Chris Harrison Will NOT Be Returning To ‘Bachelor’ Franchise
The writing on the wall has finally become clear. Chris Harrison will not return as host of ABC’s Bachelor franchise. The news comes days after plans came to light of a rotating slew of hosts for Bachelor in Paradise. What took so long for Harrison and ABC to reach a deal? Money. What do we know about the long-time host’s settlement?
Chris Harrison Hired Lawyer – Now We Know Why
One month after being sidelined from his hosting duties, Chris Harrison hired a high-profile lawyer. At the time, speculation was that he might be considering filing a lawsuit against the network. That may still be a possibility.
However, new reports indicate that the lawyer was helping Chris Harrison negotiate a lucrative settlement with ABC. Is Chris Harrison done with the Bachelor franchise? Say it isn’t so!
Report: Embattled Long-Time Host Chris Harrison Will Not Return
Bad news for the Bachelor Nation fans who vow not to watch again until Chris Harrison returns. The familiar host will NOT be returning.
Back in February, Chris Harrison took up for contestant Rachael Kirkconnell. He defended her past racially insensitive behavior as not knowing any better. Chris Harrison further ruffled feathers by speaking down to Rachel Lindsay and dismissing her point-of-view as a Black woman. Both Harrison and Kirkconnell are white.
His tense interview with Rachel Lindsay went viral over the next few days, leading him to issue several apologies. When that wasn’t enough, he took a step back from the franchise. ABC went ahead with Season 17 of The Bachelorette with Kaitlyn Bristowe and Tayshia Adams as hosts.
Last week news broke that David Spade will be one of the hosts for Bachelor in Paradise this summer. The network is bringing on a series of hosts, much like Jeopardy is doing after Alex Trebek’s passing.
Deadline now reports that Chris Harrison will NOT be returning at all. An official announcement is supposed to be coming out at a later time. The outlet reports that Chris Harrison will get a hefty “eight-figure payoff” for his departure.
What Does This Mean For Franchise?
Chris Harrison leaving is truly the end of an era. He has been hosting for 19 years, including 25 seasons of The Bachelor and 16 seasons of The Bachelorette. ABC has plans for at least 2 more Bachelor Nation shows this year, plus Katie Thurston’s season that premiered on June 7.
Bachelor in Paradise returns in August, while Michelle Young will lead Season 17 of The Bachelorette this fall. Beyond that is anyone’s guess. In fact, ABC has yet to issue a renewal for The Bachelor.
In short, Chris Harrison’s exit could very well mean the end of the franchise.
Does it surprise you that Chris Harrison will not return as host? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Katie Thurston’s journey as The Bachelorette airs Mondays on ABC.
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