I understand that Americans love "real" drama. This definitely has "drama". My issue is that the majority of what happens feels engineered and manipulative. I understand most of what is shown on television is scripted. But blatantly passing off something that is like this as a "real" show where "true love" is "found" seems a bit disingenuous. It seems like the producers must be specifically casting some individuals to cause drama and others for the sole purpose of being emotionally traumatized by their experience. Some people may say, who cares, who is this show hurting. But this type of television is a perfect example of what is degrading this countries moral standards. Terrible, terrible, terrible show.
49 Reviews
WORST SEASON
rbpknhsxk5 November 2020
Worst season of the bachelorette! I have loved every season until this one. A couple months later after covid and the audience has to watch this... It's very disappointing. When you trust your gut, follow it. I think it was wrong for her to lead all these guys when she knew where her head was at the minute he walked out the limo.
Can It Ever Stop?
DiamondGirl42712 July 2010
How many more "reality" shows are going to be churned out by the studios before someone says "STOP!!"...? They simply go on and on..and become more ridiculous as they go on. The concept of a single person actually finding true love this way is slim to none. Of course there are going to be major attractions between contestants...after all..aren't these people perfect? And aren't they going to seek out the same perfection in a mate? Probably so. Forget there is an audience, lights and cameras and strangers all around...watching you. Kind of a voyerlistic if you think about it. It makes you wonder why these perfect humans have not found real and solid relationships already at some point. No doubt it gives the men on the show a huge ego boost to have a woman gushing over them while they go on all kinds of wonderful and memorable "dates"...and the woman is placed on a pedestal because all those guys WANT HER to pick THEM!! They get to have all expenses paid for vacations in romantic places...way out of the realm of what most single people do on date night. This isn't reality...it is a well thought out design by writers, directors and producers...to boost ratings and give the tabloids something to get excited about. After the lights and cameras go away...what is left? Oh yeah....people who got rejected for the most part. Why can't there be actual creative stuff being presented to the viewers out there? This junk is a waste of time.
Bachelorette is a terrible show
hala-zabaneh198111 August 2021
This show is so archaic and fake. I only saw the last 6 episodes of the 17th seasons and let me tell. It is garbage. And so is Katie. Horrible woman. This show perpetuates archaic ideas about companionship and and rushed engagements; it is so unrealistic when one woman DATES SO MANY MEN AT ONCE. Thats just a recipe for disaster. All those men dogged a bullet i say...except the poor guy at the end. Yeah good luck buddy. Thats if all this is real anyways. Ugh waste of time. Do something better with your life people. Enjoy nature. Its good for your skin.
Zero rating
mesawy-8184515 November 2020
Scripted Crud
AdrienneGrayceMusic9 November 2018
I'm honestly baffled that this show lasted this long. We all know that reality tv is scripted, and not really reality at all. Dating multiple people at once and finding instant love is so far fetched it's not even funny. Most of the relationships don't last. It is just pure garbage.
Each season gets worse.
laughnerjl328693 August 2021
If this show really gave a darn about contestants "finding love", they wouldn't do everything they could possibly do to sabotage the relationships for the sake of TV drama! Out of 30 men, ALL of them are going to get hurt except one! I was struggling last night watching Katie not validate Greg's heartfelt profession of his love for her. It was cringeworthy! They are playing with true emotions here and it is really getting ridiculous. If he was the one she wanted, she should have said scr*w the "rules" and told him how she felt about him. I'm so glad that Greg feels he deserves better because he DOES!
Straight Garbage
JerNe0017 October 2018
meet someone the regular way, will ya?
dave42481852 March 2003
The men on this show are obviously too self involved to meet, and commit to a woman in their own 'hood. They're obsessed with the perfect hottie (no matter how little brains or sincerity she has.) They DESERVE to get their hearts broken. The same goes for the gals on "The Bachelor."
