Channel 10’s shock U-turn as The Bachelor and Bachelorette are both set to RETURN in 2022 despite reports the network had axed both shows
Channel Ten has confirmed it will bring back The Bachelor and Bachelorette in 2022, despite the reality TV franchise’s declining viewership.
Rumours have been swirling for months that the network had pulled the plug on the dating shows, after Jimmy Nicholson’s season had the lowest ratings in the franchise’s eight-year history.
However, it seems Ten has thrown any fears about dire ratings out the window.
Surprise! Channel Ten has confirmed it will bring back The Bachelor and Bachelorette in 2022, despite the reality TV franchise’s declining viewership. Long-time host Osher Günsberg will return to helm the program next year
It was announced that both The Bachelor and Bachelorette would air in 2022 during Channel Ten Upfronts on Tuesday, while Osher Günsberg was also confirmed to return as host.
‘We redefined dating shows with The Bachelorette Australia this year, and it’s set to be even better next season as we head to a major moment for this landmark franchise,’ Günsberg said in a statement.
Next year’s season of The Bachelor will also mark the show’s tenth anniversary.
Big news: The decision to bring back the ratings-starved franchise was announced during Tuesday’s Channel 10 Upfronts. Pictured: The Bachelor’s Irena Srbinovska and Locky Gilbert
Poor ratings: Rumours previously swirled that the network had pulled the plug on the dating shows, after Jimmy Nicholson’s season had the lowest ratings in the franchise’s eight-year history. Pictured: Jimmy Nicholson
’10 seasons of any show is a major milestone, and as we hit that landmark with The Bachelor Australia, I’m just so excited to be a part of telling Australia’s favourite love story in a new and exciting way.’ Günsberg said.
The decision may come as a surprise to viewers, as a well-placed insider only recently told Daily Mail Australia that the franchise would be ‘inevitably’ cancelled if Brooke Blurton’s upcoming season of The Bachelorette didn’t see a significant boost in ratings.
‘It wouldn’t have mattered who they chose [as the Bachelor]; those numbers were always going to be low,’ an insider told Daily Mail Australia, noting the steady decline in ratings over the years.
High hopes: ‘We redefined dating shows with The Bachelorette Australia this year, and it’s set to be even better next season as we head to a major moment for this landmark franchise,’ Günsberg said in a statement
They added that having a bisexual Bachelorette with male and female contestants was a ‘last-ditch attempt’ at revitalising the franchise, but if this doesn’t work, the series ‘is going to lose its entire audience’.
The source also claimed Channel 10 executives were scouting for an ‘international dating format’ to replace the series next year.
However, a 10 spokesperson denied The Bachelor was being axed when contacted for comment by Daily Mail Australia at the time.
Ratings woes: The decision may come as a surprise to fans, as a well-placed insider only recently told Daily Mail Australia that the franchise would be ‘inevitably’ cancelled if Brooke Blurton’s upcoming season of The Bachelorette didn’t see a significant boost in ratings. Pictured: Brooke Blurton
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