The final episode of ‘The Bachelor’ aired smoothly, as Grant Ellis unveiled his chosen one during the live broadcast on Monday night. Following their announcement of an engagement on this season 29, Ellis and Juliana Pasquarosa looked blissful on ABC’s live ‘After the Final Rose’ stage. As usual with reality dating shows, there was some drama when Litia Garr found herself heartbroken after being left behind. Additionally, a surprise twist was unveiled when it was announced that senior contestants from ‘The Golden Bachelor’ and ‘The Golden Bachelorette’ would be part of the 10th season of ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ this summer.
To sum up, this kind of finale was exactly what one would anticipate from any given season of The Bachelor. Given the internal turmoil within the franchise right now, it’s a clear testament to the team’s hard work and creative prowess.
Ellis, a 31-year-old day trader from New Jersey, felt well-supported backstage during Monday’s live finale, his second high-pressure situation following the March 10 ‘Women Tell All’ special. He credits a solid team around him, some of whom he worked with during filming, for providing trustworthy support during the ‘After the Final Rose’. He mentions that the producers informed him about what to expect from the event and he went in ready, as prepared as possible.
For Ellis, who became the second-ever Black male lead on a Warner Bros.-produced reality series with high expectations, it’s unfortunate that behind-the-scenes changes occurred at an inconvenient time. As the franchise has been striving to diversify in recent years, new showrunners Claire Freeland, Bennett Graebner, and Jason Ehrlich took over from franchise creator Mike Fleiss in 2023, promising to make amends for the way they handled Matt James, the first Black Bachelor. However, just 10 days before Ellis’ finale was set to air, Freeland and Graebner left the franchise. Ehrlich had already departed in 2024.
Following the announcement that “The Bachelorette” would temporarily halt production for its 22nd season, resulting in job losses for the show’s staff, Deadline released claims of a toxic work environment from unidentified former employees. Not long after this report, co-executive producers Michael Margolis and Keely Booth departed from the franchise. Ten days later, Freeland and Graebner also resigned. Both Freeland and Graebner have refuted the accusations through their lawyers; Margolis is married to Freeland. As of yet, ABC and Warner Bros. have remained silent on who is now in charge during their absences.
In his conversation with his runner-up, Litia, Ellis acknowledged his role in their separation. “As the Bachelor,” he explained, “you can make many mistakes because it’s an awkward situation to date multiple people.” He remembers his own experience on The Bachelorette and understands the pain of being dumped on television. “I won’t argue about what was said,” he continued, “because at the end of the day, Litia is hurt. I know how it feels to be the one who’s broken up with, so I have to take responsibility and apologize. And I believe that’s exactly what I did.
For Ellis, it was more challenging to grapple with the external pressure that came from being a nonwhite lead. This is an issue that past leads of color have openly discussed, and it’s something the audience voiced their concerns about after witnessing how Jenn Tran was handled during her live finale last year on The Bachelorette.
As someone of color stepping into the limelight, I can’t help but feel an additional layer of observation and expectation. It seems like it’s not just my actions or words, but even subtle nuances, that might be scrutinized because I don’t fit the usual mold. People tend to label me quickly, ‘Oh, you’re a certain type,’ they say. But at the end of the day, I’m simply a man seeking genuine connections and love.
He goes on to say, “I was in a seven-year long relationship previously. Since then, I’ve abstained from intimacy for a year. I have pure motives. However, due to my tattoos, earrings, or musical preferences… I believe it’s crucial that people grasp the idea that love transcends boundaries, and this understanding begins with empathizing with someone else’s perspective.”
This version aims to maintain the original meaning while using simpler and more conversational language.
According to Ellis, he remained authentic throughout the show, presenting himself honestly to the cameras. In the end, he got the result he desired. As he puts it, “I aimed to reveal my true self. Regardless of whether the viewers appreciate it or not, that’s who I am. I believe there’s a particular format to this show, and I did my best within that context.” However, how he is perceived by the audience is beyond his influence. Ratings for Ellis’ season dropped by 28 percent compared to the previous season of The Bachelor, before factoring in streaming and delayed viewing.
He expresses his admiration for the show, pointing out its distinctiveness. He suggests that while the show may encounter challenges, these could sometimes be due to the audience’s perception of what love should be. He emphasizes the diversity of love, citing examples from Africa and Paris. He acknowledges the difficulty and toughness of the journey, but highlights the success stories from recent seasons, mentioning how the show helped him find Juliana. In conclusion, he expresses his gratitude for the experience.
Under new management, the “Reality Juggernaut” can undergo a revitalization or even a complete makeover. Introducing the popular figures known as the “Golden Bachelor” and “Golden Bachelorette” into the steamy spin-off series, “Bachelor in Paradise,” is a method to breathe new life into the show amidst increasing competition from reality dating sensations like “Love Is Blind” or “Love Island,” to mention just a few examples.
In order for the franchise to maintain its diversity, it’s essential that individuals of color consistently apply for “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette,” should the latter ever come back.
Ellis encourages new contestants, especially those of color, by saying, “You must develop a strong resilience and stay true to who you are.” He further adds, “Assume responsibility for your actions, then seek out the places where joy is prevalent. It’s all about finding contentment within yourself, navigating through difficult times, focusing on personal growth, and prioritizing happiness.
With Pasquarosa now openly supporting him, he concurs wholeheartedly. “Now presents an ideal moment for us to explore and understand each other on countless dimensions,” she expresses. “We’ll have the chance to share a home, embark on journeys together, dine together, and simply enjoy each day as it comes.
The Bachelor season 29 is now streaming on Hulu.
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2025-03-26 00:54