Kaitlyn Bristowe revealed details of her reality TV contracts, including being offered $40,000 to be the Bachelorette and negotiating for the same salary as Chris Soules. She also shared that she hired an entertainment lawyer who negotiated her contract for her. Bristowe named co-hosting seasons 17 and 18 of The Bachelorette as her most lucrative gig.
Kaitlyn Bristowe revealed on Jason Tartick’s podcast that she was offered $40,000 to be the Bachelorette and had to negotiate for higher pay, and also shared details on her other reality TV contracts and earnings.
Former Bachelorette star Kaitlyn Bristowe recently disclosed contract details from her reality TV appearances in a conversation with fiancé Jason Tartick on his Trading Secrets podcast. Bristowe revealed that ABC offered her $40,000 to be the Bachelorette after season 19 of The Bachelor in 2015. However, she sought advice from an entertainment lawyer to negotiate the contract and ended up demanding the same amount as offered to Chris Soules for The Bachelor gig. Bristowe also shared that she was worried that Britt Nilsson would be chosen instead of her and negotiated to get paid regardless of the outcome. Eventually, Bristowe won the role and became engaged to Shawn Booth.
In addition, Bristowe disclosed her earnings for appearing on Dancing With the Stars in 2020, stating that she received a bonus for every week she was on the show as well as a signing bonus. She also revealed that the runner-ups received the same pay as the winner and that the mirrorball trophy cost $10,000 to make. Bristowe’s most lucrative gig, however, was being a co-host of seasons 17 and 18 of The Bachelorette after Chris Harrison’s departure. She and Tayshia Adams were listed as “guests” in the credits, but Bristowe claimed they received paychecks similar to those of a host.
Throughout the conversation, Bristowe emphasized the importance of financial gain in addition to the love and relationships depicted on the show. She dismissed an executive producer’s suggestion that her motivations should only be about love, stating that love and money went hand in hand for her.
Bristowe’s open discussion sheds light on the financial side of reality TV contracts and negotiations. Her transparency serves as a reminder that, despite the romance and drama viewers are accustomed to seeing onscreen, reality TV is still a business for those involved.
