There is so much going on behind the scenes in Bachelor world that sometimes it’s tough to even say anything. Because it’s stuff that I can’t necessarily give details to without compromising sources. I think once this is all said and done I’ll be able to, but as of now, I need to see how things play out the rest of the season and on the ATFR, which is set to tape this weekend. I’ve heard that even might get pushed back a few days now, because as of this writing, they have yet to find a host for the show. ABC is in full scramble mode behind the scenes trying to find an ATFR host, trying to find a host for the show going forward in the immediate future, and locking down their next “Bachelorette.” I think I’m getting closer to finding out the location for next seasons filming. The state I’m sure on. They aren’t going cold weather, so that’s good. But I’m telling you, when I do announce where it is, I don’t think anyone will be wow’ed. Not because I’ve seen or heard of the place, but, I think people have expectations when it comes to this show, and I know the way a lot of their fans think. So, don’t set your expectations so high and maybe you won’t be disappointed.
Ratings are in from Monday night, and the “Bachelor” has basically held steady the last 3 weeks. Look at their numbers for episodes 6-8:
Ep 6: 5.2 million (1.3 rating)
Ep 7: 5.2 million (1.4 rating)
Ep 8: 5.2 million (1.2 rating)
And lets not forget the most important number, which is the fact they win their 2 hour time slot for the Women 18-49 demographic. And they dominate that number too. So there’s different ways to look at these numbers, but the biggest thing being that everything happening on the periphery, all the social media stories and people screaming they’re done with this franchise, hasn’t really had much effect on the ratings.
Did you see what Ivan said yesterday in an interview regarding BIP? He basically came out and said he wouldn’t feel comfortable appearing on BIP if Chris Harrison was still the host. I can tell you there are other BIPOC contestants who feel the same way. Whether or not they’ll say it publicly like Ivan, I’m not sure. But I think this pretty much assures we’re not going to see Chris Harrison again for at least “Bachelorette” and BIP. I don’t see any way they can bring him back that early. While I don’t think they should bring him back at all if they’re really looking at change, doesn’t mean they absolutely won’t and he’s done for good. Hard to know since it’s been 2 weeks and no one from the network has addressed this yet. Which, frankly, is embarrassing.
Recording with Chelsea and Tom from “Temptation Island” this afternoon for tomorrow’s podcast. I don’t have any spoilers for this season, nor do I want them. They are not on the same call, but that doesn’t mean anything either way. So if anyone has any questions they’d want me to ask them, you’ve got a few hours to get those in before I record. I find any couple that goes on this show fascinating, so it’ll be interesting to start hearing from the people involved in the couples on a weekly basis going forward. It’s only supposed to be one a week that’ll be on the back end for 15-20 minutes of every podcast, but because we didn’t do one last week, we’re doubling up this week.
Here’s your IG growth for the final 4 women from Monday night to Tuesday night. Yes, not surprising to see Rachael blowing away the competition in terms of followers because people know she wins. BUT, the fact that Rachael basically has posted less than, what, 10 times all season kinda shows a lot. She’s done nothing and she’s gained over 400k followers since the beginning of the season.
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“Reader Emails” begins on Page 2…
jlal
February 25, 2021 at 11:16 AM
I said it in an earlier post and I’ll say it again. This show is the epitome of the patriarchal, privileged white male society we have had in this country since the beginning. The objectifying/sexifying of women (and men), the women “catfights”, the either ignoring or pathetic attempts at racial diversity all were normal TV back in the day. Unfortunately, as early as 20 years ago that was standard in TV and films and frankly accepted by most and grudgingly expected by women and minorities. Sure, SM has changed the show and not for the better that is a given. However, the majority white male producers and network execs first don’t even recognize their own privilege, but second don’t want it to change even when they do. And, why would they because under representing minorities and painting women as petty and vapid has enabled them to stay in their privileged position. That being said, society has moved on and they are hanging on by their fingernails now. They either change with society or they will be left behind.
One point on the Rachel southern party thing. Everyone evolves (hopefully) as they learn. She was young and going along with a tradition of her institution. Most of those kids probably didn’t think they were being racists at all. Ignorance is bliss and they most likely weren’t aware of the negative symbolism. Honestly, someone almost 50 years old is taking a break because of cluelessness and she was only a kid. I say give the girl a break, she is learning and it is a hard lesson.
justsaying
February 26, 2021 at 7:34 AM
I feel Racheal’s latest audio apology is one of the most sincere. I hope she will be the ally she promise to be and I do think she deserves the benefit of the doubt.
As for her breakup with Matt, mehh. All he gave her was a promise ring. He was never serious. Who gives someone a few weeks to change like this and then gives up on that person they supposedly love?? I wanted Mike Johnson in the first place over Pilot Pete and Matt.
mgb970
February 26, 2021 at 12:44 PM
@justsaying
> and then gives up on that person they supposedly love?
