The Bachelorsent shockwaves through the reality TV world with mass layoffs of some of the franchise’s crew members, and they’re speaking up to share their experiences,accusing the show’s showrunner of creating a toxic, hostile workplace environment.The Bachelorfranchise has had a disastrous series of seasons, including the widely criticizedBacheloretteseason 21wherein lead Jenn Tran had to watch back the proposal she shared with Devin Strader after the pair rehashed their difficult split in front of a live audience. After so much turmoil, hearing that several pivotal crew members were let go wasn’t necessarily shocking.
“It was only a matter of time before [Bachelor producers] came forward to speak on their experiences.”
After it became public knowledge that the franchise had laid off some key producers after sharing thatThe Bachelorettewouldn’t be airing in 2025, it was only a matter of time before they came forward to speak on their experiences. According toDeadline,many of the producers attribute the horrible reputation the franchise’s producers and crew get to showrunner and executive Claire Freeland, along with fellow EP Bennett Graebner. According to crew members, the pair have run a“toxic”and“hostile”production, where those working on the show are required to“step in line”with their ideas, no matter how harrowing.
One ex-producer commented specifically onThe Bacheloretteseason 21 finale, which waspanned byBacheloralumni, viewers, and critics alike for the emotional turmoil it put Jenn through. According to the producer, who chose to remain anonymous,“Producers were screaming at [the showrunner] in the booth to stop and were ignored.”While many behind the scenes were looking for the segment not to push Jenn to watch her engagement to Devin, the showrunner allegedly did it despite their argument“because it was her idea”and she felt it would bring a heightened level of drama.
What Former Producers' Accusations Of Hostile Workplace Mean For The Show’s Future
The Show’s Leadership & Direction Need To Change Immediately
Although the allegations of a hostile work environment aren’t necessarily surprising,they’re going to be pivotal in impacting the way the franchise operates moving forward. Despite knowing that several issues already exist within the franchise, like a lack of racial diversity and inclusion, the workplace environment will likely be tackled swiftly by the network after things have gone highly public and gotten so dark. WhileBachelorNation has been asking ABC to step inconcerning howThe Bachelorfranchise is runfor years, knowing that it’s made the mainstream media will be a big step in encouraging change.
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Even withBachelorNation alumni speaking up about their experiences, it’s become clear that learning firsthand from the producers about how difficult the production experience is the best way for things to shift. Moving forward, it’s likely that the production team of the show will be replaced, which could make things better depending on who comes in their place. WithThe Bachelorcurrently airing a season of the series,things may need to change quicklyso the production schedule for the rest of the year, includingBachelor In Paradiseseason 10 andThe Golden Bachelorseason 2, isn’t impacted.
Our Take On The Behind-The-Scenes Bachelor Nation Drama
It’s Been Evident On Screen For Years
Although there have only been whispers of the issues going onbehind the scenes onThe Bachelorand the other franchise shows through the years, it’s been more of a public secret than a hidden one.The Bachelorfranchise has struggled, especially in recent years, with the perception of the franchise as it’s moved through the 2020s. After dealing with scandals of varying natures,the franchise being panned for its leadership isn’t surprising, as it’s been evident in the end product viewers see on screen for years. Thankfully,The Bachelormay finally see the change that it’s needed so desperately.
The Bachelorairs Mondays at 8 p.m. EST on ABC, then streams the following day on Hulu.
