Bachelor Nation: Our Obsession Reality TV

For 16 years, the Bachelor franchise has been a mainstay in American TV viewers' lives. Each season the die-hard fans—dubbed "Bachelor Nation"—run fantasy leagues and throw viewing parties organized around the show. Whether producing a picture-perfect scene out of a fairy-tale romance or a close-up of Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr.’s graphic make-out sessions, the show's fans have managed to carve out a shared space for conversations about love, marriage, feminism, and more. Los Angeles Times reporter and Hollywood insider Amy Kaufman will speak with famed Bachelor recap writer Ali Barthwell to discuss the show and our collective attraction—love it or hate it—to reality television.

Become a Member

Being a member of the Chicago Humanities Festival is especially meaningful during this unprecedented and challenging time. Your support keeps CHF alive as we adapt to our new digital format, and ensures our programming is free, accessible, and open to anyone online.

Make a Donation

Member and donor support drives 100% of our free digital programming. These inspiring and vital conversations are possible because of people like you. Thank you!