When you think of high-quality television, chances are your mind does not go to “The Bachelorette” franchise. Yet the reality dating show has garnered a cult following, with fans anxiously tuning in each week to see who the season’s bachelorette will end up with. It’s got the drama, the competition, the romance – what more could you want in a television show?
For those unfamiliar with the premise of the show (which is a spin-off of “The Bachelor”): over weekly episodes, the season’s bachelorette goes on dates with a group of potential suitors, including group dates, one-on-ones and special events. Most episodes end with a rose ceremony, where the bachelorette gives roses to the men she wishes to continue dating. The season wraps up with one lucky man being chosen as the winner, frequently ending with a proposal or serious relationship decision. What a nice, organic way to meet your spouse!
Typically, the bachelorette is chosen from former contestants of “The Bachelor”, especially those who were fan-favorites but did not get the ring. This helps the show gain hype and traction, as viewers are already familiar with the star and excited to see them in a new light.
However, this upcoming season will be a little different – and quite frankly, it’s throwing things off.
Season 22’s bachelorette has been announced to be Taylor Frankie Paul, a viral influencer on MomTok and a star of Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives”. These details are all fine and dandy, but here’s the kicker – she has never appeared on “The Bachelor” franchise before.
The media loves the Mormon wives. The stars of the Hulu show are everywhere because companies know their fanbase is strong and will follow this group of women anywhere they go. Notably, Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt were in the most recent season of “Dancing with the Stars”, with Leavitt also announcing her Broadway debut. I’m not here to say these breakout stars shouldn’t get these opportunities – but I’m not sure “The Bachelorette” is the best place to put them.
The unique element of “The Bachelorette” is that it almost works as a cycle – fans can root for their favorite women on “The Bachelor”, and even if they don’t win, they have the opportunity to be the next star and have their own shot at love. Season 22 has completely broken this cycle – and many fans’ trust.
ABC is leveraging Paul’s mainstream popularity to expand viewership, but this comes at the expense of authenticity and integrity. Many fans have expressed backlash at the choice to cast the “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star, as she has had several scandals and controversies, and they feel as if she’s being rewarded for this behavior instead of being held accountable.
I have further fears about how the season will be produced. Paul is already a big reality and social media star, meaning she is no stranger to the dramatics. The show will likely capitalize on this, manufacturing storylines and editing dialogue as they please. These are in no way new tactics, but I can see producers going to extremes based on Paul’s past and so-called “messy” behavior.
The new season of “The Bachelorette” airs March 22, and while I’ll probably tune in (or at least be subjected to fan posts on social media), this shows a lot about where the brand’s priorities lie, which could be a problem for the future. Let’s keep fan favorite shows the way the fans know and love them – there are plenty of opportunities for new, fresh ideas elsewhere.
Photo Courtesy of Vanity Fair
