Updated 2026-03-20 10:41 UTC
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Maybe it’s time for The Bachelor franchise to end

What happened

ABC canceled Taylor Frankie Paul's season of The Bachelorette just days before its scheduled premiere after domestic violence footage surfaced. Paul, known from Hulu's "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," was set to be the lead in the reality dating show's latest season. The network pulled the entire season rather than proceed with the controversy.

Why people care
The Bachelor franchise has been ABC's reality TV cash cow for over two decades, making a last-minute cancellation unprecedented. The incident has sparked broader questions about the franchise's future and casting decisions, especially given its history of controversies involving leads.
The takes
Critics say

This cancellation proves the Bachelor franchise has run its course and should end entirely. The show's repeated casting controversies and inability to properly vet contestants demonstrates fundamental problems that can't be fixed with format tweaks.

Franchise defenders say

ABC made the right call pulling this season but the franchise itself remains viable with proper casting oversight. The show has survived previous controversies and continues to draw audiences when handled responsibly.

Sources
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