers wanted to engage with the stars they knew from the franchise, so it began casting from its own talent pool. Dates changed, drama shifted, tone followed the ever-changing culture, andThe Bachelorfranchise continued to produce content that was self-described as“the most dramatic”of all time to keep viewers interested and tuning in.
In the last few years, I’ve found myself less-than-interested inBachelorcontent, especially if it’s touting itself as being dramatic. The leads of the franchise have been lackluster picks that are unpopular withBachelorNation, aside fromThe Bachelorseason 28’sJoey Graziadei who offered a more genuine interest in the process than most others. On top of the leads being poorly chosen, the drama of the franchise has never felt more contrived than it currently does. WhileThe Bachelorand its spin-offs have always felt somewhat staged,they’ve been more disingenuous in the last few years than ever before.
Former Bachelor Producers Are Whistle-Blowing The Backstage Drama
They’re Sharing What’s Been Happening Behind The Scenes
Despite the difficult allegations,The Bachelorhas still been one of the most-watched, most-talked-about franchises in reality TV.Hearing aboutThe Bachelor’sdecline overallhasn’t been surprising, but it’s been genuinely shocking to learn that things have been worse behind the scenes than in front of the camera. After recent layoffs and firings, several formerBachelorproducers have come forward to share what it was like in the most intense moments behind the scenes.Sharing that showrunner/EP Claire Freeland and EP Bennett Graebner created a hostile environment, producers were open about pushing back and being ignored in key moments.
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While the former producers have remained anonymous, they spoke withDeadlineabout the issues they saw from their perspective, making it clear that thepeople pulling the strings behind the scenes don’t have much care for the show’s participants or the production staff. According to the reports,Bachelorproducers allege that the EPs in charge“run a ‘toxic’ and ‘hostile’ environment, where only their ideas are accepted and others are warned to ‘step in line’ or else be asked to leave.”After the recent announcement thatThe Bachelorettewould be taking a break in 2025, the franchise is in shambles.
The Bachelor Season 29’s Contestants Are Creating Incredible Drama
Contestants Are Taking Producing Into Their Own Hands
Although there’s been a lot of turmoil behind the scenes,The Bachelorseason 29has been airing throughout the drama. While the contestants have been doing a decent job aside Grant Ellis on screen, they’ve been creating an intense amount of drama about the show online. For one of the first times in years,theBachelorcontestants have been stirring up drama and calling each other outfor their behavior during the season, making it interesting to watch the show to see things unfold.
Carolina Sofia and Dina Lupancubegan a TikTok feud ahead of an episode that saw the pair fighting, andThe Bachelorstars have continued to create drama online. While some have wondered if the drama was created to help drum up views for the low-rated season of the series, others have been indulging in the drama and what sprung from it. Speculating on producer plants and Grant’s winner pick,BachelorNation fans have been finding the drama enjoyable.
I Can’t Believe There’s Finally Drama When The Bachelor Franchise Is Crumbling
The Show Has Become A Springboard For Drama
AsThe Bachelorseason 29 continues, it’s clear that the series has come to an impasse. While it’s struggling from behind the scenes to navigate what’s next, the show itself is creating interesting drama for the first time in years. Though the producers likely didn’t playa major part in Carolina and Dina’s feud,it’s interesting to me that the show is finally showing signs of life again while it’s on the brink of destructionbehind the camera.The Bachelorfranchise could be moments from ruin, but it’s still entertaining.
The Bachelorairs Mondays at 8 p.m. EST on ABC, then streams the following day on Hulu.
