What’s Behind the Success of ‘The Bachelor’ Season 28 Starring Tennis Pro Joey Graziadei?

Image credit: The US Sun

The latest installment of ‘The Bachelor’ franchise, Season 28, premiered on Jan. 22, featuring 28-year-old tennis pro-Joey Graziadei in the lead role, embarking on a quest for love in the realm of reality TV. Graziadei’s familiarity with Bachelor Nation stems from his stint as a finalist on Charity Lawson’s season of ‘The Bachelorette’, where his attentive listening skills and romantic demeanor endeared him to viewers.

His debut as the lead has sparked a remarkable resurgence of interest in the franchise, a feat that seemed improbable in recent times. According to Nielsen data, the season premiere garnered 6.02 million viewers across ABC, Hulu, and other streaming platforms, with Week 4 witnessing a peak of 5.9 million views within three days. This surge in viewership marks a significant departure from the finale of Bachelor Zach Shallcross’s Season 27, which attracted 3.4 million viewers.

Suzana Somers, a data analyst behind the Bachelor Data Instagram account, credits the renewed fascination with Graziadei’s season to several factors. Notably, the presence of Gen Z viewers, Graziadei’s popularity among fans, and notable edits in the show’s production have contributed to its revitalization.

The evolving dynamics of the contestants in Season 28 further contribute to the franchise’s rejuvenation. While ‘The Bachelor’ traditionally aimed to facilitate lasting romantic connections, recent seasons have seen contestants leveraging the platform for social media influence and career opportunities, leading to skepticism regarding their motives.

Kay Brown, co-host of the Betchelor podcast, highlights the phenomenon of contestants seeking both love and social media fame, blurring the lines between authenticity and strategic positioning. Chad Kultgen, co-host of the Game of Roses podcast, observes the spectrum of contestant motivations, ranging from genuine intentions to leveraging the platform for personal gain.

The convergence of ‘The Bachelor’ with the social media influencer culture has raised questions about the authenticity of contestants and their pursuit of love. However, Season 28 has witnessed a shift in audience perception, with viewers embracing the contestants and their narratives.

Many women contestants on Graziadei’s season have garnered substantial social media followings based on their relatability and authenticity. Through platforms like Instagram and TikTok, contestants such as Daisy Kent and Maria Georgas have offered glimpses into their lives beyond the show, resonating with audiences seeking genuine connections.

Somers emphasizes the impact of race on contestants’ social media popularity, noting disparities in growth rates based on previous seasons’ data. With the season approaching its conclusion, Somers predicts further social media growth for contestants based on their storyline progression and audience engagement.

As ‘The Bachelor’ franchise continues to evolve, Season 28 stands as a testament to the enduring allure of reality TV romance and the transformative power of social media in shaping audience perceptions and contestant narratives.

As reported by Yahoo in their recent article