ABC leaves The Bachelor and The Bachelorette off its 2025–26 slate, casting serious doubt on the long-running reality franchise’s future.
ABC‘s The Bachelor and The Bachelorette may be facing their most dramatic twist yet—cancellation. With the network recently unveiling its 2025–26 renewal slate, fans were quick to notice a glaring omission: neither of the flagship dating shows appeared on the list. While programs like American Idol, Shark Tank, and America’s Funniest Home Videos secured new seasons, the absence of The Bachelor franchise has ignited speculation about its future.
These two reality staples have been a fixture on ABC for over two decades, surviving everything from public controversies to shifting cultural norms. Yet their exclusion from the renewal list suggests the network might be rethinking its commitment to the long-running franchise. And while no official cancellation has been announced, the silence is deafening—especially as The Bachelorette is also missing from ABC’s summer 2025 schedule, breaking tradition and adding fuel to the uncertainty.
The news arrives at a time when ABC appears to be pivoting its programming strategy. Alongside American Idol and Shark Tank, the network renewed titles like Celebrity Jeopardy!, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, and Abbott Elementary—shows with broad audience appeal and dependable ratings. It’s a clear sign ABC may be favoring formats that offer consistent performance over those that face ratings fluctuations and controversy.
That strategy shift couldn’t come at a more vulnerable time for The Bachelor franchise. Earlier this year, executive producers Claire Freeland and Bennett Graebner exited the series following accusations of fostering a “toxic” and “hostile” work environment. Both producers have denied the claims through their attorney, but the departure cast a shadow over the franchise’s leadership and direction.
Despite the turmoil, The Bachelor and The Bachelorette have shown remarkable resilience in the past, bouncing back from scandals and casting shake-ups. However, the current atmosphere—marked by industry upheaval, changing viewer habits, and strong competition in the reality space—raises real questions about how much longer the franchise can continue to thrive, especially without a vote of confidence from its own network.
ABC’s decision may not mean the end just yet, but it does point to a franchise at a crossroads. The omission from the 2025–26 slate could signal a strategic pause, a total revamp, or the potential curtain call for a pair of shows that once dominated the reality TV landscape. Until ABC makes its intentions clear, The Bachelor and The Bachelorette are officially in limbo.
For now, fans can still catch up on past seasons of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, which are available to stream on Hulu. But whether the roses will continue to bloom on ABC? That remains the biggest cliffhanger of all.
