Being a reality TV fan means keeping up with popular reality shows, even when some are not enjoyable. The Bachelor Nation shows usually fall into this category for me. However, as Season 29 of The Bachelor began with the charming Grant Ellis as the lead, I decided to give it a chance.
After watching just two episodes, I noticed something I had not realized in previous seasons. I understood that The Bachelor feels more uncomfortable to watch than The Bachelorette.
Both shows follow the same format, with only the gender of the lead and contestants changing. Despite this, I found The Bachelor harder to enjoy. I started thinking about why this happens and reflected on my own thoughts.
‘The Bachelor’ Reinforces Stereotypes and Double Standards
The Bachelor promotes the idea that women must compete for a man’s attention. This belief has been reinforced in media, the beauty industry, and society. In Episode 2 of Season 29, Zoe McGrady and Alli Jo Hinkes repeatedly interrupted each other to talk to Grant.
This kind of awkward interaction is so common in the show that it is now known as the “Can I steal you?” moment. This drama mostly happens with the women on The Bachelor, which makes it uncomfortable to watch.
The show also supports the idea that women are desperate to get married. It presents the idea that women are willing to compete on a reality show for a small chance at love. Even though the men on The Bachelorette do the same thing, people rarely label them as desperate.
This made me reflect on my own views. I started wondering if I judge the women on The Bachelor more critically than the men on The Bachelorette. I questioned whether I had absorbed some of the same unfair expectations that the show promotes.
‘The Bachelorette’ Feels Like a Better Escape
While watching The Bachelor, I felt uncomfortable seeing women compete for one man’s attention. This discomfort did not feel as strong when watching the men on The Bachelorette. This made me realize that, in some ways, I might be reinforcing the very ideas I dislike.
I started to wonder if the issue came from the show itself or from my own perspective. The truth is probably a mix of both, but these thoughts do not come up while watching The Bachelorette.
Both shows have a low success rate when it comes to lasting relationships. Both shows also feature contestants who seem more interested in fame than love. The producers create drama by putting contestants in high-pressure situations.
However, The Bachelorette is easier for me to watch. It does not force me to think about the unfair standards that women face as much as The Bachelor does. Watching The Bachelorette allows me to relax without questioning the show’s messages. Since reality TV is meant to provide entertainment and an escape, this makes The Bachelorette a more enjoyable experience for me.
