The Bachelor franchise has long been known for its promise of finding lasting love, but with only eight couples out of 40 seasons staying together, the odds are not in its favor. The recent divorce of “The Golden Bachelor” and his chosen partner has left many questioning the show’s ability to foster real relationships.
Former Bachelorettes and contestants have spoken out about the flaws that doom the reality franchise’s lovebirds. The show’s anti-real-world dating scenarios, where contestants are isolated and singularly focused on gaining the affections of one target, make it hard for genuine connections to form. The competitive atmosphere among contestants is orchestrated by producers, leading to a lack of genuine interest in the lead.
The elaborate dates featured on the show, such as helicopter rides and private fireworks displays, create a false sense of what a real-world relationship would look like. The foundation of a relationship built off an edited TV show is a tricky one to navigate, as it is manufactured and put on a pedestal.
After the show wraps, contestants face a letdown as they have to go into hiding for months before the show airs. The logistical challenges of maintaining a relationship in the real world, such as living in different cities or uprooting one’s life, can also contribute to the failure of relationships formed on the show.
Ultimately, stable relationships may not make for good TV, as the drama and conflict are what reel viewers in. The audience’s desire for a love story may have shifted over the years, with the focus now more on entertainment than genuine connections. The Bachelor franchise may need to reevaluate its approach to fostering lasting love if it wants to maintain its credibility in the reality dating show world.
