The Bachelorette: Rachel Lindsay’s finale rates lower than JoJo Fletcher, Kaitlyn Bristowe seasons

We know that there has been a great deal of conversation out there regarding this season of The Bachelorette, but one angle that remains surprising is the lack of attention given that what were the show’s ratings this time. Despite arguably more publicity than the series has ever had, overall this was the lowest-rated edition of the series in the modern era.

Overall, Rachel Lindsay’s season averaged a 1.6 rating in the 18-49 demographic, down almost 20% from the season before with JoJo Fletcher. Meanwhile, it was down about 20% from the season featuring Kaitlyn Bristowe, as well. It’s not down all that much from the 1.7 that the show averaged when Andi Dorfman was the lead of the show, which just goes to suggest that maybe America doesn’t love lawyers all that much as the series lead.

We should note, however, that Rachel’s finale averaged a 2.1 across the three hours last night, which is slightly better than how Andi’s finale fared when it aired. If there’s one feather that ABC can put in its cap, it is that the decision to air the finale as a three-night event as opposed to separating the show into different sections (a la After the Final Rose) paid dividends in the ratings. As for whether or not viewers actually liked it, that’s an entirely different story.

So why the lower ratings as a whole this year? The only thing that we cite as the reason for it is the format being roughly the same for so long now that it’s predictable — especially in an internet age where so many people are smart on the show. The joke contestants last for a few weeks and that’s end. Meanwhile, you can typically tell around three episodes in who the finalists are going to be, and the editing often tends to make things more dramatic than they actually end up being. We haven’t heard from anyone who didn’t watch because of Rachel, so we don’t think that we’re looking at a problem here generated by the choice in series lead.

Time for an assessment

Is there anything that the show can do differently, whether it be in terms of its casting, its editing, or some of the dates that it arranges? We do think that it benefits the show to reexamine some of its formula now, given that Nick Viall’s season earlier this year generated a 2.3 on average, which is down a tick from the season before. You want to analyze and try to make changes now, that way you can be ahead of the curve as opposed to find yourself slowly becoming irrelevant. One of the things that the show should consider is trying to market more towards people who haven’t seen the show as much — you know that the diehards will be there, so why not consider it?

What do you think about the latest ratings for The Bachelorette finale? Be sure to share in the comments!

Also, head over here in the event you do want to get some additional news and updates when it comes to the Bachelorette finale. (Photo: ABC.)