Did the Bachelor Return to a New High or Low Rating?

Ratings are in for the season premiere of the Bachelor. Are the executives over at ABC happy today or not?

In short, not.

According to TVBytheNumbers.com, the show returned with 7.72 million viewers and a 2.2 in the adults 18-49 rating. This was down 19% from a 2.7 for last year’s 2 hour premiere. This was the lowest rated premiere episode ever for the show.

Was the low rating deserved? Will ratings rebound next week? And why do you think ratings fell- the Juan Pablo effect, people tiring of reality TV, the 3 hour length of the show, the live format? Share your thoughts!