Hi Steve! I love your site, especially your spoilers. My question is: how do hometowns work? Do each of the contestants go home for the week or do they go to hotels? Do the contestants talk to their families before or is everything done through producers? When the contestants walk in the door with the lead, it always looks like the contestant hasn’t seen their family in a while. I’m just curious what the general timeline is for the week of hometown dates and how it all works. Thank you!
Comment: This has been addressed numerous times. You stay at a hotel in LA until its your turn for your hometown. You fly out the night before, stay in a hotel in your hometown, you see the lead for the first time when we see the day portion of the date, you’re seeing your family for the first time when you walk through the door, and then you go back to the hotel at the end of the date, and you’re back on a plane to LA the next morning. Sometimes the 4 are in hotels in other cities, all depending on travel schedule, but that’s the way it works.
__________________________________
Hi Steve,
Something I noticed is that before the Hometown episodes, Kendall’s sister Kylie had a private Instagram account, and post Hometowns episode she now has a public profile. I have a prediction that she will now insert herself into Bachelor Nation somehow. Do you think a sibling (in this identical twin) would get the option to be able to go on Bachelor in Paradise?
Speaking of siblings, how on earth did Ashley I’s sister Lauren get onto BIP that one season?!
Thanks!
Comment: I guess anything is possible, but I thought she had a boyfriend? Maybe she doesn’t anymore, but when I first confirmed Kendall and was on her sister’s IG and FB, I could’ve sworn she was posting about a guy. But maybe things have changed and they aren’t together.
Because they love Ashley and bend over backwards for her.
__________________________________
Steve!
I don’t know about you but this season seems like the longest season EVER. I am ready for this to be over. I am so over it. I have a few questions, and I’d like to know what you think.
1. What did you think of Tia’s exit? I don’t know if it was the bachelorette edit they gave her, but it seemed so fake. I really liked Tia but it seemed too planned and prepared. I don’t know…. It’s impossible to know if Tia faked that whole thing. How am I supposed to know that? All I know is I don’t think it’s gonna really do her any good because all indications are that Becca is gonna be the “Bachelorette.”
2. In an interview with Beckah M. they talked about the women tell all. They mentioned that they called Beckah’s mom during the women tell all to discuss the whole weed farm thing. I can’t even believe we’re still talking about that. What do you think? They called her? I know it was discussed, but she already told the whole story on Kimmel which I embedded in a column last week. It’s nothing new.
3. I don’t know if you’ve seen a few interviews with Krystal, but she is alllllllll about Peter. I saw three separate interviews and she’s definitely trying to get his attention. Calling him her, “celebrity crush”. She’s so crazy so I don’t know if Peter would be down for that… But then again, based on your interview with his ex, Peter is not always what he seems…. What are your thoughts on this?
Thanks for all you do!!!
Comment: If she gets with Peter, great. Good for her. And I’m sure she’ll be one of many he’s currently hooking up with.
__________________________________
Hey Steve,
Love your spoilers! After the first two episodes this season, I decided I’d rather have a root canal than watch any further. Then I read your bombshell of all bombshells and now I’ve got to see how this plays out, no matter how creepy of a kisser Airy is.
Here’s my question: Do you think the show would be better if they had fewer contestants? They used to have 25, and now it’s more like 30. Why the increase? We never remember the first few anyway unless they’re psycho, and it can’t be cheaper for the show, can it? If there were fewer contestants they could at least pretend the relationships are a little deeper and the decisions tougher. Maybe they just want a bigger pool of people for the spin-off shows? Just curious what your take is on this.
Oh yeah—Green apples all the way. ???
Thanks for all your dedication!
Comment: I don’t know if there’s any particular reason for it. There have been seasons in recent memory with 25, so it’s not like every season is 29 or 30 now. But having more contestants and a bigger pool to choose from for BIP is certainly a possibility.
__________________________________
Hi Steve,
I know many of your readers say this, but I would not have been able to get through this season without your spoilers and recaps.
In the first half of the season, I was getting totally grossed out by Not Peter’s make out sessions with the girls. Not just the way he kissed them but the fact that it was obviously the only thing he was interested in with most of them. He was playing them one after the other, talking to them like they were puppies. I couldn’t stand it anymore!
Now the other thing that makes me cringe is his pathetic wardrobe…I think he’s been wearing the same three outfits all season. Did they not take him shopping before filming began? Who do we bribe to burn those cardigans?
If I didn’t know the spoiler on the finale engagement, I would wager that Arie picks Lauren in the end. When he had an emotional moment and had to step away during their last 1 on 1, it reminded me of Nick and Vanessa’s first 1 on 1 where he was crying while giving her the rose. That’s when we knew she was the one.
