How to Apply to the Bachelor
By Sari Graham
ABC’s The Bachelor, which first aired in 2002 has become one of the most popular reality shows in America and across the world. It is quite arguably the most popular dating show, as no other competing shows even compare in terms of ratings. Whether or not you’re an avid weekly watcher, you’ve definitely encountered references to the series or its spin-off series, The Bachelorette, through conversations with friends, remarks in the media, references on television shows, and on social media. It has become a television staple. Moreover, it has become a staple to American society as it’s ever so prominent in most people’s day-to-day lives. Similar to The Bachelorette, this phenomenon begs some under-investigated questions. Why has this franchise gained so much traction? Is it because American’s, or people across the globe, love to watch reality television? Is there some sort of connection viewers at home feel with the single women trying to win over the heart of The Bachelor? Or is it a combination of the two intertwined with one another?
Viewers of the show share a deep bond with one another as well as with those on the show. Watching the series has turned into a social event; friends organize weekly for viewing parties, families gather to watch, and online forums have been created solely to discuss the drama of the week’s show. It’s been this way since the show aired and there are no signs of this phenomenon slowing down.
With all of this said, one might be asking how they can apply to be on The Bachelor and what that experience may look like for them.
After a simple glance at the Bachelor Nation’s website, one can see some basic questions asked in order to qualify.
Here are some of them: Are you at least 21 years of age? First and last name? Gender? Height? Weight? Do you have children? Have you been married before? Occupation? What is the next big city near you and how far is it? Have you ever applied for The Bachelor or the Bachelorette before? Why would you like to be on the show?
All of these questions are required to answer. Along with questions regarding phone numbers, ways to contact you, and your home address.
This all seems pretty fair and straight-forward. Yet, when one does some searching on the same website, it becomes apparent that you must also be eligible to qualify to be on the show.
There’s a list of eleven factors needed to meet in order to continue the process of being selected. Rather than listing all eleven of them, I’ll highlight the few that seem pretty important and extra-detailed:
1)
“Each applicant acknowledges, understands and agrees that Producer may disclose any information contained within or derived from his or her application to third persons connected with the Program and to compile information from third parties in connection with such application and the application process about applicant’s private, personal and public life, personal relationships with third persons, confidences and secrets with family, friends, significant others, including without limitation: physical appearance; personal characteristics/habits (both physical and mental); medical treatment/history (both physical and mental); sexual history; educational and employment history; military history; criminal investigations, charges, and records; personal views and opinions about life, the world, politics, religion, and the like (collectively, “Personal Information”). Applicant acknowledges and agrees that Producer may reveal such Personal Information to third parties in the course of the application process and/or the Program and that Applicant releases, discharges, and holds harmless Companies (as defined below) from any and all claims and damages arising from such compilation or disclosure of Personal Information.”
2)
”Each applicant acknowledges, understands and agrees that he or she, if selected for the Program, may be audio and/or videotaped up to twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week while participating in the Program (collectively, “Recordings”) and that such Recordings will be owned by Producer.”
3)
“Applicants acknowledge, understand, and agree that Companies’ (as defined below) use or revelation of Personal Information and Recordings as defined in these Eligibility Requirements and Representations may be embarrassing, unfavorable, humiliating, and/or derogatory and/or may portray him or her in a false light. Each applicant agrees to release, discharge and hold harmless the Companies from any and all claims (including, without limitation, claims for slander, libel, defamation, violation of rights of privacy, publicity, personality, and/or civil rights, depiction in a false light, intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, copyright infringement, and/or any other tort and/or damages arising from or in any way relating to the submission of an application, participation in the selection process, participation in the Program, the use of the Personal Information or Recordings and/or the use of the applicant’s name, voice, and/or likeness in connection with the Program, or the promotion thereof in all media now known or hereafter devised. Applicants are required to sign Releases to this effect.”
These eligibility requirements are incredibly detailed and, I’d say, do a good job at warning hopeful contestants at just how invasive the experience on The Bachelor will be. Yet, this does not seem to be stopping thousands of women who are hoping to find the one!
A source affiliated with The Bachelor described the casting process by stating, “only a couple of women get picked from actual casting calls. It’s a very small percent. Most of the women are either cast from videos they send in or referrals or they find their own way on.”
Olivia Caridi, a season 20 contestant said, gave up her job to be on The Bachelor but said, “I did not give up my career. I am confident that I will get another job in broadcast news to continue my career in the television news industry.”
When asked about his partner Kelley Flanagan, former bachelor Peter Weber had this to say “post-show, honestly, I’m doing good. I’m extremely happy. It feels so good to be able to say that, and I’m just very hopeful for the future. This is my girl. I am very, very happy with this one.”
After the application process, meeting all of the network’s requirements, actually getting on the show, and dealing with all of the drama that will later ensue… it seems as though most of the contestants on The Bachelor, as well as the Bachelor himself, are all there for one thing: LOVE!
Sites I used: