The Bachelor and all of its spin-offs on ABC have reportedly broken up with Chris Harrison, paying the former host to exit the show quietly.
(ABC/Craig Sjodin)
What’s Happening:
- Deadline has revealed that Chris Harrison’s nearly 20-year hosting duties for The Bachelor and its spin-offs on ABC have come to an end, with an official statement expected to be made later today.
- Last February, it was announced that Harrison would take a temporary break from the show when he publicly defended contestant Rachaell Kirkconnell, who was revealed to have attended an “Old South” plantation-themed party in college and whose social media accounts had liked some controversial posts.
- Former NFL player Emmanuel Acho took over hosting duties for the finale of the 17th season of The Bachelor, the first in the show’s history to have a Black bachelor, Matt James.
- Season 17 of The Bachelorette kicked off last night with co-hosts Kaitlyn Bristowe and Tayshia Adams, both of whom are former Bachelorette’s themselves.
- The 7th season of Bachelor in Paradise debuts this summer with comedian David Spade filling in as celebrity guest host.
- According to Dominic Patten in his Deadline scoop, Chris Harrison will receive an eight-figure payout to step away quietly, a sum that was agreed to when his lawyer, Bryan Freedman, threatened counter lawsuits against Warner Horizon and franchise producers, suggesting that the show’s “Dirty laundry” would be leaked.