Taylor Frankie Paul and the Downfall of the ‘Bachelor’ Empire
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- The "Bachelor" franchise has experienced a significant decline, with its flagship series "The Bachelor" not airing since last March and no announced return date or lead.
- Ratings for "The Golden Bachelor" finale dropped nearly 60% compared to its first season, and "The Bachelorette" failed to air last year after poor performance and a damaging live TV reveal.
- ABC canceled the new season of "The Bachelorette" starring Taylor Frankie Paul after a leaked video showed her assaulting her partner, undermining hopes for a ratings revival.
- Once a dominant dating competition, the franchise has suffered from executive turnover, controversial contestants, and a nearly 75% drop in viewership since 2016.
- Industry insiders express
