ABC Is Reportedly Considering This Internet-Famous Doctor as Its Next Bachelor

ABC may be looking to shake up Bachelor Nation in a major way for Season 30.

After years of declining ratings and growing criticism over contestants allegedly using the franchise to build their influencer careers, The Bachelor is reportedly going back to its “old-school roots” — and producers may have already found a very unexpected candidate.

According to a new report from Page Six, producers have reached out to Dr. Mike Varshavski, the internet-famous family medicine physician better known to millions of followers simply as Dr. Mike, about potentially becoming the next Bachelor.

The 36-year-old doctor first became a viral sensation because of his looks and medical career, famously earning the title of “The Sexiest Doctor Alive” from People in 2015. He has since transformed that attention into a massive online platform, where he shares medical advice, educational content and glimpses into his life.

Dr. Mike currently has approximately 15.1 million YouTube subscribers and 6 million Instagram followers, making him a celebrity in his own right despite having no Bachelor Nation background.

Producers Want a Different Kind of Bachelor

The reported interest in Dr. Mike comes as the long-running ABC dating franchise attempts to change its casting strategy.

A source told Page Six that producers are specifically looking for someone who is “genuinely successful,” “charming” and “actually looking for love.”

That would represent a significant shift for the franchise, which has increasingly relied on contestants and leads who already have connections to Bachelor Nation or sizable social-media followings.

The casting changes reportedly come after several recent controversies surrounding the franchise and accusations that some participants were more interested in fame and career opportunities than finding a relationship.

The most recent Bachelor, Grant Ellis, was accused by one contestant of “clout chasing,” adding to the conversation surrounding whether the franchise has moved too far away from its original premise.

Now, producers reportedly want to find a lead with a successful career and a life outside reality television.

Dr. Mike Would Be a Major Departure From Bachelor Tradition

If he accepts the role, Dr. Mike would be unlike many recent Bachelor leads.

Rather than entering the franchise as a former contestant hoping to become the next lead, he has built his career independently as a physician and online personality.

His massive social-media following could also give the show an immediate promotional boost.

Dr. Mike became widely known online through his medical content, combining health education with entertainment and his personable on-camera presence. His popularity has continued to grow well beyond the initial attention he received from being named People’s “Sexiest Doctor Alive.”

But despite his internet fame, there is currently no confirmation that Dr. Mike has accepted the position.

The report only states that producers have contacted him. Neither Dr. Mike nor ABC has publicly confirmed that he will become the