For the last 16 years, Bachelor and Bachelorette producers have been enthralling viewers with over-the-top dates, trips around the world, and the most romantic proposals of all time. But not everything is as perfect as it seems.

In an exclusive interview with In Touch prior to being named the Season 22 Bachelor, Arie Luyendyk Jr. dished on what really goes on behind the scenes of the ABC series.

arie annaliese the bachelor getty images

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

“There’s always a little bit more to every story — let’s just put it that way,” said the former pro race car driver, 36, explaining that on each one of those picture-perfect dates there’s a team of producers pushing for the storyline they want. “You just have to roll with it and do it.”

Although viewers often see contestants fighting to score alone time with the Bachelor or Bachelorette during the cocktail hour, Arie told In Touch the decision is actually in the hands of producers. “There’s a structure to all of it. Let’s say you’re the Bachelorette and I want to go talk to you. I can’t just go talk to you. I have to wait for [a producer] to be like, ‘OK, why don’t you go now?’”

The control continues throughout filming. At the start of each season, producers get to know “everything about you. They know every loss you’ve had, and they know things you struggle with,” Arie admitted.

By doing this, “you get really great TV,” he said. “They [want] to make everyone uncomfortable — and they’re good at it.”

For the full interview with Arie, pick up the latest issue of In Touch, on newsstands now!

Have a tip? Send it to us! Email In Touch at contact@intouchweekly.com.