How the “Bachelor” empire lost its audience
As competing shows leaned into modern norms, the franchise was stymied by its traditional approach.
From The Times
March 24, 2026

The “Bachelor” empire has been in decline for years.

The new season of “The Bachelorette,” starring the influencer and reality star Taylor Frankie Paul, was supposed to lead a ratings renaissance. Then a leaked video of Paul assaulting her partner in 2023 derailed those plans.

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Byron J. Cohen/ABC

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