The Bachelorette is about real people.
Dating game shows are television game shows that incorporate a dating system in the form of a game with clear rules . Human matchmaking is involved only in selecting the game 's contestants , who are usually selected more for the amusement value than any concern for their happiness or compatibility . The audience sees only the game ; an important feature of all dating game shows is that the contestants have little or no previous knowledge of each other , and are exposed to each other only through the game , which may include viewing a photograph or at least knowing the basic criteria for participation ( typically participants are not already married ) . There have been a number of dating shows aired on television over the years , using a variety of formats and rules . They are presented for the entertainment of the viewers . As the genre progressed , the format developed towards a reality-style show and more into a relationship show then simply finding a mate . The Bachelorette is an American reality television dating game show that debuted on ABC on January 8 , 2003 .