The Bachelor Season 29 has taken another dramatic turn with Grant Ellis and Juliana Pasquarosa officially ending their engagement. The announcement comes almost eight months after Grant’s proposal on October 31, 2024, following a season filled with tension and emotional twists. Their engagement followed a season where Grant experienced a significant conflict between Juliana and runner-up Litia Garr, leaving fans captivated but ultimately concerned about the couple’s future.
In a heartfelt Instagram story, Grant reflected on their breakup, sharing engagement photos and writing, “This is one of the hardest things I’ve had to write, but I want to share it honestly. Juliana and I have decided to end our relationship. We both gave this our best and poured a lot of love into each other, but after a lot of deep conversations, we’ve come to the understanding that we’re simply not the right fit long term.” His words resonated with fans, reinforcing the emotional complexities often found in reality TV engagements.
Grant further explained, “What we had was meaningful. The connection we built on the show was real, and so was the effort we made to continue once the cameras stopped rolling…” He ended on a note of gratitude, stating, “Thank you to everyone who supported us and believed in our journey. This chapter is closing, but we’re both walking away with love and respect in our hearts.”
Juliana echoed his sentiments in her own Instagram story, sharing a nostalgic moment from the show’s premiere night. She expressed, “It’s a gift to find someone who sees the world in a way that resonates with you while also encouraging you to grow. I’ve been grateful to share that experience with Grant.” However, she emphasized the reality of their decision, saying, “Marriage is a commitment, and it’s one we both still believe in deeply… we’ve come to the decision that this chapter of our lives is meant to continue on separate paths.”
Implications for the Franchise
Grant and Juliana’s breakup sheds light on a troubling trend within the franchise. Currently, only three out of the 29 Bachelor couples have successfully transitioned into lasting marriages. The premiere of the latest season didn’t just deliver romance; it spotlighted the challenges of forging true connections in a hyper-accelerated environment.
The success stories include Zach Shallcross and Kaity Biggar, who tied the knot in May 2025, along with long-term couple Sean Lowe and Catherine Giudici. Newer engagements, such as Joey Graziadei and Kelsey Anderson, show promise but ultimately reflect the reality that most engagements from the show hardly withstand the test of reality.
As fans respond to the news, there’s a collective question lingering: What does this mean for the future of The Bachelor? The show’s return hinges on its ability to produce genuine relationships. The ongoing engagement issues may prompt ABC to reconsider their format or approach as the franchise grapples with maintaining its appeal amid floundering success rates.
Despite the breakup, fans seem to appreciate Grant and Juliana’s mature approach to their split. One fan commented that it’s refreshing to see two people focused on mutual respect rather than drama. There’s an underlying sentiment that many engage with not just for the love story but for the real-life implications of these relationships beyond the screen.
The discourse surrounding Grant and Juliana also reflects a wider cultural commentary on love, relationships, and the media’s influence in shaping both. It raises a poignant question: Can reality TV ever truly replicate genuine love? Only time will tell.
The Bachelor is available to stream on Hulu.
Sources: Grant Ellis/Instagram, Juliana Pasquarosa/Instagram