How to enjoy The Bachelor(ette)
doublemyfaruky29 July 2017
Don't tell me you're too good for The Bachelorette. I understand that at face value, a dating reality show as ostensibly preposterous, unrealistic, untraditional, and hyperbolized as The Bachelorette deserves a degree of scrutiny; however, the show is much more than it seems if the viewer puts in the time and attention. The Bachelorette — as well as The Bachelor — highlights travel, love, jealousy and other emotional tribulations, family, and as for Rachel's season, even race. First on travel, the show does a spectacular job at taking the viewer around the world and introducing them to places they may have never been or may have never heard of. In either case, I have been introduced to so many beautiful pockets of sunshine and snowfall thanks to the show. It is great advertising for the hotels and locations around the world, but the show also acts as a quick and alluring travel guide for the couch potatoes who indulge — including myself. Hometowns introduce the viewer and the Bachelorette to the man's family. On no other show will you see a more candid, un-cinematic relationship between a grown man and his mother. It can be uncomfortable, but more often, it is endearing and humanizing. Imagine this man having drinks at the bar with his friends discussing a chick he banged and the mother who drives him nuts. Imagine that same man on this show: forced to be open, romantic, vulnerable, honest, loving for the women in his life. Not every family is a conventional nuclear unit, as was the case with Dean, whose entire family splintered eight years ago until the date of his hometown. These men were built from the foundation of family, so to witness the village that made him, as well as his interactions and proximity with said village, speaks volumes to the man's character development and internalized values. Yes, it is easy to call every slice of drama, affection, and romance as a gimmick manufactured by evil producers. I have watched enough episodes of Lifetime's Unreal to conclude the same conspiracies as many of you have, but as much as one can make fun of the show, one must also remember these are real human beings placed in a ridiculous setting. The condensation of the dating game, the transparency of the suitor's polygamy, the bottled atmosphere of boyfriends under one roof will likely make a contestant act crazier than he is in the "real world" wherein he is not subject to the same expectation of emotional expediency or alcohol consumption.
The Bachelorette exposes how each man (and Rachel) handles group dates, one-on- one's, hometowns, and two-on-one's — all situations that uniquely challenge a person more in a few weeks than in years-long relationships where the same deep questions about vulnerability or marriage are not discussed at the same rate, if ever. The show is ridiculous because the dates are extravagant and a woman is dating 25+ men simultaneously; however, not every contestant is ridiculous nor is he or she necessarily crazy. Rachel is the most intelligent Bachelorette I have seen thus far — even better than Jojo, for whom I wept tears of joy in her decision to choose Jordan. She challenges the men, interrogates them, allows them to open up, and treats every man as though he is the only one that matters in the moment: it is not impossible to fall in love in a few months if the conditions push two people to ask the right questions early on in order to filter out other incompatibilities. If one remains skeptical of the sleazy producers, then go ahead and watch the show through that lens. For example, after rose ceremonies, notice there is daylight behind the departed contestant with whom the producers conduct the exit interview. This means the "rose ceremony" lasted all through the night, and ended at sunrise. This is a strenuous, long night in which alcohol and emotions dangerously mixed and circulated in the mansion. Not only can the viewer attain a more thorough understanding of production behind the scenes, but he or she can also garner empathy and understanding for the contestants. Notice if a contestant is slurring his words, crying uncharacteristically hard, acting "crazier" than you would in a situation — try to understand why. This scavenger hunt is one of understanding. Don't fall for the "coming up" previews that precede commercial breaks, for almost every single one is falsely advertised or skewed. Listen for unnatural cuts during a contestant's interview insinuating that his line was cut up and edited by the show producers. Differentiate men who want to win the game/fame and win the girl. The show has done a cunning job exaggerating, omitting, implanting, and influencing the truth, no doubt; however, the character and relationship developments are what truly drive the show surrounding petty, surrounding drama or silly, inconsequential, albeit funny cuts to quirky elements of the season (say, Ashley S. from Chris Soule's season or Adam's horrifying dummy from Rachel's season). Rachel genuinely believes she can find her husband if she plays the game right. I can tell she believes that past contestants have failed to find love because they did not immerse themselves in this process or in each relationship fairly. She takes the journey seriously and makes the hasty decisions that she does, not because she is naive, but because she believes in the journey ahead. Be smart when you watch, and the show becomes smarter than you initially (and pretentiously) thought.
