This is hard to watch

Reality TV is at its best when it's a bit cringy — you just need to lean into it. Brooklyn-based married couple Hollie and Will watch lots of TV (with The Bachelor franchise at the epicenter of their viewing calendar) and talk about it even more. As they break down the nuances of their fav shows, they share their philosophies on what makes bad TV oh so good. This podcast is also cheaper than marriage therapy, so there's some working through issues automatically baked in. A win-win!

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Episodes

Tall men, real jobs!

Anyone else wanting to deep dive into LinkedIn to check out Michelle's crop of Bachelors? This is Hard to Watch is back with fresh takes on how Michelle can walk down all of those steps so gracefully, skepticism about finding that Bachelorette guide book, and general annoyance at the co-host situation.

Oct 24, 2021•27 min

Wow, that was hard to watch

Please excuse the clinking of the ice in our whiskey glasses throughout this episode, we needed a lot to get through this one. The worst gift in dating history, Chris Harrison is overmatched, and Will gets riled up when I suggest that Jojo bombed her hosting audition, (and if anyone knows where I can buy Jojo's "Mrs. Higgins" jersey from her 1:1 on Ben's season, pls DM me).

Mar 18, 2021•28 min

Over-indexing on turtlenecks and other mysteries

We ponder what happened to those mysterious Jojo Fletcher/ Tayshia scenes, why the Amish should be kept far away from anything to do with spas, and how ridiculous Will would look in Matt James's wardrobe. Also- the worst "I love you" response in Bachelor history. And how do you get access to Tyler Perry's VRBO listing?

Mar 10, 2021•31 min

Best use of open bar in a Home Town goes to...

Matt James keeps his cards close to his chest with not a one ask for a blessing, while still giving us some gross kissing vantage points. Will also reminisces about Rob Estes's acting career in Silk Stalkings and Melrose Place. What a wild ride!

Feb 25, 2021•31 min

Pardon the interruption (of Heather Martin)

Hot takes on: Hannah Brown (busybody); Group Date (excruciating); Final Four (likable); Tantric Yoga (Avoid); and Chris Harrison (oy vey).

Feb 18, 2021•21 min

Oh my god, it's Temecula Road!

Will struggles with not being "over the moon" with Matt James, while Hollie is offended by the ribbed white turtleneck. We both talk about our hatred of bowling! As we say during the episode, if you wanted something deeper, listen to The Economist.

Feb 11, 2021•24 min

Chris Harrison's athleisure wear and other things

We discuss why Victoria's too cray for Paradise, how Brittany might hold the record for taking out the most women, and how did Franco not make an appearance on the "Pretty Woman" date. A special aside about Brooks Marks' tracksuits makes an appearance.

Feb 03, 2021•29 min

"Thank you, Chris Harrison"

I had to meditate before recording this episode. We share our Matt James pros and cons , celebrate Anna's mental breakdown as predicted by Will on episode one, analyze Love Island's impact on the format, and discuss who has aged better-- Will or Ben Higgins? As Ben says, "it's been a bit."

Jan 27, 2021•31 min

Chris Harrison's soft porn is a mood

Perhaps the greatest and shortest villain turned hero arc of the franchise, and Harrison inspires Hollie to dabble in her own married couple erotica. What else do you want from The Bachelor??

Jan 19, 2021•20 min

The Bachelor: Matt James's underwhelming outdoor shower

We continue our journey with Big Time Mount Airy Lodge vibes . We are hot on Franco, but suspect he's not really a photographer. We scoff at the girls' light jackets and sleeveless turtlenecks. We are humbled that we can probably be Bri's parents.

Jan 14, 2021•24 min

This week was hard to watch: From the Insurrection to the first glass thrown on Real Housewives of Salt Lake City

We needed to get Will off of Twitter, so recorded this Week in Review episode. We cover everything from the threats of our democracy (and how the Mets and/ or Kris Kardashian might somehow be to blame) to the most banal hour of reality TV we've ever seen — and that's saying a lot.

Jan 10, 2021•23 min

Chris Harrison explains The Bachelor to The Bachelor

Matt James's season is upon us. It’s too early for us to care about the girls, but in this episode, we appreciate the production surprises, the most annoying schticks and hate ourselves for knowing who the "quarantine crew" is. We announce who gets our Two Tickets to Paradise (aka Eddie Money award) and celebrate that annoying ballerina leaving early. Will even makes an early 2 on 1 date call! It's nuts!

Jan 05, 2021•19 min

Top 2020 Reality TV Themes and the Promise of a Strong '21

Hollie and Will reflect on the themes that emerged from the best (and worst) that Reality TV had to offer from the past year and share their hopes and dreams for the genre in 2021. Important questions addressed include: Did moving The Bacehlorette to Tuesdays trigger a butterfly effect that prolonged Covid and Chris Harrison's newfound self-awareness? How do hot people know if they are "Love Island hot" or "Bachelor contestant hot"? Can the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City producers navigate th...

Jan 03, 2021•23 min•Season 1Ep. 1

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