Could a Villain Be the Next ‘Bachelor’ in the Franchise?

Bachelor Nation fans are calling for a significant revamp of the franchise. One intriguing suggestion is making a former villain the next lead on The Bachelor. Let’s dive deeper into this idea.

If you feel like every season of the Bachelor franchise follows a repetitive format, you’re not alone. It seems each season consists of the same dating activities set in different exotic locales. Jenn Tran’s season of The Bachelorette went international right away, but that hasn’t significantly boosted viewer interest, especially with the engaging Olympics capturing much of the audience’s attention.

Jenn’s season recently took a surprising twist when one of her ex-boyfriends showed up in New Zealand pleading for another chance. While a dramatic move, it’s not new in the franchise’s extensive history. Nick Viall did something similar during Kaitlyn Bristowe’s season, and Blake Moynes disrupted Katie Thurston’s journey for love in a memorable fashion.

In those previous scenarios, the surprise appearances led to captivating television moments. Tonight, viewers will see if Jenn Tran invites her ex to stay for the remainder of her season. There’s certainly anticipation in the air.

Every season of The Bachelor franchise also seems to feature a clear villain. From recent seasons, Devin Strader and Sam McKinney from Season 21 come to mind as examples. Occasionally, the villain ends up winning, as seen when Jake Pavelka proposed to Vienna Girardi, adding a layer of unpredictability to the show.

However, rarely does ABC elevate a known villain to the central role on The Bachelor or The Bachelorette. Villains more commonly reappear on Bachelor In Paradise, where they often continue their antics or seek redemption. Brayden Bowers is one such villain who gained a second chance on Bachelor In Paradise.

Given that Bachelor In Paradise won’t be back until 2025, Screen Rant floated the idea of casting a villain as the next lead, and it’s a notion that has gained some traction. Such a move could breathe new life into a franchise that’s been on air since 2005, presenting a fresh twist that might captivate old and new viewers alike.

Jenn Tran’s current season already offers a few strong candidates for this villain-to-lead transformation. By looking back on several recent Bachelorette seasons, ABC could find multiple viable villains to take on the lead role. Traditionally, the network favors leads who are popular and perceived as ‘good’. Joey Graziadei, for instance, is frequently cited by fans as one of the best Bachelors in recent memory.

Nonetheless, a villain-led season could be exactly what the franchise needs to shake up its stale format. While a villain might not initially be popular, the ensuing drama and unexpected developments would likely draw in viewers, eager to see how such a character navigates their journey to find love.

What do you think about the prospect of the Bachelor franchise breaking its traditional mold and casting a villain as the next lead? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Season 29 of The Bachelor is slated to air in 2025.

Source: TVShowsAce, Screen Rant