The Bachelorette exposes how each man (and Rachel) handles group dates, one-on- one's, hometowns, and two-on-one's — all situations that uniquely challenge a person more in a few weeks than in years-long relationships where the same deep questions about vulnerability or marriage are not discussed at the same rate, if ever. The show is ridiculous because the dates are extravagant and a woman is dating 25+ men simultaneously; however, not every contestant is ridiculous nor is he or she necessarily crazy. Rachel is the most intelligent Bachelorette I have seen thus far — even better than Jojo, for whom I wept tears of joy in her decision to choose Jordan. She challenges the men, interrogates them, allows them to open up, and treats every man as though he is the only one that matters in the moment: it is not impossible to fall in love in a few months if the conditions push two people to ask the right questions early on in order to filter out other incompatibilities. If one remains skeptical of the sleazy producers, then go ahead and watch the show through that lens. For example, after rose ceremonies, notice there is daylight behind the departed contestant with whom the producers conduct the exit interview. This means the "rose ceremony" lasted all through the night, and ended at sunrise. This is a strenuous, long night in which alcohol and emotions dangerously mixed and circulated in the mansion. Not only can the viewer attain a more thorough understanding of production behind the scenes, but he or she can also garner empathy and understanding for the contestants. Notice if a contestant is slurring his words, crying uncharacteristically hard, acting "crazier" than you would in a situation — try to understand why. This scavenger hunt is one of understanding. Don't fall for the "coming up" previews that precede commercial breaks, for almost every single one is falsely advertised or skewed. Listen for unnatural cuts during a contestant's interview insinuating that his line was cut up and edited by the show producers. Differentiate men who want to win the game/fame and win the girl. The show has done a cunning job exaggerating, omitting, implanting, and influencing the truth, no doubt; however, the character and relationship developments are what truly drive the show surrounding petty, surrounding drama or silly, inconsequential, albeit funny cuts to quirky elements of the season (say, Ashley S. from Chris Soule's season or Adam's horrifying dummy from Rachel's season). Rachel genuinely believes she can find her husband if she plays the game right. I can tell she believes that past contestants have failed to find love because they did not immerse themselves in this process or in each relationship fairly. She takes the journey seriously and makes the hasty decisions that she does, not because she is naive, but because she believes in the journey ahead. Be smart when you watch, and the show becomes smarter than you initially (and pretentiously) thought.
We need a choice of Zero Stars
d-j-dekok21 August 2017
If you knew a young, outwardly attractive woman who told you, "I can't decide who to marry, so I'm going to simultaneously date 24 homogeneous men", what would your initial reaction be?
She's: A silly, sin-burdened woman? A slut? Stupid? Clueless? Ignorant of how the world REALLY works? Harboring a pathetic Cinderella complex? Pity? Derisive Laughter?
But you're going to watch anyway, because you're one of the thousands of sheep who waste an hour or two weekly watching this drivel. Enjoy.
And if you think for one moment that I approve of "The Bachelor", you're wrong, wrong, wrong!
She's: A silly, sin-burdened woman? A slut? Stupid? Clueless? Ignorant of how the world REALLY works? Harboring a pathetic Cinderella complex? Pity? Derisive Laughter?
But you're going to watch anyway, because you're one of the thousands of sheep who waste an hour or two weekly watching this drivel. Enjoy.
And if you think for one moment that I approve of "The Bachelor", you're wrong, wrong, wrong!
So cool!
AnnaPagrati1 November 2021
Always a guilty pleasure among reality TV shows
jlewis77-14 June 2009
Some people take this stuff wwwaaayyy too seriously, which is why there are some silly low ratings on this site. The best way to view this is as a latter day "Dating Game" with a bigger budget and a lot of ceremonial pomp (those ridiculous roses). It is all-too easy to scold the participants (Why can't you find love the "normal way"? Why expose your romantic life on TV?,etc.), but I always respect those willing to take risks in life (with a hopeful ending)... even in front of millions of viewers. Conservatives have their own opinions as well, although less sexual activity happens here than on "Big Brother". In fairness, at least one marriage and two long-term engagements came from the Bachelor/ette franchise, so the TV environment is not THAT much worse than the "real world". If you fall in love, you fall in love... if not, enjoy the ride.
