As the twenty-third season of “The Bachelor,” starring Colton Underwood, former NFL player and contestant on Rebecca Kufrin’s Bachelorette season, culminates, viewers are given an opportunity to reflect upon their unabated engagement and excitement. However, we must recognize the importance of separating the enjoyment it yields while acknowledging the potential negative influences.

The show began as a location for partnerless individuals seeking love to connect in the midst of luxury travel and dynamic dates, but has since become a heavily broadcasted series, filled with intrigue. Although, it too displays superficiality. All twenty five to thirty contestants compete for the heart of the eligible Bachelor or Bachelorette in hopes of engagement and, subsequently, marriage.

“The Bachelor” appeals to many avid TV watchers, providing a common ground filled with stimulating confrontations, love, and drama. As the years continue, many find comfort in their Monday evening routine which provides many conversations to engage in concerning the previous episode. Alana Foster-Smith ‘22 said, “I feel like it is also something to talk about. It has helped me connect with [others].” Many viewers connect over the investment of a certain contestant and enjoy participating in watching the drama-filled conversations. Although such conversing must be done with the caution of a reciprocal understanding that “The Bachelor” captures an aspect of real life not all of real life.

The agency of realizing that reality TV exhibits only a portion of the truth, entertaining yet painted, remains vital to combat the negative ramifications of distorted realities becoming current expectations. Anna Secor ‘20 said, “I think reality TV can affect our realities because people begin to expect what they see on TV in their own relationships, when reality TV isn’t actually that real.” Reality TV exists behind a facade of an authentic programming, yet remains heavily altered and edited prior to airing.

The unrealistic aspects of “The Bachelor” are crucial to notice to ensure rational expectations. While minding the actuality of reality TV is fragmented, we alleviate the prospective harmful effects and are able to solely appreciate the entertainment and bonding aspects of “The Bachelor.”