Chris Harrison Announces Television Comeback with New Traditional Dating Series
Former Bachelor host Chris Harrison is making a dramatic return to television after spending five years in showbiz exile following his controversial departure from the franchise he once defined. For nearly two decades, Harrison was more than just the host of The Bachelor and its various spin-offs; he was the comforting presence contestants turned to during emotional rose ceremonies and the officiant for several successful couples who found love on the show.
The Fall from Grace That Shook Bachelor Nation
In 2021, Harrison's long-standing role came to an abrupt end after a controversial interview with Rachel Lindsay, the franchise's first Black Bachelorette. During the conversation, Harrison defended contestant Rachael Kirkconnell against racism accusations, remarks that ultimately led to his departure from the show. The shake-up sent shockwaves through Bachelor Nation, where Harrison's image had become virtually indistinguishable from the franchise itself. Shortly thereafter, Jesse Palmer was named as his replacement.
Harrison reportedly received an eight-figure payout for his exit and maintained a low profile in the years following his departure—until now. Last week, the former host announced he would be returning to television with a new dating show focused on singles seeking traditional marriage, a concept that has already sparked debate among viewers and been described by some netizens as giving MAGA vibes.
Life After The Bachelor: Marriage, Texas, and New Ventures
Since leaving The Bachelor, Harrison has built an entirely new life away from Hollywood. He returned to his Texan roots, marrying former Entertainment Tonight host Lauren Zima and settling in Austin. The couple constructed their dream home from scratch on property purchased in 2020, described initially as just a slab overlooking a spectacular view.
Harrison has channeled his passion for golf into philanthropy, launching FORE Kids ATX alongside Zima and professional golfer Sergio Garcia and his wife Angela. The fundraising venture supports local children and families in their community.
Despite his hiatus from mainstream television, Harrison attempted two previous comebacks in media. He launched The Most Dramatic Podcast Ever, inspired by his iconic catchphrase from The Bachelor, though the show appears to have ceased production. He also joined Dr. Phil's conservative network, Merit Street Media, to host a reality dating series that never materialized, though he did host a podcast with his wife through the network before it filed for bankruptcy.
Emotional Toll and Reflection on Controversy
In a recent interview with People, Harrison revealed he experienced surprising relief after leaving The Bachelor, despite initial angst about returning to work. I kind of took a deep breath and you dropped your shoulders, and I think, you know, obviously falling in love definitely helped, moving to Austin definitely helped kind of relieve that and realize, 'Wow, there’s a whole other world out here to dive into.' And so it has been a wonderful break and relief, he explained.
Harrison has been candid about the emotional impact of the controversy that ended his Bachelor tenure. On his podcast, he disclosed he lost twenty pounds and struggled with sleep and appetite in the aftermath. I was scared to death of - not of my job, but of my family. My fianceé, who God bless Lauren Zima for being there every step of the way… I worried about my kids. I worried about my family, my mom, my dad, my brother, all my loved ones, my friends, he recalled.
He expressed disappointment in himself, stating, I was heartbroken. And I was gutted. I was embarrassed. I was mad at myself. I was disappointed in myself. The last thing in the world I ever wanted to do was be an agent of anything negative.
The New Chapter: Traditional Love and Intentional Dating
Harrison is now preparing to return to television with a new dating show tentatively titled Traditional Love. The series seeks to match singles dating with real intention who desire a traditional, marriage-minded partnership built on commitment and shared values. The casting call asks applicants to define traditional marriage, share views on modern dating, and discuss their romantic history.
The show will air on an undisclosed prominent streaming service, and Harrison told The Daily Mail he has received an incredible response to the casting announcement. I will be coming back to TV to do what means the most to me: helping people find love, Harrison declared. I want to do a show that is actually about finding that true love. I think that’s been lost, and I think we all want it back. Will there be drama along the way? Absolutely, but in the end it will always be about love.
Despite the controversy that marked his exit, Harrison maintains gratitude for his time on The Bachelor, acknowledging it brought him to his wife and created cherished family memories. I’m incredibly grateful for my years on the Bachelor. That job will always hold a special place in my heart, as it changed my life, he told Austin Lifestyle. And now my greatest Bachelor moment was meeting the love of my life, Lauren.
