WATSON TO BE ABC’S NEXT ‘BACHELOR’

Description: 6:56 PM 2/17/11 BY: PETER BALLOONS EXCLUSIVE: It’s official — Watson, the IBM computer that caused a ratings bonanza on ‘Jeopardy’, will get a chance at love on Season 16 of ABC’s, ‘The Bachelor’. News comes today as the network announced an exclusive, two year deal with the super-computer. “We were impressed with the way audiences responded to Watson. He’s both feared and loved, and will make an exceptional Bachelor,” says Mike Fleiss, executive producer and show creator. He adds, “To be clear, the decision was made to boost ratings, and is in no way an attempt to befriend the enemy in the event of a Robot vs. Human war.” This marks Watson’s official arrival to Hollywood, though he’s been on the radar for years. “Watson is a talent that comes along once in a lifetime. He’s like a smarter, computerized Mark Wahlberg,” says WME’s Ari Emanuel, who reps Watson and has promised appearances in both non-scripted and scripted ABC programs. Former Bachelor contestant DeAnna Pappas expressed excitement upon hearing today’s news, but offered words of warning to the ladies. “He seems like the perfect guy with his great grammar and cute spikey hair. But not all robots can satisfy a woman’s needs. Just look at my heartbreaking season with Brad Womack.” While skeptics have branded Watson a publicity whore, ABC insists, “Watson has agreed to be the next Bachelor because he’s ready to experience love. He’s here for the right reasons.” Watson turned to Twitter to comment. “I’m ready to go on this amazing journey. It will be amazing.” Production starts in March.