If you have not heard, The Bachelorette will not happen this year. Bachelor Nation fans are already in an uproar over it. Now, we hear crew members are being let go and jobs are lost. The crew is typically interchangeable and used on shows such as The Bachelor, Bachelor in Paradise, and The Golden Bachelor. It is shocking to learn that hundreds of people are impacted by one season of postponement of one show. Those affected who are still working on the current season of The Bachelor will remain until the finale episode airs.
Pausing The Bachelorette
The Bachelorette was supposed to have already begun filming its 22nd season when it was paused. This news has shocked viewers, especially since the 29th season of The Bachelor, with Grant Ellis, is currently being released. It makes you wonder what drove the production company to initiate mass firings and a sudden change in a regularly scheduled program. This is not the golden seasons which have only aired for one season each. The Bachelorette has been around consistently since 2003. Something more is going on and people have theories.
Toxic Allegations
There is allegedly a toxicity surrounding the filming of The Bachelorette and its production. Who is surprised? Claire Freeland and Bennett Graebner are executive producers who run the show. Reports share that they are the contributors to a toxic work environment. These allegations stem from the end of Jenn Tran’s season when her engagement was publicly aired following a live traumatic post-break-up conversation.
According to Deadline, Freeland is responsible for making that moment happen, potentially scarring Jenn. Freeland and Graebner are accused of going forth with their ideas as if no one else’s thoughts or opinions on the subject matter, which creates a toxic and unsafe environment. The season finale of The Bachelorette 2024 was uncomfortable for all, especially Jenn. She did not want to be there with her ex-fiance and did not want to watch her engagement back.
A former producer of the show spoke out on Freeland’s decision saying, “Claire made that decision to put her in that position and air that proposal on live television.” They continued, “Producers were screaming at them in the booth to stop and were ignored. They said she was falling apart. You know why [Freeland] did it? Because it was her idea.” Warner Bros. TV denies this allegation claiming all parties, including Jenn, agreed to the plan.
Thoughts on The Pause
There is one big question in this mess looming over Bachelor Nation’s viewers. Is this truly a pause or is this soft launching a cancellation? This franchise is a ‘my way or the highway’ situation, much like most businesses in capitalism. If you do not align with the higher-ups, they will replace you with someone who will. Even if you are the star, they will make whatever excuses and boot you out. Fans will be angry but get over it because this is reality TV, it is an addiction.
For what it is worth, host, Jesse Palmer, believes it will return and it will be phenomenal. Jenn Tran was also surprised by the news, but she was not too concerned. Most people think the pause stems from the lack of viewers during the summer airtime, especially when Love Island runs simultaneously. However, the allegations against producers and how they handled Jenn’s season finale is far more reason to pause or cancel the show.
