Grant Bachelor Season Length Reduced Due To Ratings?
Monday nights episode of the Bachelor causes confusion when Grant Ellis announced hometowns were next week. With only nine episodes—compared to the usual 11 or 12—this season is moving at lightning speed. Hometown Dates are already happening in Episode 6, which has never happened this early before.
Why Hometown Dates Are Happening So Early on Grant Ellis’ Season
One of the biggest shocks this season is how quickly we’re hitting major milestones. Typically, Bachelor Nation gears up for Hometowns around Episode 8 or 9, but Grant’s season has fast-tracked the process. Here’s why:
1. Bachelor Season 29 Tighter Production Schedule
ABC’s reality lineup has been undergoing major shifts, with new shows vying for prime slots. With The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise facing uncertainty, The Bachelor had to make adjustments—leading to a shorter, more compact season.
2. Grant Ellis’ Busy Schedule Resulting In Shorter Bachelor Season?
Unlike past leads who are typically influencers or reality TV veterans, Grant Ellis is a former basketball player-turned-financial trader. His professional commitments may have influenced the season’s filming schedule, pushing producers to streamline the process.
3. Viewer Engagement and Ratings Considerations
Recent seasons have experienced fluctuating viewership numbers. To maintain audience interest and adapt to changing viewing habits, producers opted for a shorter season, aiming to deliver a more dynamic and engaging narrative. This approach seeks to reduce filler content and focus on pivotal moments, enhancing the overall viewing experience. This season some fans are saying that outside of the Carolina drama, Producers weren’t really focusing on anything else. Some viewers have complained it’s been difficult to connect with any of the participants as a result.
Is ABC Cutting Bachelor Season 29 Short The Right Call?
While some fans appreciate the snappier format, others feel like the romance isn’t getting enough time to develop. The shorter season means fewer group dates, less time for deep emotional connections, and an overall rushed experience.
The real question is: Will this impact the final outcome? With fewer episodes, the pressure is on for Grant to make strong connections quickly. Could this lead to an engagement that doesn’t last? Only time will tell.
If this season performs well in ratings, ABC might continue experimenting with shorter, punchier formats for future seasons. So far Grants season debuted with 2.72 million viewers and last weeks episode received 2.51 million. By comparison Joeys season of the Bachelor debuted 3.18 million and grew steadily every week to 4.14 million.
But for now, Bachelor Nation is left wondering—will less really be more when it comes to finding true love on TV?