Get ready for the season 20 premiere of The Bachelorette because there’s a surprise in store. ABC is shaking things up by changing the show’s start time from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Typically, one of ABC’s flagship shows airs in the 8 p.m. slot, but not this time. This small shift may seem inconsequential, but it could hold a deeper meaning. Let’s dive in.
According to The Ben and Ashley | Almost Famous Podcast, hosted by Bachelor Nation members Ben Higgins and Ashley Iaconetti, there’s a theory behind the time change. One possible reason is a decline in viewership, which is a glaring issue. TV Fanatic reports that the Season 19 premiere with Rachel Recchia and Gabby Windey had 2.7 million viewers, down from the previous season’s 3 million viewers. In comparison, the first eight premieres of The Bachelorette consistently drew in over 8 million viewers. However, with the premiere of Season 9 featuring Desiree Harsock, that number dropped to 5.99 million. The trend continued with declining viewership between Season 10-15 and a slight uptick with Tayshia Adams as the lead. But the last three seasons failed to reach 4 million viewers, including a series low in Season 19.
Given this concerning trend, it’s no surprise that ABC is exploring its options, starting with a time change. However, this move may not align well with the show’s target audience. Fans of The Bachelor Nation tend to be health-conscious and have early bedtimes, which includes watch parties. Pushing the show back an hour could further dampen viewership, particularly among those who have been losing interest.
If this season doesn’t bring about an improvement in ratings, ABC may consider taking a different route, possibly by exploring streaming options. This strategy has been tested with Dancing With The Stars airing its 31st season on Disney+. The show is set to return to ABC (and streaming) for its 32nd season. Moving The Bachelorette to a streaming platform could align better with the viewing habits of its target audience and counter the growing trend of cord-cutters. Other dating shows such as Netflix’s Love is Blind and Too Hot To Handle have achieved success on streaming platforms.
Although all of this speculation, it’s worth monitoring as Charity’s season unfolds. With the departure of Mike Fleiss and other changes in the show’s leadership, there’s always a chance that the status quo may look different. The Bachelorette returns for its new season on Monday on ABC, so make sure to tune in and see how it all plays out.
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Khushi Patel is a science fiction author who lives in Austin, Texas. She has published three novels, and her work has been praised for its originality and imagination. Khushi is a graduate of Rice University, and she has worked as a software engineer. She is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and her books have been nominated for several awards.
