Fans of The Bachelor are calling out the franchise for some stranger than usual casting calls. Traditionally episodes of The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, and Bachelor In Paradise might end with a plug to nominate someone to join the franchise or sign up to audition. Usually, these requests were pretty straightforward. However, Bachelor Nation producers are turning it up a notch this season.
After Chris Harrison’s firing as the host of The Bachelor franchise, a string of scandals including allegations of racism and sexual misconduct, and an onslaught of low ratings, Bachelor Nation’s been doing its best to mix things up. However, the Disney-backed franchise’s efforts to transition into a new era have been messier than expected. The latest plugs for American citizens to join the ranks of Bachelor Nation might be just one more bizarre turn in their reactive efforts to rescue a decade-old saga.
In the bizarre TV casting calls, Jesse Palmer’s voice echoes over The Bachelor logo and the ABC casting website with questions such as, “think it’s time to get rid of some dead weight? Ditch your boyfriend,” “If the guy you’re dating turned out to be your cousin, you can do better,” “Your boyfriend’s a loser. Everybody knows it! Dump his ass,” “Your boyfriend lives in a van by the river? We can do better?“ which were all followed by, “and apply to be on the next season of The Bachelor.” One of the best things about Bachelor Nation is when it leans into this type of odd camp humor. It is one of the more redeeming qualities of the franchise despite its drop in ratings over the years. However, BacheloretteWindmill from Instagram noted that these casting commercials get more unhinged, every week.
After the Instagram user posted The Bachelor compilation in an Instagram Reel, the funny commentary from fans started pouring in. Trcotelli from Instagram asked in the comment section, “How do you top the ‘you just found out your boyfriend is your cousin’?” which is a great question. Misspelljanell shared, “My boyfriend was SO offended by the ads…“ which many followers called a red flag. Cassandra took it upon herself naturally to come up with her own, “Murder your boyfriend! Apply to be on the bachelor!” and “Does your man live in a van but doesn’t have the social media following that Dean has? Apply to be on The Bachelor.” Dean Unglert, who is still dating Caelynn Miller-Keyes, probably won’t take this question personally.
While some might find the gimmick odd and potentially desperate to keep The Bachelor franchise going, it’s quite hilarious. Not to mention it’s stirring up some interesting insecurities at home and inspiring Bachelor Nation to get more creative than ever. The proof will be in the pudding whether next season’s crop of Bachelorette and Bachelor contestants are more interesting than in past years. While Gabby Windey and Rachel Reccia are doing their best to carry their season of The Bachelorette single-handedly, a goofier cast next year in The Bachelor franchise is sorely needed.
The Bachelorette airs Mondays at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
Sources: BacheloretteWindmill/ Instagram, Trcotelli/ Instagram, Misspelljanell/ Instagram, Cassandra/ Instagram
