The last few seasons of The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, and Bachelor in Paradise were defined by hot messes, rather than sexy love stories. Early Bachelor Nation years were all about romance. However, recently, the excessive drama makes it seem like producers don't believe that love can actually carry a season. Since viewership has dropped, that may not really be true. Many people, including the show's alums, have said that they couldn't stand watching the latest Bachelorette season.
The dual Bachelorettes seemed to guarantee more plot lines and drama. Bachelor Nation's framework is growing outdated and problematic; the lack of preparation for a season with double the cast, and half the time, made it unfulfilling. Audiences didn't have enough time to invest in the love stories, and as with recent seasons, the emphasis was on conflict, first and foremost. Bachelor Nation wasn't built on squabbles between grown men; it was about the romance between two partners. The lack of focus on communication skills and realistic expectations has left the audience asking, "Where is the love?"
Many fans agree that happy endings seem like a thing of the past. While Gabby Windey and Erich Schwer may have found the next step in their romance, a past relationship (and blatant racism) undoubtedly tainted it. Some viewers also say that Rachel Recchia wasn't ready for marriage, and leaned into drama instead. Sockeymom tweeted, "Tino cannot win .. he's apologized over and over and over again .. she wants the drama .. it's embarrassing at this point." Daemonsgirl agreed, but had hope for the future, writing, "Zach might actually put the ROMANCE back into a bachelor season….. plz deliver babe!!!! i cant take the useless exhausting drama anymore!!!!!"
Tweets About Bachelor Nation's Shortcomings Are Harsh
In recent years, the sentiments have been much the same. Rhi(annon) sent a "shoutout to tayshia" for "making the focus of this show be romance and real relationships again instead of drama, and respectfully ending relationships before letting them propose just to say no." After sweeping in to save Claire Crawley's disaster season, Tayshia Adams stood out from the crowd, for bringing emotional intelligence and authentic connections. However, even Tayshia can't watch the show anymore.
On the other hand, some fans were still turning to popular romance fiction at the time, as an alternative to Bachelor Nation, in order to get their fix. Iamjustareflector wrote, "Now going to read A Court of Mist and Fury for some actual romance after that travesty. My phone is almost dead, and so is my soul." The emphasis on drama had a troubling effect on Bachelor Nation's casts and audiences.
There's something to be said for letting things play out organically, rather than stoking the fires of conflict all the time. Bachelor Nation could learn something from Peacock's Love Island USA, which allowed relationships to blossom with a notable lack of intervention from production twists. If trends are any indication, Bachelor Nation producers will keep turning up the drama. Then again, the people who create The Bachelor and other franchise shows might start listening to their audience.
Sources: Daemonsgirl/ Twitter, Rhi (annon)/Twitter, Sockeymom/Twitter, iamjustareflector/Twitter