Chris Harrison Is Reportedly Done With ‘The Bachelor’ Franchise and Not Coming Back
Chris Harrison is reportedly leaving his hosting duties on The Bachelor behind for good. The host, who started on The Bachelor in 2002, has been gone since his interview with Rachel Lindsay. Here’s more about his alleged departure from the franchise. Harrison’s exit is happening amidst the premiere of Katie Thurston’s season of The Bachelorette.
Why is Chris Harrison not on ‘The Bachelorette’?
Harrison went on Extra back in February 2021 to discuss Matt James’ season of The Bachelor with Lindsay. She asked him about Rachael Kirkconnell’s social media posts that were circulating the internet. One photo showed Kirkconnell dressed in an Old South costume on a plantation.
The host minimized the gravity of Kirkconnell’s posts and defended the contestant. Bachelor Nation responded with outrage at Harrison’s comments. The Women of Color from James’ season even banded together to release a statement condemning Harrison and racism embedded in the franchise.
Soon after that, Harrison announced that he would be “stepping aside” from The Bachelor franchise. At that point, The Bachelor: Women Tell All hadn’t aired yet, but Harrison had already hosted that. The franchise found a replacement in Emmanuel Acho for The Bachelor: After the Final Rose while Harrison was gone.
Will Chris Harrison be back on ‘The Bachelor’?
Harrison is officially not coming back to The Bachelor franchise, per Deadline. The outlet shared that Harrison will receive a “mid-range eight-figure payoff and promise to keep his mouth shut.” This means Harrison will allegedly be paid millions of dollars to leave the ABC shows he has hosted for decades.
“The usual platitudes are expected to be exchanged for public consumption when the agreement is made public later today, but there is certainly no romance in the air behind the scenes,” Deadline reported.
Who is hosting ‘The Bachelor’ franchise in Chris Harrison’s absence?
While ABC hasn’t made a formal announcement on Harrison’s departure, The Bachelorette found two new hosts in former leads Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe. Both women are currently engaged to Bachelor Nation favorites, Zac Clark and Jason Tartick.
Many fans noticed the easy-going vibe and more friendly atmosphere with having current lead Katie seek advice from two women who have been in her shoes already. Katie, on the premiere episode, used Tayshia and Kaitlyn as confidants, telling them who she was into and excitedly gushing details to them both.
As for future shows, ABC has reportedly hired David Spade, among other comedians, to fill in for host on Bachelor in Paradise. The reality television shows have not publicly made an announcement on any longterm replacement host.
For now, viewers can enjoy the dynammic threesome that is Katie, Tayshia, and Kaitlyn. It will be interesting to see how the season plays out with Katie’s two experienced hosts who know exactly what she’s going through.
The Bachelorette airs Mondays on ABC at 8 p.m. EST.
