
ABC Renews Fan-Favorites, But What About The Bachelor?
2025-05-09
Author: Ling
In a big move for reality TV fans, ABC has officially renewed several of its unscripted hits for the forthcoming 2025-26 television season. The network announced this exciting news on Friday, bringing joy to viewers who can look forward to more of their favorite shows.
Returning to the lineup are mega-hits like "American Idol," which is set to embark on its ninth season on ABC, marking a staggering 24 seasons total if you include its time on Fox. Alongside it, classics such as "America’s Funniest Home Videos," "Celebrity Jeopardy!", "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune," and the ever-inventive "Shark Tank" will also make their return, with AFV celebrating its milestone 36th season.
However, the renewal announcement leaves fans of "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette" hanging in uncertainty. Traditionally staples of ABC's lineup, both shows have mysteriously been omitted from this renewal round. Speculation is rife, especially after controversy struck the franchise when showrunners Claire Freeland and Bennett Graebner departed amid claims of a toxic environment behind the scenes—allegations they have firmly denied.
While "The Bachelorette" is skipping its typical summer slot, there’s still hope for "The Bachelor." Sources suggest that no final decisions have been made yet. The show usually kicks off filming in the fall, gearing up for a January premiere, which means ABC still has the opportunity to revive the beloved franchise.
Meanwhile, other fan-favorites like "Dancing With the Stars" and "The Golden Bachelor" are also confirmed for the upcoming season, ensuring that reality TV enthusiasts will still have plenty to watch.
As ABC navigates these changes, one thing’s for sure: reality TV is alive and well at the network, but the fate of "The Bachelor" remains a nail-biter for its dedicated fanbase.