The Bachelor franchise is getting a behind-the-scenes facelift. Citing dwindling ratings, the long-running ABC series recruited a new casting team to help breathe new life into the show. They’ve partnered with a company called Wyldside Media, and they’re responsible for casting some huge shows, including the Real Housewives.
The Bachelor needs a “fresh start” after low ratings
An insider spilled to the Sun about the latest in the Bachelor franchise. Season 29 concluded earlier this year, with Grant Ellis giving his final rose to Juliana Pasquarosa. They broke up a few months after the finale aired, another symptom of a show failing to live up to its potential.
”The Bachelor franchise is in crisis mode and they’ve been trying to figure out new tricks to stay afloat after viewership plummeted in recent seasons,” the source claimed.
Grant’s season suffered a 15% drop in viewership from the prior season. It’s a part of a downward trend that has been going on for years. Now, the network executives are supposedly hitting the panic button.
With that in mind, Wyldside Media is in the middle of the casting process for Season 30. The insider said they’re trying to break from tradition. Rather than pulling from existing Bachelor Nation talent, they’re allegedly casting someone new. This is what they just did with the Golden Bachelor, surprising fans who were expecting to see a familiar face as the lead.
According to the insider, this is all a part of the producers’ attempt at giving the show a reboot. They’re trying to make sure that the people coming on the show are looking for love, not a career as an influencer.
“They need a fresh start. They won’t be following the tradition of choosing someone who’s already part of the franchise,” the insider said.
If there’s a company up for the job, it’s definitely Wyldside. According to their website, they’re experts at “connecting deeply with talent” and creating moments that “resonate far beyond the screen.” In addition to multiple Real Housewives cities, their resume boasts Netflix series, Food Network competitions, and even Parental Control from the old days of MTV.
“They want to go back to the earlier season roots of the lead being successful, well put together and just in need of a life partner,” the insider said of the casting process.
We’ll keep our eyes peeled for more updates on the new era of the Bachelor. In the meantime, Bachelor fans can look forward to the upcoming season of Bachelor in Paradise. Just like the flagship series, the producers are trying to add a few twists to keep things interesting.
The Bachelor is streaming on Hulu.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK THE BACHELOR NEEDS A REBOOT? DO YOU THINK IT’S A GOOD CALL TO BRING IN A NEW FACE FOR SEASON 30?