There is only one thing more entertaining than 25+ women battling over a desirable Bachelor... and that is 25+ "dudes" battling over a Bachelorette. Here gender and society expectations play a key role: Guys may have fist fights and hot arguments, but are quick to get it out of their system; by the time the "Men Tell All" special is broadcast, they're often all buddies. In contrast, "The Bachelor" shows have ladies who bottle up their anger and act catty. Although the "ette" early episodes supply plenty of "beefcake" for female viewers, it is interesting to note that the Final 1 selected is either the shy/sensitive jock or the Average Joe.
Surprisingly, these shows hold up better than you'd expect with repeated viewing, thanks to all of the high emotion involved and a less structured format. Only the rose ceremonies are a drag. (By comparison, "Survivor" may be a much better show when seen weekly, but its VERY structured format makes it a bit tedious viewing reruns back-to-back.) The Trista/Ryan season still entertains after a couple years (even if the wedding that followed went on too long), as does Meredith's. Jen (the controversial one: she dumped both of her final 2) and Deanna had slightly duller runs. The best episodes, as in "The Bachelor", are the "hometown dates" (& the colorful families), the erotically charged Fantasy Dates in exotic locales... and, of course, the finale with the final 2 runner-up leaving in a limo "broken-hearted".
Jillian Harris' season is arguably the best season, but also the most difficult to sit through: The Classic Emotional Train Wreck. It starts with the usual share of high comedy and scripted drama with a foot-fetish suitor (Tanner) and a "bad boy" country singer (Wes), who delivers the theme of "They say love don't come easy". (*Spoiler alert*) In episode #4, Jake, the "perfect" pilot states the ominous line that it is inevitable that Jillian will fall for two guys and have to send one away brokenhearted. At first, the storyline focuses on Kiptyn as a key player, but eventually the saga boils down to Reid and Ed. One falls hard and fast for her, while she falls harder for the other when he takes a two week leave of absence. When she dumps Reid at the #3 spot in Maui, she fails to explain her changing affections to him and he attempts a return in the finale to verbally express his feelings for her... only to be dumped again. This is not a show for the faint at heart.
There is only one thing more entertaining than 25+ women battling over a desirable Bachelor... and that is 25+ "dudes" battling over a Bachelorette. Here gender and society expectations play a key role: Guys may have fist fights and hot arguments, but are quick to get it out of their system; by the time the "Men Tell All" special is broadcast, they're often all buddies. In contrast, "The Bachelor" shows have ladies who bottle up their anger and act catty. Although the "ette" early episodes supply plenty of "beefcake" for female viewers, it is interesting to note that the Final 1 selected is either the shy/sensitive jock or the Average Joe.
Surprisingly, these shows hold up better than you'd expect with repeated viewing, thanks to all of the high emotion involved and a less structured format. Only the rose ceremonies are a drag. (By comparison, "Survivor" may be a much better show when seen weekly, but its VERY structured format makes it a bit tedious viewing reruns back-to-back.) The Trista/Ryan season still entertains after a couple years (even if the wedding that followed went on too long), as does Meredith's. Jen (the controversial one: she dumped both of her final 2) and Deanna had slightly duller runs. The best episodes, as in "The Bachelor", are the "hometown dates" (& the colorful families), the erotically charged Fantasy Dates in exotic locales... and, of course, the finale with the final 2 runner-up leaving in a limo "broken-hearted".
Jillian Harris' season is arguably the best season, but also the most difficult to sit through: The Classic Emotional Train Wreck. It starts with the usual share of high comedy and scripted drama with a foot-fetish suitor (Tanner) and a "bad boy" country singer (Wes), who delivers the theme of "They say love don't come easy". (*Spoiler alert*) In episode #4, Jake, the "perfect" pilot states the ominous line that it is inevitable that Jillian will fall for two guys and have to send one away brokenhearted. At first, the storyline focuses on Kiptyn as a key player, but eventually the saga boils down to Reid and Ed. One falls hard and fast for her, while she falls harder for the other when he takes a two week leave of absence. When she dumps Reid at the #3 spot in Maui, she fails to explain her changing affections to him and he attempts a return in the finale to verbally express his feelings for her... only to be dumped again. This is not a show for the faint at heart.
