The Bachelor is a reality dating show on ABC. It has gained popularity and attention for years due to its premise of love while incorporating drama. Controversy has occurred behind the show for the length of time it has aired but continues to come to the forefront as a topic.
A History of Relationships
The shows’ premise focuses on one bachelor that chooses among a group of female suitors over time with the desire of engagement. This often brings highs and lows which creates a very large draw for consistent viewership and opinions from its fanbase. Many relationships have been made with different levels of longevity.
Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell
Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell met on the show's 25th season where Rachel won however they did not get engaged on the show itself. They pursued their relationship off the set however after photos of her attending an Antebellum style party surfaced online they briefly separated . After reconciling their relationship lasted for three more years .
Current Breakups

Matt James' Instagram Announcement
Recently, Matt James shared via Instagram, that they decided to call it quits with a "spiritual" statement for both to heal. Fans noticed the strange tone while still having fresh content being released of them together. He used religion as a way to express what had been happening during his time since filming for the show. However the odd nature of it led many to confusion as well.
Rachael Kirkconnell's Response
Rachael has remained quiet. A like from Rachel on social media alluded to being “blindsided”. It has been shown the couple were not seen publically together for several weeks. Sources claim Rachel is dealing with all emotions privately while a clear path of actions to take is decided.
New information about the break-up

While it looked as though they would continue on the path of marriage with the content and interviews from both sides in the time leading up. News spread quickly after his posts showed an end had come. Friends of both confirmed there was indeed a separation.
Cause of Break Up
Information from various articles state the cause of the separation came when Rachael gave Matt an ultimatum to get engaged by the end of the year however he wouldn’t commit leading to a complete separation and ending of their four-year relationship.
Public Versus Private Separation
Matt posted while it appeared he was still with Rachel on social media showing all his viewers what looked to be love and support. However friends confirmed that the content was posted while the couple was no longer together leaving those looking at the posts confused and conflicted. His efforts to still gain support may have put his real views at odds with viewers causing mixed feelings.
Other Bachelor News

Aside from news regarding couples the show also sees an addition of more news by those who follow. The show continues to grow its base through information about past winners.
Caitlin and Zach
There have been many speculations around relationships after people had been eliminated from the series and where the went since. An example being Caitlin and Zach who have both appeared on different shows have reportedly dated and recently were both at an Eagles football game. Caitlin had yet to acknowledge their time together on the posts despite having photos from their time together floating throughout the web.
"Reality Steve" and "Bachelor Nation"

The show continues to grow viewership from “Reality Steve’s” website as well as their podcast which details the show and the relationships that develop before and after the filming is over. He provided episode by episode spoilers which many will utilize during the next upcoming episodes.
Insights and Spoilers
"Reality Steve" has all kinds of information related to the shows past and the future shows from episode to episode spoilers, interviews, and opinions about topics both from the television series and the real lives of all involved. It was a method to get ahead of the show that is known to bring surprises on air during it's weekly air time and also provide additional media around what’s going on.
"Reality Steve" and the Legal Challenges Surrounding "The Bachelor"
A large focus was spent this week covering lawsuits and all legal documents released to the public with Rachel Juarez on the podcast who is giving commentary. This was particularly due to a sexual harassment allegation which also touched on a well know celebrity and other lawsuits. Viewers found it a well rounded source of opinions while exploring many angles of current challenges within media.
Key Takeaways
- "The Bachelor" alumni Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell ended their four-year relationship after an ultimatum.
- Rachael has shown that she was blindsided by the post when they had been posting previous episodes that appeared to be normal from the last couple weeks together before their breakup.
- There are many who are focused on the show and the participants that go on including the continued relationship of Caitlyn and Zach along with "Reality Steve’s" continued focus on providing the ins and outs of every move those in “Bachelor Nation” make
- Various factors are to be noted when trying to explore each component of the journey in relationships especially when in the public spotlight.
- "The Bachelor" series’ longevity makes it continue to hold influence for many new view points all while being explored by an ongoing audience base.