ABC continues to make changes to “The Bachelor” franchise. Bachelor Nation fans are shocked to learn that the popular podcast, “Bachelor Happy Hour,” with hosts Charity Lawson and Rachel Recchia, has been quietly pulled from the programming schedule.
The ladies were initially expected to cover season 22 of “The Bachelorette” with lead Taylor Frankie Paul. However, ABC axed the show after a 2023 video surfaced of the “Secret Lives of Mormon” wives star assaulting her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen.
Did ABC Cancel ‘Bachelor Happy Hour’ Podcast?
“The Bachelor Happy Hour” podcast hasn’t dropped any new episodes since the new season of “The Bachelorette” was cancelled. The new season was scheduled to premiere on Sunday, May 22, but has been replaced with a rerun of “American Idol leading up to the premiere of “Love Overboard.”
The show’s official Instagram account teased a temporary pause in programming. The post featured a pink background with the words “Back This Week” in white. The caption reads: “Back on the mic. See you this week” with the red rose emoji.
At this time, there aren’t any details about the future episodes and whether it’ll address Paul’s season. Bachelor Nation fans speculated that the hosts could address the fallout and the franchise’s future.
Bachelor Nation Fans React to Cancellation
Over on Reddit, Bachelor Nation fans shared their thoughts on the new direction of the podcast.
“Maybe they posted it before they realized the season was cancelled,” one fan speculated.
“Oh, to be a fly on the wall at ABC headquarters right now, I need to know what’s going on,” another fan commented.
“I don’t know what they’re supposed to say. They definitely don’t know what they’re supposed to say,” commented a third Redditor.
“The Bachelor Happy Hour” podcast normally releases three to four episodes per week. The last episode streamed on March 16 with guests Tyler Cameron and Tayshia Adams.
Future of ‘The Bachelor’ Franchise Revealed
In the meantime, Disney execs overseeing ABC and Hulu want to move forward from the fallout of “The Bachelorette.” They’re figuring out the primetime schedule for the next two months, sources told The U.S. Sun.
There’s the possibility of airing “American Idol” or “Dancing with the Stars” on Sunday nights. Insiders say Disney’s bosses are open to a “DWTS” spinoff or special to help fill the void and transition away from the “The Bachelor” franchise.
Their priority at the moment isn’t to find a new lead for “The Bachelorette.” Producing a new season is expensive, and it could take several months to edit. ABC’s goal is to develop an affordable alternative.
