‘Paradise’ Lost? Here’s How Important ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ Is to ABC

Disney network’s internal investigation threatens one of broadcast’s biggest summer shows

Bachelor in Paradise
ABC

“Bachelor in Paradise” producers are living in Hell right now — or at least, Purgatory — as an ongoing internal investigation into “misconduct” on set determines the future of the popular franchise.

“We have become aware of allegations of misconduct on the set of ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ in Mexico,” producer Warner Bros. said on Sunday. “We have suspended production, and we are conducting a thorough investigation of these allegations. Once the investigation is complete, we will take appropriate responsive action.”

Should the plug ultimately be pulled this summer, host network ABC will the one left holding the bag. After all, the “Bachelor” spinoff is the broadcaster’s second-highest-rated show of the summer — behind only another one.

With a 2.1 rating in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic, “Bachelor in Paradise” was the 8th-biggest broadcast entertainment show of Summer 2016, clocking in after “The Bachelorette,” two nights of “America’s Got Talent,” three of “Big Brother” and a lone evening of “American Ninja Warrior.”

“Bachelor in Paradise” averaged 6.4 million total viewers last year, per episode. Both that and the above demo number include a week’s worth of delayed viewing, by the way. The overall-eyeball count makes “Bachelor in Paradise” ABC’s fourth-largest summer show per that Nielsen tally, ranking behind just “Bachelorette,” “Celebrity Family Feud” and “$100,000 Pyramid.”

The reality dating show shoots in Puerto Vallarta, and was scheduled to premiere on Tuesday, Aug. 8. While it remains to be seen if that will still happen, we all know what ABC executives have their fingers crossed for.

“Bachelor in Paradise” follows “Bachelor” and “Bachelorette” alumni as they explore new relationships — and steamy hookups — while living together in Mexico. Also hosted by Chris Harrison, “BiP” is rowdier and less romantic than its predecessors, featuring lots of of  twists, surprises, unexpected guests … and unexpected hookups.

This is not the first time that the romance-focused series has dealt with on-set trouble. Chad Johnson, a notorious troublemaker on “The Bachelorette” Season 12, was kicked off of “Bachelor in Paradise” Season 3 for behavior that producers deemed to be overly aggressive.

“Bachelor in Paradise” is produced by Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television. Mike Fleiss, Martin Hilton, Nicole Woods and Elan Gale are executive producers.

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