Why 'The Bachelorette's Abrupt Cancellation Throws ABC’s Plans for the Franchise ‘Up in the Air’

ABC is stuck in the middle of a reality show drama that they didn’t want to star in.

The abrupt cancellation of Season 22 of The Bachelorette amid star Taylor Frankie Paul’s domestic violence allegations and the emergence of a 2023 video, revealed by TMZ, showed her mid-attack with former boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. Still, this isn’t the only controversy in Bachelor Nation, and the ongoing issues reportedly have the network reevaluating its ties to the long-running franchise.

According to Us Weekly, ABC isn’t looking to find another reality star to replace Paul on The Bachelorette, but now, everything is in limbo. The network was hoping that The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives cast member would revive the sluggish franchise, which has been on hiatus since the summer of 2024. Studio executives “had their eyes on potential contenders for the next season of The Bachelor.” Instead, The Bachelor plans are on hold, too.

ABC took a gamble on Paul, who is known for her no-holds-barred messiness, but it didn’t pay off. The Los Angeles Times reported on March 23 that “Disney’s ABC network could lose at least $70 million with a nearly finished season of The Bachelorette sitting on the shelf.” Warner Bros. receives $5 million per episode for the licensing fees, so that is already a big financial hit. Hulu is also watching money go down the drain since they’ve paused production of Season 5 of Mormon Wives.

But the franchise has seen its share of controversies over the years, including race issues during Matt James’ season of The Bachelor in 2021, and accusations of sexual assault on Bachelor in Paradise in 2017. In 2026, there are plenty of calls to shut down the franchise forever — from the media to its dwindling fans.

Still, Reality Steve, the king of Bachelor Nation spoilers, believes that ABC will eventually find a path forward with the franchise.

“From a content-creator perspective, I would like to see the franchise continue, but changes need to be made for sure,” he told The Cut. “And I think they have got to do a better job of vetting contestants, but we’ve been saying that for years, and they don’t seem to do it. I want to see it continue, but I want to just see them do a better job and take more accountability for their choices and be a little more transparent about why people are chosen.”

There’s still no confirmation from ABC if The Bachelorette season will ever see the light of day, even after the domestic violence investigation is over.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.

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