Exactly this.
Where’s the “we’re gonna work on things together”? Or, “we’re going to use our platform to make things better together”?
Instead Matt took a page from the Becca playbook of my life partner isn’t woke enough for me.
justsaying
February 26, 2021 at 1:19 PM
@mgb970 Any man who gives the lady a promise WILL NOT be standing by her. I wish the ATFR will delve into this matter to save lots of ladies their time but they won’t.
His decision to break up is solely image-based, obviously. Just a few weeks ago he said to give Racheal grace and benefit of the doubt, exactly what Chris said. But no outrage on Matt’s part.
I wish the host will hold Matt accountable for saying the exact same thing Chris did. But they won’t bother.
mgb970
February 26, 2021 at 11:25 PM
@justsaying
> I wish the host will hold Matt accountable for saying
> the exact same thing Chris did. But they won’t bother.
Nope.
The thing that sunk Chris was implying a party in 2018 is not the same as a party in 2021. Without that, you’d have a point about hypocrisy.
realitynyc12
February 27, 2021 at 4:20 AM
You know, there are a lot smaller things one can break up over than ” my partner isn’t wokec enough for me”. That’s actually a pretty damn good reason to break up, if you ask me. Becca actually explained it best- how are you going to raise a family with someone if you’re fundamentally not on the same page on very major societal and political issues. Sure some people manage to do it but its insurmountably harder and relationships are plenty hard even when you don’t already have those road blocks.
What I’m really curious about, and I hope this gets asked on AFTR, was if Matt and Rachael have had any serious and honest conversations about race and her upbringing and views of her family on these things. Because as Becca pointed out, stuff like this should 100% be discussed during any off camera time prior to getting engaged. That’s the kind if eye opening discussion that I think would have saved everyone a lot of time and aggravation here.
I like Rachael, I really do, even more so after the latest Video she put out on Instagram, it was sincere and well spoken. But I think Matt 100% made a mistake in picking her, maybe he felt a pull to go against the grain and didn’t want to pick someone just because they’re biracial like him and that’s what he felt was ” expected of him”, he was prob the most physically into Rachael. But clearly a lot more is needed than that for a successful relationship.
justsaying
February 27, 2021 at 9:07 AM
@mgb970 Chris got into a hole because he asked for compassion, downplayed, made excuses and dismissed Racheal’s racism.
This was exactly Matt’s overall sentiment. He was calling it rumors and to give her benefit of the doubt. How can he not outright denounce the racism and in turn warn everyone how rumors can ruin her life.
Say what?? I remember feeling outraged. These aren’t rumors or gossip or here say. There were so many photos of her culturally appropriating, liking photo with the confederate flag and of course the terrible party. No excuses for Matt.
justsaying
February 27, 2021 at 9:22 AM
@realitynyc12 if he broke up with her because she wasn’t woke enough, then why did he defend her before the major backlash?? He was happily listening to her Spotify but the timing is, there’s an outrage and she no longer is good for his image, therefore he dumps her.
realitynyc12
February 27, 2021 at 2:26 PM
@justsaying
That may very well be a part of it too. And then also perhaps initially he thought he could get past all that and stand by her but as the controversy took on a life of its own, perhaps it forced him to take a cold hard look at the relationship and whether it was something that would be sustainable long term. Looking at her family history and where she grew up, honestly if I was a person of color, as much as I may have been into someone, to have to jump over those types of hurdles for the rest of my life and then potentially involve children. While she clearly is very eager to unlearn the racist upbringing and I believe her every word about doing the work, its just a lot, and it is exhausting for a black person to have to bear the weight of that in what’s supposed to be the beginning Honeymoon period of a relationship. So I don’t blame him at all. Even if a lot of it is also to save his image, he’s only human and has to do what he feels is best for him longterm. I’m sure it was far from being an easy decision either way.
Bottom line is, none of us were a fly on the wall in that relationship, all we can do is speculate. Hopefully a lot of this would be answered at the AFTR.
justsaying
February 27, 2021 at 5:01 PM
@realitynyc12 I seriously doubt this promise-ring-Matt thought about children and upbringing and I even wonder if he knows her last name. The moment she didn’t match his image, he bails.
Nahu
February 27, 2021 at 10:49 PM
LOL. Are you getting paid by ABC to defend their awful business decisions? Ratings have been DOWN all season (1 million compared to Colton and Peter’s seasons).
justsaying
February 28, 2021 at 10:56 PM
Ok time to cancel Taylor too?
kayakguy
March 2, 2021 at 1:12 PM
How can we watch Bachelor Canada? Time to stop watching the US version — too political.