Nick Viall’s Bombshell Claim About The Dark Side Of 'The Bachelor'

Nick Viall's journey through Bachelor Nation has been anything but ordinary.

First stepping onto the scene in 2014 during season 10 of "The Bachelorette," Nick quickly caught Andi Dorfman's attention and ultimately made it to the finale. However, his romantic journey took a dramatic turn when Andi chose Josh Murray instead. Nick stunned viewers on "After the Final Rose" by openly questioning Andi about their intimate moments, creating a memorable yet controversial moment in "Bachelor" history.

Nowadays, Viall hosts his own podcast, he is the author of his own memoir, and he is married to internet personality Natalie Joy.

Nick Viall appeared on this week’s episode of “Second Wind” hosted by five-time Olympic champion and track & field legend Marion Jones and acclaimed entrepreneur and New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Evans, to chat about the "Bachelor" franchise and where he is today.

When talking about his time on the reality show, he didn't hold back, calling the experience "psychological warfare."

"They cut you off from all society, your support system, and they just kind of f-ck with your emotions for as long as you're there," he said. "There really is an emotional resiliency that you either develop or had to go far on that show."

"I don't think it's a coincidence that Hannah [Brown] and Tyler [Cameron] and myself came from Bach Nation and have had success in that show," he continued. "What I know about Hannah is she's a very determined person, and she's very strong-willed, and again, I think she's always had that, from what I can gather. Tyler and I both have athletic backgrounds, but also, again, I think it's a combination of things."

Viall added, "Tyler went very far on Hannah's season, and Hannah was also the lead... but for the people who do have the opportunity to go far as Tyler, or Hannah or myself, those experiences emotionally and mentally are its own way of torture."

Not deterred by his first experience in the "Bachelor" franchise, Nick returned the following year for Kaitlyn Bristowe's season of "The Bachelorette." Joining midway through, he quickly rekindled a spark he previously established through social media interactions with Kaitlyn. Once again reaching the finale, Nick faced heartbreak as Kaitlyn chose Shawn Booth instead, marking his second consecutive runner-up finish.

In 2016, Nick tested the waters again on season 3 of "Bachelor in Paradise." His relationship with Jen Saviano appeared promising, but when it came time to commit, Nick chose to leave "Paradise" single, deciding against proposing.

Finally, in 2017, Bachelor Nation witnessed Nick take the lead as "The Bachelor" in season 21. His journey culminated in an engagement to Vanessa Grimaldi, offering fans hope that he had finally found lasting love. Unfortunately, their relationship faced struggles after the cameras stopped rolling, and the couple announced their split just five months later.

Since his time on reality TV, Nick has stayed closely connected to the "Bachelor" community.

He hosts "The Viall Files," a popular podcast exploring relationships, pop culture, and insights from his own dating experiences. In 2022, he authored the book "Don't Text Your Ex Happy Birthday," sharing candid advice on love, dating, and navigating romantic relationships.

Currently, Nick has found happiness away from the "Bachelor" spotlight, becoming engaged to Natalie Joy, a surgical technologist, in January 2023. The two tied the knot in 2024.

His journey might have started with dramatic heartbreak, but it seems Nick Viall ultimately found his happy ending beyond the screen.

Launched in January 2019, Nick's podcast quickly became a staple among Bachelor Nation fans and beyond. Known for its candid discussions, insightful relationship advice, and engaging exploration of pop culture, "The Viall Files" showcases Nick's personality beyond reality TV.

Episodes of "The Viall Files" typically fall into three categories: "Ask Nick," "Bachelor Recaps," and "Interviews."

In the popular "Ask Nick" episodes, he offers advice on listener-submitted relationship and dating questions, earning praise for his honest yet empathetic style. "Bachelor Recap" episodes feature Nick providing commentary and behind-the-scenes insights on the latest Bachelor franchise drama, often alongside notable guests. His "Interview" episodes host a wide range of guests, including celebrities, relationship experts, and reality TV personalities such as "Bachelor" alum Hannah Brownand Tyler Cameron, as well as celebrities like Meghan Trainor and Rachel Bilson.

The podcast's relatable and authentic approach has made it widely popular, consistently ranking among the top podcasts in relationship and entertainment categories.

With millions of downloads, "The Viall Files" continues to expand its influence beyond just Bachelor fans, solidifying Nick's reputation as a trusted voice on modern relationships.