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With Broadcast Programming in a Ratings Tailspin, One Decade-Old ABC Series Is Bucking the Trend

Mar 11, 2013  •  Post A Comment

While programming across the broadcast dial is generally losing viewers, a veteran ABC series is experiencing a resurgence. The New York Times reports that the venerable reality series “The Bachelor” is bucking the downtrend.

The show, which has been on-air for 11 years, wraps up its latest edition tonight, Monday, March 11, 2013, when bachelor Sean Lowe chooses between graphic designer Catherine Giudici and substitute teacher Lindsay Yenter.

The audience has grown 3% this season to 8.8 million total viewers, with a 7% increase in the key demo of adults 18-49, the story says.

Now in its 17th season, the show is recovering after a ratings dive in season 12. The show’s popularity was apparently hurt by its record in producing failed relationships. While "The Bachelorette" turned out two marriages, there haven’t been any from "The Bachelor."

While creator Mike Fleiss attributes the bump to "the right gal or guy to all of a sudden regalvanize the audience,” The Times points out that the show has attracted younger viewers through its use of social media to promote live viewing and to bring back former fans.

"The show posts the best results in network television on Monday nights with younger women — those 18 to 34,” the story reports. “The viewers’ median age is 51.1, young in broadcast television terms. ABC’s other hit reality series, ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ which has featured former bachelors and bachelorettes, has an average viewer age of 61.6."

One Comment

  1. Good for ABC they always seem to be on top of things and know how to get the job done RIGHT!! GREAT!!!!

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