This didn't need to exist
ih-037248 August 2019
Trash is still trash
nimitz54116 December 2021
This show is utterly disgusting and the bottom of the barrel for humanity. I guess if you like totally fake people... this show might be for you. Programs like this just need to stop.. it's not interesting, not entertaining, and it sure puts a dent in my faith towards humanity.
Awful!
nickgingras10 August 2021
Just as bad as the bachelor
POIguy12 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This show is perhaps worse than its sister show The Bachelor. Everything is fake, the contestants are annoying, nothing is taken seriously, and the drama is just so terrible. I started watching this back when Desiree was the bachelorette. It wasn't as bad back then but the quality has gotten so bad that I consider this show straight up garbage.
The bachelorettes have all morphed into the same bland personality. I can't understand who approves the casting list for the guys. One season had on a guy who's actual job was to shout "Whaboooomm!!" AND SHE STILL GAVE HIM A ROSE! Talk about the producers manipulating the competition! The moment I knew this show was bottom of the barrel was Rachel's season. Her season had these two guys named Kenny and Lee who absolutely hated each other. There was this one episode where the trailer was edited to make it look like they were going to physically fight and Kenny was going to end up with a bloody eye from the fight. I watch the episode and what happens? Turns out Kenny and Lee don't fight (rather just have a verbal argument) and Kenny gets the bloody eye from some stupid competition that was totally unrelated to Lee. WTF???!!! Why would you edit the trailer like that??? I couldn't watch the show after that!
Just don't watch this show. The "contestants" are fake, the bachelorette is fake, the game is fake, the drama is fake. It's never as dramatic as Chris Harrison likes to hype it up to be. Stay away from this giant turd of a TV show!
The bachelorettes have all morphed into the same bland personality. I can't understand who approves the casting list for the guys. One season had on a guy who's actual job was to shout "Whaboooomm!!" AND SHE STILL GAVE HIM A ROSE! Talk about the producers manipulating the competition! The moment I knew this show was bottom of the barrel was Rachel's season. Her season had these two guys named Kenny and Lee who absolutely hated each other. There was this one episode where the trailer was edited to make it look like they were going to physically fight and Kenny was going to end up with a bloody eye from the fight. I watch the episode and what happens? Turns out Kenny and Lee don't fight (rather just have a verbal argument) and Kenny gets the bloody eye from some stupid competition that was totally unrelated to Lee. WTF???!!! Why would you edit the trailer like that??? I couldn't watch the show after that!
Just don't watch this show. The "contestants" are fake, the bachelorette is fake, the game is fake, the drama is fake. It's never as dramatic as Chris Harrison likes to hype it up to be. Stay away from this giant turd of a TV show!
Shows Absolutely No Sign of Decency and Helpful Intelligence
shinedowness13 March 2019
Warning: Spoilers
If you are looking for decent people, then do not watch this show. A pathetic audience watches this immoral filth created by the lowest common denominator who only care about entertainment and money. Nothing more, nothing less. You can say "don't judge people before knowing them," but I would not have my child near these monstrous creatures who cause stupid hatred, revenge, drama, etc. for views because that would be me being a decent parent that actually cares about my child's health. Bad role models are who go on this show and run this show.
Garbage.
ebmilkyway18 October 2021
Just like The Bachelor, it needs to be canceled. This show is the same trash that gives the wrong idea of dating. Honestly, I have never watched it because of the stupid concept. No wonder we're getting dumber as a species. Just end this reality garbage and get back to some intelligent programming.
No Chris Harrison, no watch
Jokerolan23 August 2021
This was still watchable while Chris Harrison was in, although it well in the rut. Then woke mob canceled Chris, it removed a big part for me to keep watching it. So, no more Bachelor and Bachelorette for me. Maybe I'll continue to watch Bachelor in Paradise, it's completely different animal.
