The Bachelor: 10 Twists They Could Implement To Spice Up The Show
It's time for some changes in The Bachelor as a show and as a franchise. The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, in particular, have waited too long to cast more diverse leads. While fans are glad to see efforts towards that important change, there are additional ideas that could make the show more reasonable and more engaging.
Since The Bachelor's first season in 2002, Bachelor Nation has increased in number and evolved in interest. Fans want some fresh takes on the old premise, and these ideas are a step in the right direction to spice things up.
10 House Talent Show
The Bachelor's Listen to Your Heart is a creative spin-off in that it brings musical talent to the fore of the show. The Bachelor and The Bachelorette could use some talent, even if on a smaller scale. It doesn't have to be musical, but contestants must list one special talent that they possess.
They will then prepare a ninety-second act for a special talent show episode, performing for the Bachelorette/Bachelor. This would add some comedic relief but would also present the contestants as more fully-dimensional people. The lead must counter with his or her own special talent at the end.
9 Allow Smart Phones
Bachelor Nation knows that phones and computers are not allowed for any contestants. While it makes sense to try to stop spoilers from within the walls of the mansion, the rule is quite tedious. The Internet is a part of everyday life. People use their phones to communicate, pay bills, get the news, scroll social media, and so much more.
To fall in love with another adult sans smartphone is not realistic for most people. It would make things much juicier to see how contestants juggle their phone usage with their in-person love connections.
8 Replace Fantasy Suite With Weekend Getaway
The Bachelor and The Bachelorette seem to spare no expense when it comes to travel, so why not swap out the fantasy suite for individualized weekend getaways for the last few contestants?
Instead of everyone awkwardly staying in close quarters while abroad, each person would get their own special getaway with the lead. This could encompass a more complete one-on-one that is spread across two days and three nights.
7 No More Hometowns
For some people, bringing a significant other home to meet the family is a big deal. For others, it's not that important or just isn't overwhelming to begin with.
The hometowns episode is so unrealistic, with parents (who usually lack media training) offering up awkward questions around the dinner table. It would make way more sense to do away with the hometowns portion in favor of more quality time for the couples.
6 Parents Of Final Four Visit The Bachelor Mansion
Eliminating hometowns doesn't have to cut out the contestants' families entirely. Siblings are optional, but parents of the final four should definitely visit Bachelor Mansion before any big decisions are made. This move would mirror real-life--preparing one's space for guests often requires more thought than showing up as a guest in someone else's home.
The families would be on the show's turf, revealing a glimpse of the colliding worlds of catty housemates, lovestruck leads, and perplexed parents. If couples can stay through this together, they can get through anything.
5 Dinners Require Eating
One of the most annoying things about the franchise is the fact that, as a rule, food is rarely ever eaten. Contestants and leads get all dressed up, sit in isolation at a small table, and stare at their food while they make contrived conversation.
With the normal hometowns routine, the family scene at the dinner table is usually interrupted before anyone can take one bite of the meal. Letting people eat onscreen would make them more real and probably more relaxed. They would just have to get used to it.
4 Unedited Footage Of Downtime At The House
Contestants of The Bachelorette and The Bachelor go into the experience knowing that there will be downtime. What's everyone else supposed to do while the lead is on a one-on-one or a small group date? There should be more organic, unedited footage of the time spent back at the Mansion.
People want to know what the contestants are really saying about one another, and better than that, what they actually aspire to be in life.
3 Contestants Wear Pajamas To The Rose Ceremony
The Bachelor can be so serious, especially when it comes to the rose ceremony. Imagine being required to get all dressed up, only to be let go and filmed crying or screaming.
It would be both funny and considerate to let the rose ceremonies be conducted in pajamas--for everyone. That way, whoever gets axed is already prepared to sulk in comfy clothes, and rose recipients are reminded that they're no better than anyone else.
2 Everyone Must Get A One-On-One Before Being Sent Home
Fans of the franchise are easily irked that not every contestant gets a fair shot. It is hard for the Bachelor or Bachelorette to see a complete picture of each contestant before sending them home, so every person should get a date.
It doesn't have to be a long date. Even a spontaneous trip to the nearest drive-through or a relaxed coffee date would count. The lead would be left with a better understanding of who all the contestants really are.
1 Women Tell All Event Turns Into Intimate Instagram Live
Another area of the show that needs an update is the Women/Men Tell All event towards the end of the season. It's getting old to see the contestants all lined up, trying to outdo one another while the lead takes the hot seat across from Chris Harrison. In an age where audience participation is changing, it makes much more sense to turn the whole event into an Instagram Live where fans can ask questions in real-time.
Chris would be the moderator, ensuring that the men or women get equal screen time and are able to clear the air on whatever issues fans bring up.