Chris Harrison Responds to Rumors of ‘Bachelor’ Return: ‘Never Say Never’
For Chris Harrison, returning to The Bachelor franchise isn’t off the table.
In a February 20 episode of his podcast, aptly titled The Most Dramatic Podcast Ever, the former longtime host of the ABC reality dating franchise responded to the rumors that network executives are considering bringing him back. He told guest Tori Spelling, “[The report said] internal conversations are being had by ABC executives about bringing me back. Do I think these conversations have happened? Probably.”
On February 14, Radar reported that the ABC bigwigs were considering this change because, as a source described, “everyone is aware The Bachelor is on life support” with its recent dip in ratings. Jesse Palmer currently hosts the show after a couple of seasons co-hosted by The Bachelorette alums Kaitlyn Bristowe and Tayshia Adams.
“I think it would almost be crazy not to [consider a change] if you’re running a business, any business at all, and that business sales are down 50 to 60 percent and falling… Everybody can see the numbers, we know what’s happening, and you think there’s something that could change that and fix that?” Harrison continued. “Of course, you’re going to have that conversation. You would be crazy not to have that conversation.”
Harrison was ousted from The Bachelor after Matt James‘ season because of his problematic defense of Rachael Kirkconnell, who came under fire for Instagram photos from a plantation-themed college party in 2018. In a 2021 interview with former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay, the first Black star of the show, Harrison asked if the photos were bad by 2018’s standards or by 2021’s. Lindsay and viewers argued it was both.
The comments caused a wave of critique from fans, eventually leading to Harrison stepping away from the show he’d hosted for 19 years. Spelling asked if Harrison would ever consider going back if his old job was offered.
“It’s complicated and never say never,” he replied, noting that he would take the phone call.
Harrison has frequently brought up his old stomping grounds on his new podcast, launched earlier in 2023. He brought Bristowe onto the show in February to discuss their falling out after Bristowe took his place on the ABC series. They agreed that she and Adams were “set up to fail,” noting that ABC called them “mentors” instead of hosts because “they didn’t want to pay me what they paid you to host.”
Harrison said there’s only room for one host on the ABC staple.
“There’s not room for two people; there’s not room for two mentors,” he said. “There’s not room for two emotions in that mental space that you’re taking over. So, that was just never going to work.”
What do you think? Do you want Harrison back? Should he come back after the 2021 fallout? Sound off in the comments below.
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Comments are closed on this story.
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C
Chris Harrison is what made the show work. He's paid his dues and should definitely be brought back. The only other option is to take it off the air. Personally, I haven’t watched it since he left.
8 2
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L
I definitely want Chris back. Stopped watching after he left and I am so happy that the ratings have gone down since he hasn’t been hosting the show.
7 2
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R
Bring him back!!! He was great and we miss him! ❤️ He has energy and the pergola host!
5 1
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P
Please bring Chris back....he was a great host.
3
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B
I quit watching when Chris left. I'd watch if he came back.
4 1
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O
He should have never left. Chris had the right to share his He should not have been demonized for it. Why are rights only a one way street nowadays?
2
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B
Stopped watching when Chris left. I feel he was railroad ed. And don't watch Extra anymore for obvious reasons.
3 1
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O
Yes. Chris Harrison is the best host for the show,of course the ratings have dropped. You need Chris back. I haven't watched it since Chris was taken off. I know there alot of people that stop watching.
4 2
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G
Bring Chris back. He made the show. I haven’t watched since he left. The “woke” people can go to hell.
3 1
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G
I used to love this show, and now it is hit or miss. Chris Harrison made the show what it was- AMAZING! I truly hope he returns.
4 2
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C
I definitely think he should return! People will start watching again. I know I will.
4 2
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G
I stopped watching when Chris left. At this point the only thing that would get me to watch again is if Chris returns as host.
1
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G
I loved Chris Harrison as host of the series. I haven't watched one show since he left.
2 1
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C
Chris Harrison needs to return. Jesse did a good job, but no one did it like Chris. He should have never been let go.
1
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O
I truly think Chris should be able to come back to the show!! I personally don’t enjoy watching the shows without him on them!!
1
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P
Come back come back come back!
1
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C
Quit after the firing. Chris was very perceptive and experienced. Please bring him back so I can come back too!
1
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O
Please bring Chris back. He makes the show. Just not the same without him.
1
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O
I quit watching the show after Chris Harrison left. I would watch again if Harrison was brought back.
1
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B
I do not watch anymore! Chris made the show more interesting and fun, wish he would be back on the show. Chris is the best host and he should get a second chance!
2 1
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P
I would love it if he came back. Should never have left.
3 2
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O
I have not watched one bachelor show since chris left, i was a fan since first season. If he comes back, i come back.
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R
Yes! I think Chris Harrison should come back. I don't believe he should have ever been removed. For me, he made the show.
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