‘Bachelor’ creator Mike Fleiss exits reality TV franchise

Mar 28, 2023, 12:42 PM | Updated: 1:02 pm

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Mike Fleiss, the creator of “The Bachelor,” has exited the reality TV franchise more than two decades after the iconic dating show launched.

His departure was confirmed Tuesday, a day after “The Bachelor” aired its season 27 finale.

“I want to thank WBTV and ABC for 21 extraordinary years,” Fleiss said in a statement shared with The Associated Press. The statement did not include the reason for his exit.

While Fleiss has been the face of the “The Bachelor,” “The Bachelorette” and other spinoffs since the shows’ inceptions, trade publications report he hasn’t led day-to-day operations in around a decade.

For years, “The Bachelor” and its associated shows have wielded significant cultural influence and stoked controversy all along. In recent years, the show has been beset by waning ratings, competition from newer reality dating shows and a series of scandals — including accusations of racism that ejected longtime host Chris Harrison.

Fleiss described the show as lightning in a bottle and said the creative team taking over will keep the franchise “bold and moving forward.”

“Let the journey continue,” he said.

Taking the helm as executive producers and showrunners for the franchise are three franchise stalwarts: Claire Freeland, Jason Ehrlich and Bennett Graebner. Freeland is a former showrunner for Canada’s version of “The Bachelor” and associated shows, while Ehrlich has served as the showrunner for several seasons of “The Bachelor,” “The Bachelorette” and “Bachelor Pad.” Graebner has been with the franchise for more than 15 years and was an executive producer of its current offerings — “The Bachelor,” “The Bachelorette” and “Bachelor in Paradise.”

The trio had already begun working on the upcoming season of “The Bachelorette,” which will be that show’s 20th. The new season premieres in June and features Charity Lawson — a fan favorite and the third runner-up of the most recent season of “The Bachelor.”

That season ended Monday with the engagement of lead Zach Shallcross and Kaity Biggar.

“I wish them a long and happy life together,” Fleiss said in his statement.

United States News

Lisa Ling attends the Asia Society of Southern California Annual Gala on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at T...

Associated Press

CBS News hires Lisa Ling after CNN documentary series was canceled

NEW YORK (AP) — Journalist Lisa Ling, who left CNN after her “This is Life” documentary series was canceled, has joined CBS News as a reporter, the network said on Wednesday. Ling, who will be based in Los Angeles, will join CBS later this summer. She’ll contribute stories across the network’s platforms. “This is Life” […]

8 hours ago

FILE - A swan stands between dumped plastic bottles and waste at the Danube river in Belgrade, Serb...

Associated Press

Earth is ‘really quite sick now’ and in danger zone in nearly all ecological ways, study says

Earth has pushed past seven out of eight scientifically established safety limits and into “the danger zone,” not just for an overheating planet that’s losing its natural areas, but for well-being of people living on it, according to a new study. The study looks not just at guardrails for the planetary ecosystem but for the […]

8 hours ago

President Joe Biden departs after placing flowers at Veterans Memorial Park at the Delaware Memoria...

Associated Press

Highly decorated Marine officer nominated to be next commandant

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has nominated a highly decorated Marine officer who has been involved in the transformation of the force to be the next Marine Corps commandant. The nomination of Gen. Eric Smith, now the assistant commandant, had been widely expected and has been forwarded to the Senate. The current top Marine, […]

8 hours ago

A hiring sign is displayed at a restaurant in Buffalo Grove, Ill., Wednesday, May 10, 2023. On Wedn...

Associated Press

U.S. job openings rise to 10.1 million as the labor market stays strong despite rate hikes

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. job openings rose unexpectedly in April, illustrating the resilience of the American labor market even as the Federal Reserve attempts to cool the economy in its fight against inflation. Employers posted 10.1 million job openings last month, up from 9.7 million in March and the most since January. Economists had expected […]

8 hours ago

Associated Press

Jaguar recalls I-Pace electric vehicles due to fire risk in batteries made by LG Energy Solution

DETROIT (AP) — Jaguar is recalling more than 6,000 I-Pace electric SUVs in the U.S. due to the risk of the high-voltage battery overheating and catching fire. The recall is the latest in a series of electric vehicle battery recalls because of the potential for fires. Documents posted Wednesday by the U.S. National Highway Traffic […]

8 hours ago

Chef Aaron Verzosa poses for a portrait while demonstrating plating Tailor Made, a course in which ...

Associated Press

Filipino American chefs come into their own with multiple James Beard award nods

Like a lot of chefs, Aaron Verzosa has been hustling the past three years to get Archipelago, his Filipino restaurant in Seattle, through the pandemic and its ripple effects. Getting a James Beard Award nomination was a validating moment. “Being able to amplify and showcase stories about the Filipino American culture, the communities here, specifically […]

8 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

OCD & Anxiety Treatment Center

How to identify the symptoms of 3 common anxiety disorders

Living with an anxiety disorder can be debilitating and cause significant stress for those who suffer from the condition.

(Photo by Michael Matthey/picture alliance via Getty Images)...

Cox Communications

Valley Boys & Girls Club uses esports to help kids make healthy choices

KTAR’s Community Spotlight focuses on the Boys & Girls Club of the Valley and the work to incorporate esports into children's lives.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Company looking for oldest air conditioner and wants to reward homeowner with new one

Does your air conditioner make weird noises or a burning smell when it starts? If so, you may be due for an AC unit replacement.

‘Bachelor’ creator Mike Fleiss exits reality TV franchise