The Bachelor Season 29 Finale: Grant Ellis and Juliana Pasquarosa’s Journey
The highly anticipated finale of The Bachelor unfolded seamlessly this past Monday night, with Grant Ellis revealing his chosen partner live on ABC. Following the announcement of their engagement, Ellis and Juliana Pasquarosa made a jubilant appearance during the After the Final Rose segment. As expected, the episode delivered its fair share of drama, particularly for Litia Garr, the season’s runner-up, who faced heartache after being blindsided. Additionally, fans were treated to a surprise announcement: contestants from the Golden Bachelor and Bachelorette will be joining the summer’s 10th season of Bachelor in Paradise, adding a fresh twist to the franchise.
Overall, the conclusion mirrored the quintessential Bachelor experience, a notable achievement considering the recent shifts in leadership within the production team.
Behind-the-Scenes Support for Grant Ellis
31-year-old Grant Ellis, a day trader from New Jersey, shared insights into the support he felt leading up to the live finale. This moment marked his second time facing the audience in real-time, following the Women Tell All special on March 10. “I had a great team around me, including producers I could trust,”Ellis reflected. “They prepared me for what to expect during After the Final Rose, so I went in as ready as I could be,”he added.
Challenges Amidst Franchise Turmoil
Unfortunately, Ellis’s journey has coincided with significant upheaval within the franchise. As the second Black male lead in the show’s history, he entered the spotlight amidst high expectations, particularly with the franchise’s recent commitment to diversity. New showrunners Claire Freeland, Bennett Graebner, and Jason Ehrlich took control after franchise creator Mike Fleiss’s departure earlier in 2023. They promised a more inclusive approach compared to their experience with the first Black Bachelor, Matt James. Yet, just days before the finale aired, both Freeland and Graebner left their positions, putting Ellis in a challenging situation.
Following announcements of a pause on The Bachelorette’s 22nd season which resulted in layoffs among the crew, Deadline reported on allegations of a toxic work environment from former staff members, prompting the departure of additional co-executive producers. ABC and Warner Bros. have yet to disclose who will lead the franchise in this transitional phase.
Taking Accountability and Facing Scrutiny
In a candid reflection on his decision-making during the show, Ellis recognized the difficulties of being cast in the role of Bachelor. “Dating 25 individuals is inherently uncomfortable, and I acknowledge the hurt that Litia is feeling,”he stated, empathetically recalling his own experiences on The Bachelorette. He emphasized taking responsibility for his choices while navigating the unique challenges that come with being a nonwhite lead in a predominantly white franchise.
The scrutiny he faced resonates with other past leads of color, highlighting a pervasive issue within the show. “There’s an added layer of pressure when you come from a background that’s less represented. You’re often judged based on expectations that don’t define who you are. I’m simply a guy looking for love,”he expressed passionately.
Emphasizing Authenticity in Love
Ellis firmly believes in authenticity. “I have stayed true to myself throughout this journey. My hope was to showcase my real self, regardless of how audiences may perceive me,”he asserted. Despite being faced with a 28% drop in ratings compared to the previous season, Ellis remains optimistic about the franchise’s potential. “The Bachelor offers a unique perspective; love comes in many forms across cultures,”he added. “While the journey can be challenging, it ultimately led me to Juliana, for which I’m truly grateful.”
Future Directions for the Franchise
The shift in leadership presents both challenges and opportunities for The Bachelor franchise to reinvent itself. Incorporating elements from the Golden Bachelor into Bachelor in Paradise could invigorate the series and compete effectively with other popular reality dating shows, such as Love Is Blind and Love Island.
To foster a more inclusive environment, it is crucial for contestants of color to continue participating in The Bachelor and The Bachelorette when it returns. “It requires resilience and a genuine sense of self,”Ellis advises future contestants of color. “The priority should always be finding happiness and connection, both on the show and in life,”he concluded.
Aligned with Ellis’s sentiments, Pasquarosa expressed her excitement about their future together, stating, “We look forward to living, traveling, and growing together, one day at a time.”
Fans can catch up on Season 29 of The Bachelor now streaming on Hulu.