It’s hard to say how much of the editing they changed on Lauren and Becca since the other spoiler came out, but for sure if Lauren stands out as the front runner, it might sound more acceptable to the audience that he made a mistake at the finale and had to get back with her afterwards.
As for Kendall, it’s been clear since the 2 on 1 that he is only keeping her around for the fantasy suite. How can you keep a straight face while asking for the family’s blessing when you haven’t had a single date with the woman? (Unless playing with dead rats counts…).
What a low blow to put her on the spot at the rose ceremony when he full well knew the answer and was only looking for an excuse to let Tia go. (Tia sure dodged a Bullet there!).
I think he ultimately picked Lauren because she fits with his usual pattern of being with women who are more insecure/vulnerable and he plays the part of the protector and they see him as a hero.
Krystal was trying to play him like he was playing the other girls and he saw through it right away. (Takes one to know one). He might have kept playing along until overnights had it not been for the Fort Lauderdale incident.
Anyways, after this rant I have a couple of random questions:
1) How soon during filming do they start scouting hometown locations to prepare production there? Have there been occasions when they ask to make drastic changes to the homes to make them TV worthy? Usually when they are down to six girls (the episode before hometowns) all families are contacted and given possible dates of when they’ll be coming.
2) Do you know how the food shopping and meal preparation is worked out in the mansion or other locations? I am sure each contestant comes with their own restrictions, allergies etc. It must get complicated when 25 women need to cook dinner…I must admit this is one aspect I would worry about if I would ever consider an adventure like that. (Not that I ever will). They have people that go out and get food, and yes, people have certain things they won’t eat. But that’s all done for them. I don’t think it’s as big of a deal as you may think it is.
__________________________________
I’m interested to know what your thoughts are on Tia being the bachelorette. Do you think she ruined any chance she had when she went to Arie about Bekah? I figured she probably did but after her exit last night her edit may have redeemed her. I know you think it will probably be Becca but so far I think Tia has more of a following. I’d be fine with either one but just curious what you thought about Tia’s image after she went to Arie about Bekah.
Thanks for the spoilers!
Comment: Ruined it? No. I just think her fate was sealed the second Arie dumped Becca. Tia isn’t gonna be the “Bachelorette.” But you can bet she’ll be on Paradise for sure. Day 1.
__________________________________
Hi. Some questions:
1) To what extent, if any, are the families told what to say during hometown dates? They’re talked to. 150 families have had hometowns. Impossible to answer.
2) When the lead is flown around (such as for hometown dates), does he/she fly commercial or private plane? Commercial.
3) Likewise am curious if the lead stays in 5 star hotels during the various travels? Some are, some aren’t. But it’s not like they’re ever in a motel or some rinky dink. ABC trades with top hotels.
4) Do you think Jacqueline would have made it to hometowns if she hadn’t eliminated herself? (My impression is she would have). No.
5) Do you agree with what so many are saying about Arie being a “boring” lead? Personally I find him pretty much on par with past bachelors. No more or less boring than any others. What they’re showing us is boring. Maybe he was Mr. Personality and they’ve just chosen to leave that on the cutting room floor. All I can go off is what they’re showing us, and he’s boring, isn’t much of a talker, and makes out when he has nothing to say.
6) Did Becca have to give the ring back on camera? I’m not exactly sure, but I’m getting closer I think to having this answer.
7) Have you heard if Becca wants the Bachelorette gig? Personally I’d prefer Kendall or Tia.
Thanks!
Comment: I’m pretty sure it’s going to be Becca.
__________________________________
Hi Steve,
This is my first time writing in—been a fan of yours for many years but never wrote in until now! Here is my assortment of questions:
1) I love your podcast and have enjoyed all the guests that have been on. Would you ever consider having Ashley Hebert on? To this day, she is still my favorite and I love her and JP, plus it’s been many years since she has been a part of anything “Bachelor” related. I know she is one of your favorite seasons too! I’ve asked plenty of people in this franchise to come on my podcast. Either you’ll hear them or you won’t. If you do, that means they said yes. If you don’t, they either didn’t respond or said no.
2) Really enjoyed the podcast you did with Arie and Peter’s exes. During Rachel’s season, you talked a lot about Peter, him not being quite the guy shown on TV, having girls back home, etc. Did most of this information come from Peter’s ex (I am blanking on her name sorry!)? Or were there other women who similar experiences with him? I don’t reveal that stuff.
3) Do contestants of the show ever write to you with gossip/spoilers? Any from the current season? Gimmie your number. When’s the best time to call you and tell you how my business is run? No one else knows, but I feel comfortable telling you all my sources.