A Most Unique Reality Show
PartialMovieViewer6 July 2015
Warning: Spoilers
This is one of those scandalously fun romps, where one can witness emotions getting trampled into the mud and broken hearts being kicked around like a ball at soccer practice. This is my kind of show. Some of the targeted cruelty displayed on this program goes way beyond heinous, resembling closer to downright scurrilous activity. How much fun is that? Oh the pain and sorrow
the lies
the deceit
the vengeance. Let's not forget those shameful nocturnal interludes. Yikes, even my sunburn wants to blush - sheesh. If that is not enough
how can leave out the fights? Weekly smack-down – now that is what I am talking about. These are no mere squabbles or harmless spats
no way. The hissing is very un-catlike, more of a serpentine quality – claws are more demonic – and those jaws are full of venomous fangs. Talk about fireworks
let the games begin.
Stupidest Bull Ever
johnkelty-907409 July 2019
It's enough to say that Howard the Duck got better reviews than this to tell you it's stupid, but if you're not convinced, keep reading.
The Bachelorette is about a hot girl, dating a bunch of pothead studs, and hopefully finding the love of her life. Each week one of twenty five guys is eliminated, this goes on until one is left.
Let's start with the obvious, WHAT IDIOT THINKS THAT THEY ARE GOING TO FIND THE LOVE OF THEIR LIFE ON A REALITY TV SHOW? None of these relationships ever work out anyways!
My entire family watches this show, except for me. They simply don't understand that it is low to zero quality tv, created entirely for money.
This is simply the stupidest show ever, because every chick that goes on there is probably a supermodel in disguise, and every guy falls into the same category. JOCK.
Do not watch this show, it is a waste of time. If you any of you reading this for some reason has an atomic bomb, do the world a favor and blow up wherever the heck these people are filming.
The Bachelorette is about a hot girl, dating a bunch of pothead studs, and hopefully finding the love of her life. Each week one of twenty five guys is eliminated, this goes on until one is left.
Let's start with the obvious, WHAT IDIOT THINKS THAT THEY ARE GOING TO FIND THE LOVE OF THEIR LIFE ON A REALITY TV SHOW? None of these relationships ever work out anyways!
My entire family watches this show, except for me. They simply don't understand that it is low to zero quality tv, created entirely for money.
This is simply the stupidest show ever, because every chick that goes on there is probably a supermodel in disguise, and every guy falls into the same category. JOCK.
Do not watch this show, it is a waste of time. If you any of you reading this for some reason has an atomic bomb, do the world a favor and blow up wherever the heck these people are filming.
Happy Ending
jules61361330 August 2003
The "Bachelorette" shows will do much better then the Bachelor as far as the relationships lasting. The reasons should be obvious. Good for Trista and Ryan! I can't wait to see thier wedding, I don't care who pays for it, I am glad everyone who watched her go through 2 shows to find Ryan will be thrilled to see them get married! They are a lucky couple!!!!
Deliciously, wonderfully, stupid, mindless guilty pleasure
Jade359349310 June 2018
Face it folks. Life is hard. Whether it's volcanoes in Hawaii, Fire and Fury, pets on a Sarah McLachlan commercial (please adopt), the lifting of EPA regulations (if you like clean water, please vote) , the world melting down on the news (no words for this one), having to choose between paper and plastic (bring your own bags please), or two hours of The Handmaid's Tale (wake up), there's an awful lot of angst, death, destruction, despair and tragedy out there.
That's what makes The Bachelor (and while we're at it, Bachelor in Paradise and 90 Day Fiance), escapes for which I am personally grateful. Is it an example of the moral decline of civilization? You bet! And with chocolate cake and ice cream, it's even better.
It's not meant to be analyzed. It's supposed to be stupid. It's trash. Wonderful, vacuous trash. So check your brain at the door, get over yourself, fire up Twitter, and forget for two hours that we all might die tomorrow. Really, you (yes even you) could do to loosen up a bit.
That's what makes The Bachelor (and while we're at it, Bachelor in Paradise and 90 Day Fiance), escapes for which I am personally grateful. Is it an example of the moral decline of civilization? You bet! And with chocolate cake and ice cream, it's even better.
It's not meant to be analyzed. It's supposed to be stupid. It's trash. Wonderful, vacuous trash. So check your brain at the door, get over yourself, fire up Twitter, and forget for two hours that we all might die tomorrow. Really, you (yes even you) could do to loosen up a bit.
Just a horrible, horrible show
shishircn30 July 2019
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
