In a recent panel at the Television Critics Association's winter press tour, the producers of The Bachelor faced a tough question about the franchise's handling of racial issues. When asked about former star Rachel Lindsay and current lead Matt James' criticism of the show's approach to race, the producers seemed at a loss for words.
The awkward moment came during a panel that included showrunners from popular shows like Jeopardy, Dancing With the Stars, and Shark Tank. NPR's Eric Deggans posed the question to Bachelor producers Jason Ehrlich, Claire Freeland, and Bennett Graebner. Freeland, who joined the Bachelor franchise earlier this year, attempted to respond by stating that the show's goal is to 'represent the country.' However, she quickly shifted the focus away from the question.
Undeterred, Deggans restated the question more directly, prompting a prolonged silence from the producers. The uncomfortable ten-second pause spoke volumes, leaving Deggans to conclude, 'Guess we have our answer.'
Following the panel, Freeland told The Hollywood Reporter, 'It is impossible for me to comment on the seasons before I joined them here. I can only speak to the seasons I have made as part of the U.S. franchise as well as our plans as we go forward.' She expressed a commitment to improving areas that may have been lacking in the past and highlighted examples of positive representation within the franchise, such as The Golden Bachelor for senior contestants and Charity Lawson's season of The Bachelorette.
However, reporters at the event were buzzing about the producers' failure to adequately address a question that has plagued the franchise for years. Some took to social media to express their surprise and disappointment. Cultural critic Myles McNutt tweeted, 'Who literally sat there in silence, not even a 'no comment?' It was flabbergasting.'
The panel took place on Disney's second day at TCA and coincided with the announcement of a new spinoff, The Golden Bachelorette, which aims to continue the franchise's success and attract new viewers. Disney Television Group president Craig Erwich spoke about how The Golden Bachelor rejuvenated the series and drew in a fresh audience.
Interestingly, the panel also featured a question about diversity on Jeopardy, with new showrunner Michael Davies defending the choice to have Ken Jennings as the sole host and emphasizing the need for representation and inclusivity. He stated, 'No, I don't think a straight, white man is the only person who can host Jeopardy. As we expand the franchises, we will fail if that's the only person who can host.'
Davies also addressed the recent news of Mayim Bialik's departure from Jeopardy, explaining that the decision was made to have a singular host for consistency and continuity. He praised Bialik's hosting abilities and expressed hope to continue working with her on other projects.
The Bachelor franchise's handling of racial issues has been a longstanding concern, and the recent panel only highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the producers. As the show moves forward, it remains to be seen whether meaningful progress will be made in addressing these concerns and fostering true diversity and representation within the franchise.
