‘Bachelor In Paradise’ Returns But Will Chris Harrison?

ByJennifer Havener
Bachelor in Paradise/Instagram

Hot Girl Summer? More like Bachelor Nation Summer! The ABC network announced the premiere dates for TWO new seasons within the franchise. Find out everything we know about the new seasons of The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise. 

Bachelorette Premieres in June 

Matt James may not have found love with Katie Thurston, but she’s not giving up. The outspoken rising TikTok star is the lead for Season 17 of The Bachelorette. One of James’ final three women – Michelle Young – is also future Bachelorette. Her season – Season 18 – will begin filming later this summer for a fall premiere. 

But first up, Katie Thurston looks for love in New Mexico. Blogger Reality Steve broke the news that the new season would film in Canada. However, he later revealed that plans were changed after an issue with travel restrictions. 

Bachelorette Season 17 happens at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa in New Mexico. In fact, Thurston and her suitors are already filming. Viewers can watch Katie Thurston hand out roses starting Monday, June 7th. 

But what’s a show without a host? 

Chris Harrison Not Returning for Bachelorette

In February, a racism scandal rocked Bachelor Nation. Photos leaked online of Season 25 frontrunner Rachael Kirkconnell attending an antebellum-themed party. As the scandal gained traction, Chris Harrison went on the news magazine Extra to defend Kirkconnell. He was interviewed by Bachelorette alum Rachel Lindsay. 

During the interview, Harrison refused to denounce the racially insensitive behavior. Instead, he downplayed the incident, citing Kirkconnell’s age at the time and blaming the “woke police.” 

There was a lot of pushback from both viewers and Bachelor Nation alum over Harrison’s comments. A few days later, he announced that he was taking temporary leave from his hosting duties. 

At the time, Season 25 of The Bachelor was still airing. Since those episodes were filmed months prior, Harrison was still in them. However, when it came time for the After the Final Rose taping, the network brought in someone else.

Best-selling author Emmanuel Acho was tapped as host for ATFR. He hosts a video series, Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, based on his book of the same name. 

Katie Thurston was announced as the next Bachelorette at After the Final Rose. Bachelor Nation alums Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe will step in as hosts. 

Season 7 of Bachelor in Paradise Officially a GO

In a two-for-one announcement, ABC also revealed the premiere date for Season 7 of Bachelor in Paradise. The popular summer TV fare didn’t get a new season last summer due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

But Season 7 is officially happening this year. The show will kick off on August 16th. Filming reportedly begins in June, but ABC has yet to announce which Bachelor Nation fan-favorites will show up in Paradise.

There are rumors that the network is having a hard time finding interested contestants due to the Chris Harrison controversy. 

Nor has ABC revealed if Chris Harrison will be back for BiP. The last update on his status with the network came in March when Variety reported it as “in limbo.” 

Fans flooded the Instagram announcement on the official Bachelor in Paradise account with comments about Chris Harrison. Many vowed not to watch if he doesn’t host. A few Bachelor Nation alums chimed in with comments of their own, unrelated to the hosting issue. 

Check out some of the humorous Bachelor Nation comments: 

Bachelor in Paradise bartender Wells Adams dropped a cocktails emoji as a response. 

Are you excited for the Bachelor Nation shows to return? Or are you planning a boycott until Chris Harrison returns? Leave your thoughts in the comments below. 

Join us on Facebook to chat with other Bachelor Nation fans. 

Jennifer Havener
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