The Bachelorette: Real reason behind low premiere ratings revealed

The latest season of The Bachelorette has already been a huge hit with fans on social media, who have praised it as a “ground-breaking” moment in reality TV history.

However, it turns out that Brooke Blurton’s premiere episode received the lowest ratings ever in the history of the franchise.

Bachelorette cast at the first rose ceremony.
The premiere episode of The Bachelorette season seven was viewed by 397,000 people. Photo: Channel Ten

397,000 people tuned in to watch the 26-year-old begin her journey to find love while simultaneously becoming the show’s first Indigenous and bisexual lead.

In comparison, last year’s season of The Bachelorette starring Elly and Becky Miles premiered with 628,000 viewers, while Sophie Monk has the highest episode one ratings at 951,000.

Jimmy Nicholson’s season of The Bachelor earlier this year debuted with 482,000 viewers, which was the franchise’s worst ratings at the time.

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While many fans are struggling to understand why such a game-changing season of the reality show received so few viewers, it turns out another Channel Ten program might be to blame.

The Project, which aired right before The Bachelorette, received only 378,000 viewers on Wednesday night and possibly set the dating show up for failure.

Although it’s not the lowest ratings the current affairs program has received in its history, it's definitely not as strong as one would’ve hoped right before the highly-anticipated premiere of Brooke’s season.

The Project panel.
The Project might be to blame for The Bachelorette’s ratings. Photo: Channel Ten

The disappointing numbers come shortly after Channel Ten officially announced on Wednesday that both The Bachelor and The Bachelorette were returning in 2022.

The news was revealed during 10’s Upfronts, with host Osher Günsberg confirming that fans can expect more romance, drama and roses with new seasons next year.

“Get set for more love stories, more luxurious dates, and more whispering when we return with The Bachelor and The Bachelorette Australia in 2022,” he said.

Bachelor host Osher Günsberg.
Osher has confirmed that both The Bachelor and The Bachelorette will return in 2022. Photo: Channel Ten

“We redefined dating shows with The Bachelorette Australia this year, and it’s set to be even better next season as we head to a major moment for this landmark franchise.

“10 seasons of any show is a major milestone, and as we hit that landmark with The Bachelor Australia, I’m just so excited to be a part of telling Australia’s favourite love story in a new and exciting way.”

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