4) If you were named the bachelor and your cast of women was everyone from Brad’s 2nd season on, who would be your final four hometown dates?
Thanks!
Comment: Too hard to narrow it to four.
__________________________________
After watching some of winter games and listening to “Ben and Ashely I Almost Famous” I’m wondering is she could be pregnant. Ben comments several times that she is glowing and has changed and that she has been less open about her life. Any chance she is trying to pull a Kylie Jenner and hide a pregnancy?
Comment: Anytime two people are having sex, there’s a chance for pregnancy. Well, unless either one have gotten work done to assure that doesn’t happen. Although, Antonio Cromartie claims he had a vasectomy and still ended up with twins, so who knows?
Are Kevin and Ashley pregnant? I have no idea. I haven’t heard that.
__________________________________
I live in a suburb of Chicago. Every year the education foundation for our grade school district hosts a fundraiser with once popular bands. I thought your readers would be amused by this years line up. The headliner is Blue Oyster Cult and the opening act is … James McCoy Taylor. I mean come on how hilarious of a combo is this! Here’s a link if you want to see a video they put together for it. Nah, I’m good thanks.
As this very boring season wraps up, I don’t think the producers have gotten enough flack for choosing Arie for the bachelor. He’s been awful. And let’s not forget they had an opportunity to have their first African American as a lead. Josiah, Eric, Kenny or Diggy all would have been more entertaining than this. What a wasted opportunity. To each their own.
So winter games — Ashley I – I mean whatever. Good for her for turning a season on this show into a career. But socially she has to be the most immature 30 year old out there. She clearly grew up in an upper middle class family and was given pretty much everything she wanted. I hope she’s ready to have her heart broken by Kevin. You know it’s coming! Yes. But don’t tell the Ashley/Kevin fans that. They think it’s real.
And Ben H and Luke- what jerks. I can’t take a second of their air time seriously. The only reason the two of them have for hiding their current relationships is to stay “relative” in this franchise. Not cool to treat your girlfriends that way. I wouldn’t say you’re too off base with that.
Finally, loved your podcast with Jenn Sterger. I cannot believe some of the comments left on your page about it. I mean come on people criticizing her for making comments about President Trump? Really! Every citizen has a right to express their feelings. And no women should be sent unsolicited nude pictures. What’s so difficult to understand about that? You go Jenn always defend yourself.
Comment: Took a lot of balls for Jenn to do that. Can’t thank her enough. And to see the interview get some run publicly on other sites makes me happy.
__________________________________
Can you clarify what you mean in your most recent post about Melissa rycroft’s family being the only ones to get out of a hometown? Super curious!
Comment: Well, Melissa had a hometown date and neither of her parents were a part of it. So somehow they got out of appearing on the hometown. Don’t know how, but they did.
__________________________________
Hey Steve, can you confirm that Ben and Lindsey are still dating? Any proof? Yes, they’re still dating. No, I have no proof. Well, no proof that I can share.
I know Lindsey posted a Instagram story on Valentines Day with flowers she got but card was turned around and funny thing is, it wasn’t roses ?
Also have you thought about having Lauren Bushnell on your podcast? Maybe she can tell her side of what went on in her and Bens relationship. I know she talked some on Kaitlyns podcast and the morning breath. Plus Lauren has a wine coming out in March and you guys can talk about it. Just a thought. ?
Thanks for giving us great spoilers, I don’t know what I would do without having you spoil things.
Comment: Same answer as I gave above regarding podcast guests.
__________________________________
RS,
As always, thanks for the entertaining work you do. A comment and a question.
I think the part of the taxidermy date where they dress up the rats was a reference to a great Steve Carrell comedy Dinner for Schmucks (2010). Incidentally, this is a remake of a French movie, Le Diner de Cons, and there’s a very funny Hindi version too, Bheja Fry.
My question, do you find it harder verifying spoilers for the season or the tell all episodes? I would imagine you get inundated with info from various sources following the tell all, but the quick turn around and number of sources would also make it harder to verify—and I know you take pride in accuracy of your reporting.
Thanks! Looking forward to the end of the season! Keep up the great work!
Comment: Season is much harder since it’s more contestants, more dates, more roses, travel in different cities, and more eliminations. The Tell All is one taping in one day.
__________________________________
Send all links and emails to: steve@realitysteve.com. To follow me on Twitter, it’s: www.twitter.com/RealitySteve. Instagram name is “RealitySteve,” join my Reality Steve Facebook Fan Page, or listen to all my podcasts at Apple Podcasts. Talk to you tomorrow.
