“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it’s over.”
After The Bachelor Season 28 concluded on March 25, a popular fan account tweeted that familiar phrase knowing full well that Bachelor Nation was saying goodbye to Joey Graziadei, the greatest Bachelor lead that we can witness in this life.
Those who watched the 28-year-old tennis pro become Charity Lawson’s season runner-up High school From the beginning I was able to glimpse Graziadei’s warm heart, her dreamy green eyes, and her immense capacity for love. Hopes were high heading into Graziadei’s season, but from Night 1 to its unprecedented three-hour finale, she exceeded expectations at every opportunity, raising the bar. Bachelor bar at a height I’m still not sure another mortal can surpass.
When Graziadei’s second chance at finding love within the franchise aired, viewers were quick to call him “the greatest Bachelor” and praised season 28 for restoring hope in reality TV romance.
When asked what made his trip stand out from the rest, Graziadei, humble as ever, told Jugo Mobile over Zoom: “I won’t take any credit. I’ll put it on the women. “I think they were amazing this year.” Part of why season 28 was so successful is because it didn’t shy away from highlighting formative life experiences, both positive and negative. Graziadei and the producers provided a safe space where contestants felt comfortable talking about everything from health issues like Lyme disease, hearing loss and endometriosis to unconventional family dynamics, past relationships and the deaths of loved ones. In doing so, the stories moved and educated viewers, helping those with similar experiences feel less alone. But Graziadei’s emotional intelligence, empathy, and refreshing listening and communication skills took that vulnerability to the next level.
Further evidence of Graziadei’s great stature came during the Women Tell All event, when the 16 contestants present had nothing negative to say about him. Instead of criticizing her actions or expressing disappointment, as we’ve seen in past seasons, they thanked her for her grace and for changing their lives for the better. Sydney Gordon, who Graziadei sent home after a two-on-one date with fan-favorite contestant Maria Georgas following their ongoing feud, even revealed when fans harassed her while the episodes aired, Graziadei reached out and offered support. “The genuine Joey you see on screen is like that in real life,” she said.
As the protagonist, Graziadei made concerted efforts not to get lost during the journey, ceaselessly supported his wives, and thoughtfully navigated the drama of the house. But she also wasn’t afraid to show her personality and she openly embraced moments with Jesse Palmer and opportunities to let the goofy, giddy side of her shine.
Although we didn’t hear much of his own backstory this season, the protagonist had his fair share of refreshingly honest moments in front of the camera, including an emotional heart-to-heart with the producers in Episode 6, where he tearfully opened up about his fears. and insecurities. It’s rare to see a stud who is simultaneously dating multiple women in a highly sought-after position of power on a reality show display intense introspection, repeatedly express doubt, and offer generous transparency at every step of his journey, but Graziadei proved that sensitivity is both a strength and an ignition. (He even constantly emphasized the importance of mental health resources. Faint!)
“I definitely think I’m biased. Joey is an amazing man. He has such a big heart and is very intentional. So I think the season showed how genuine he was,” winner and Graziadei’s fiancée Kelsey Anderson told Jugo Mobile when she was asked what made season 28 so successful. “He’s also easy on the eyes,” she laughed.
Yes, that too!
Graziadei’s season didn’t just offer good vibes and beating hearts. It was also a huge audience success that even took the producers by surprise. “What we experienced this year on Joey’s season is kind of an anomaly, which we’re very excited about… I think Joey’s Episode 1 numbers went up maybe because ofGolden”executive producer Jason Ehrlich told Jugo Mobile in an interview in February. “Joey is fantastic. He is an amazing bachelor. But his numbers on Show 1 increased. Show 2’s episode numbers were higher than Show 1, and Show 3’s were higher than Show 2, which we’re really excited about, because it says people didn’t just come to try Show 1. This never happens. There is usually a drop after Show 2 and then it recovers towards the end. But the fact that more people are coming speaks to the fact that Joey’s season is fantastic.”
Within the franchise, Graziadei received overwhelming praise from his peers. Bachelorette party contestants and other fan-favorite figures, including golden bachelor Gerry Turner, who said: “From Golden’s perspective, he absolutely killed it.”
After the end, Jason Tartick posted on Instagram, “The epitome of class! IMHO one of the best, if not the best Bachelor we’ve seen. So happy for you, man! Tanner Courtad called Graziadei, “The Mount Rushmore of singles.” And John Henry Spurlock said: “Honestly, I feel bad for the next Bachelor, because good luck after that. Microphone drop!
“I think everything is for a reason,” Grazidei says when Jugo Mobile asked his opinion on his “Best Single” label. “They were able to see a beautiful love story. They got to see women be open about who they were and discover different sides of themselves. It was unique. It was a special season. “You can call it whatever you want, but I know I’m the lucky guy here.”
