Many reality television shows are designed to help people find love. The success rates from the hundreds of singles who join these ranks, however, do not necessarily match their enthusiasm. Are reality TV dating show divorce rates indicative of the state of American marriages? There is an argument to be made for yes and no, especially when shows that produce long-lasting unions start off as anything but a race to find love.
Divorce Rates of the Bachelor Franchise
The Bachelor spun off into the Bachelorette, the Golden Bachelor, the Golden Bachelorette, and Bachelor in Paradise and together the shows have produced over 90 relationships, some that became marriages and others now sprouting divorces. According to UsWeekly:
- Bachelor Nation went nearly 20 years before its first divorce (Krystal Nielson and Chris Randone met on Bachelor in Paradise).
- Former Bachelorette Ashley Hebert and husband J.P. Rosenbaum ended their union in 2020 and co-parent their children.
- Gerry Turner (original Golden Bachelor) and Theresa Nist called it quits months after a televised wedding.
- Former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay and Bryan Abasolo filed for divorce after four years of marriage.
- One-time Bachelorette DeAnna Pappas married the twin of a former show contestant and they had two children. Their decade+ marriage ended in 2023.
- Bachelor in Paradise couple Evan Bass and Carly Waddell divorced after three years of marriage and two children. Bass has talked about struggling with child custody.
All In a Name: Love Is Blind, but Not for Everyone
Love Is Blind is an accelerated process of getting to know the person you’re dating before you tie the knot. Of course, the point of the show is to end in a wedding while there is no such expectation with the Bachelor franchise. Of the nine seasons of the American version of Love Is Blind:
- 14 couples wed on camera at the end of the social experiment.
- Eight couples are still married.
- Four unions have welcomed children.
- Six couples have divorced.
Love Can Be Found on Reality Television
There is something to be said about going through a shared experience not focused on a relationship but on living extreme. Couples from non-dating reality television shows perhaps build love on a foundation of trust, communication, and time together. Notable unions from non-dating shows include:
- Survivor: Boston Rob Mariano and Amber Brkich (four daughters), married over 20 years. Joe Anglim and Sierra Dawn Thomas (two kids), married since 2019.
- Big Brother: Swaggy C and Bayleigh Dayton (two kids). Jessica Graf and Cody Nickson (five daughters). Nicole Franzel and Victor Arroyo (three children). Brendon Villegas and Rachel Reilly (two kids).
- The Real World: Pam Ling & Judd Winick (two kids). Sean Duffy & Rachel Campos (nine children).
Divorce Rates Are Just Numbers, Not Your Future
Love isn’t a television show, and divorce certainly is not. People who want to share their romantic discoveries with the world may be far less eager to discuss divorce, while others may share a little too much via social media. Find the right balance when it comes to making a major decision like a Michigan divorce. Schedule a consultation with Michigan Divorce Help. Contact us in Mt. Clemens.
This blog post is not a substitute for legal advice.