Roxanne 
In a major shake-up for one of reality TV’s most enduring franchises, The Bachelor has brought in a new casting team with a surprising pedigree: the same people behind The Real Housewives franchise. The decision signals a bold attempt to breathe new life into the show following a steady ratings decline in recent years.
According to an exclusive report from The U.S. Sun, producers are in what one insider called “crisis mode,” scrambling to find a winning formula after a string of lackluster seasons. The show’s upcoming 30th season will see a major departure from tradition — for the first time in years, the lead will not be plucked from previous seasons. Instead, casting directors are looking outside the Bachelor bubble.
Los Angeles-based Wyldside Media will be handling casting for the next season. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because the company has been behind some of reality TV’s biggest hits, including The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Atlanta, and Miami, as well as Married to Medicine, Basketball Wives, and The Hills: New Beginnings.
“The Bachelor franchise is in crisis mode and they’ve been trying to figure out new tricks to stay afloat after viewership plummeted in recent seasons.”
This reboot includes a complete rethinking of who qualifies as a Bachelor. “They’re in the middle of the casting process now and want to cast someone from outside the franchise to be the lead for season 30,” the insider revealed. “They need a fresh start. They won’t be following the tradition of choosing someone who’s already part of the franchise.”
The production team’s goal is to recapture the tone and authenticity of the show’s earlier years. “They want someone who’s serious about looking for love and not just in it to be an influencer,” the source said, referencing a common criticism that contestants have appeared more interested in social media fame than in genuine connection.
“They want to go back to the earlier season roots of the lead being successful, well put together and just in need of a life partner,” the source added. “He’ll most likely be in his 30s and will have a good career, good morals and is going to be a huge catch to any contestant on next season.”
This sweeping change follows a season that many fans felt lacked spark. The most recent Bachelor, 31-year-old Grant Ellis, failed to generate the buzz and emotional engagement the show has historically relied on. Despite his charisma, ratings for Grant’s season took a noticeable dive.
According to Nielsen, viewership for Grant’s season averaged around 2.4 million — a significant dip compared to previous years. The January 27, 2025 premiere pulled in 2.7 million viewers, marking more than a 15% drop from Joey Graziadei’s debut the year before. Overall, Grant’s season trailed Joey’s by nearly a million viewers.
As the franchise prepares for its landmark 30th season, the pressure is on. With new blood behind the scenes and a renewed focus on authenticity, producers are betting that this unconventional approach will be just what The Bachelor needs to win back its audience.
