I have an addiction to reality TV. Okay, not all reality TV. Just the bachelor/bachelorette shows. I stay home to watch the show, then I read Chris Harrison's blog the next day. And then I google search to see what others are saying about the episode. That's not all. I think I follow every contestant on Twitter. I'm obsessed.
And I know I'm not alone. I know there are hundreds, if not thousands, of women out there who are just like me - obsessed with the bachelor/bachelorette franchise. And although I can only speak for myself, I think a lot of it has to do with what the franchise offers - hope.
Let's be honest. Maybe this series shouldn't be called "reality TV". Living in a mansion with 20 other men or women pining over an eligible bachelor or bachelorette isn't reality for most of us. My average dates rarely consist of private concerts, helicopters and exotic destinations.
But what makes this experience so real for viewers is that notion of hope. Hope that one day, we'll find our prince charming who will take us to private concerts, helicopter rides and exotic destinations. The show allows us to spend two hours a week in a reality that most viewers can only dream of. And if it allows viewers to be swept away to a world of hope, then so be it! Whether you're a fan of the show or not, you can't argue with hope!