Why Grant Ellis Was Chosen as ‘The Bachelor’ Over Jonathan Johnson

Season 21 Bachelorette contestant Grant Ellis has been named the next Bachelor. Fans of the franchise are debating why he was chosen over fan-favorite contestant Jonathon Johnson.

Bachelor Nation fans were shocked when ABC announced Grant Ellis as the next Bachelor earlier this month. The announcement broke tradition in several ways. First, the announcement came while Jenn Tran’s Bachelorette season was still airing, instead of during the After The Final Rose special as usual.

A head honcho with the network explained that the decision to announce early was to give interested women more time to apply. It was heavily rumored that Jenn Tran’s contestants were blindsided to find out she was the lead instead of Maria Georgas or Daisy Kent.

Jenn Tran and Grant Ellis both broke the mold when they were announced as leads. The show typically goes with a contestant in the final three or four. Jenn Tran and Grant Ellis both came in fifth place on their respective seasons.

Season 29 of The Bachelor hasn’t started filming yet but is expected to air in early 2025. Jenn Tran’s Bachelorette season comes to a dramatic conclusion on Tuesday, September 3.

Viewers didn’t really get a chance to know Grant Ellis before he was eliminated. On the other hand, Jonathon Johnson was a fan favorite before he was sent home after Hometown dates. ABC is banking on his popularity by announcing him as the first contestant for Season 10 of Bachelor In Paradise, which will air in 2025.

One Bachelor Nation fan who thought Jonathon was a better choice for Bachelor took to Reddit for the tea. “Johnathon was in third place, which is statistically the chosen crown choice. He is also a nation favorite and I feel like we barely know Grant. Any insights are welcome,” they wrote on a thread.

Other fans of the franchise had a lot of thoughts about the decision. Check out the best comments:

• Grant is older, more mature, and overall just a better option who has proved he is ready for love and a serious relationship/engagement. Jonathan hasn’t proved anything other than he’s emotionally unavailable and not ready for a relationship. To me, it’s clear.
• This is my scream! I’ve been wondering the same thing. I think Grant might be a better bachelor and Jonathon will anchor a paradise reboot.
• Producers liked Grant more? Another theory that I don’t love but given how shallow people can be: they needed a tall bachelor?
• I think they wanted to divert from negative publicity from remaining contestants so they needed to announce ASAP.
• I also feel like the early distraction from Marcus/Devin was a factor.
• I remember reading somewhere that they announce leads of color sooner so as to avoid getting people applying who wouldn’t be comfortable dating them or something like that.

Why do you think the network went with Grant over Jonathon?

Source: TV Shows Ace