Who Will Replace Host Chris Harrison on ‘The Bachelor’? (PHOTOS)
When longtime The Bachelor host Chris Harrison steps away from hosting the ever-popular franchise — a decision he announced after receiving criticism for his defense of current contestant and rumored winner Rachael Kirkconnell’s racist social media activity — the franchise will need to fill a big hole.
The show’s co-executive producer, who takes a break just prior to the Matt James After the Final Rose special, has been an onscreen therapist across 25 seasons and countless spinoffs since 2002. And since the news, we’ve been chewing on who could take his spot.
Scroll down to see the top 5 people we think could fill in as temporary host. And hey, maybe it’s time for a woman to be in charge of the proceedings!
JoJo Fletcher
The former Bachelorette is a Bachelor Nation success story: The brunette beauty is still happily engaged to her winning man, Jordan Rodgers, and she even returned in front of the ABC reality TV cameras to serve as interim host — the show’s first ever — while Harrison reportedly took his son to college during the filming of Tayshia Adams’ season. Fletchers’s recent turn makes her an obvious frontrunner for After the Final Rose.
Ben Higgins
Former Bachelor Ben Higgins appeared on the current season to impart words of wisdom to Matt James. No stranger to the reality TV cameras, Higgins is a beloved figure in Bachelor Nation and would be a welcome familiar face to host.
Tayshia Adams
The most recent Bachelorette knows how to shake things up on the franchise. Adams began her reality TV love story midway through last season after lead Clare Crawley got engaged to Dale Moss, and she proved she’s versatile onscreen and a charismatic leader. She would seamlessly slip into the hosting gig.
Tyler Cameron
Matt James’ real-life best friend Tyler Cameron has already guest starred on Season 25 (remember that cringe massage?!). Easygoing Cameron may not ask the tough questions, but the After the Final Rose special would breeze by without a hitch if Cameron was hosting with James and his bride-t0-be.
Rachel Lindsay
Rachel Lindsay made history as the first Black Bachelorette for the franchise, and has since been vocal about the need for ABC to embrace diversity amongst contestants. It was during an interview with Lindsay that Harrison failed to acknowledge contestant Rachael Kirkconnell’s easy way with historic racism. While it may get a little awkward if the rumors of Kirkconnell securing the final rose are true, fans seem to think that Lindsay would help encourage a conversation that the franchise badly needs. Lindsay currently hosts MTV’s Ghosted.
From TV Guide Magazine
'America's Got Talent': Simon Cowell Teases Big Changes in Season 20 as Mel B. Returns
The show’s judges and host preview the landmark season and reflect on how they’re keeping it fresh. Read the story now on TV Insider.
Watchlist Easy access to only the shows you care about — all in one simple place
Alerts Only important notifications — when a show is returning, when it becomes available to stream, and more.
Special Offers Exclusive products we release related to your favorite shows and streaming services