Former Bachelor host Chris Harrison is finally coming back to TV to host another dating series.
Harrison, 54, was famously fired from The Bachelor franchise in 2021 for defending a contestant accused of racism, but now he’s ready to return to reality TV with a new series exploring ‘traditional marriage’.
The upcoming series, tentatively titled Traditional Love, is seeking men and women ‘who want a traditional, marriage-minded partnership built on commitment and shared values.’
It continues, ‘We’re looking for singles who believe in clear roles, long-term commitment, and building a life together – and who are dating with real intention.’
The casting call sparked a mixed reaction from Harrison’s followers, with some accusing the show of taking women back to the 1950s.
‘I’m sorry this is giving MAGA,’ commented one, while another wrote, ‘Do your roles require subservient women only?’
Former Bachelor host Chris Harrison is set to host a new dating series exploring ‘traditional’ marriage
A third commented, ‘Pray tell, what’s a “traditional” marriage? The one from the 1950s when women had no rights whatsoever in said marriage? Sounds… disgusting.’
Another added, ‘Traditional marriage????? Why are we reverting back to 1920?’
However, many others were excited at the prospect of a more conservative dating series.
‘It’s really sad how many people in these comments do not know what a traditional marriage is and how wonderful it is,’ wrote one.
‘I stopped watching The Bachelor when you left. Can’t wait to watch this!’ added another.
A third wrote, ‘We love non-woke love,’ while a fourth commented, ‘LOVE THIS!!! Everyone hating in the comments is just deluded into thinking traditional marriage is oppressive when it’s truly the most freeing and joy-filled union!’
Another added, ‘It’s so weird to me that people are so triggered by the concept of a traditional marriage. Husband and wife loving each other, staying true to each other, having children, enjoying life together. Oh no, so terrible. We can’t have that.’
When reached for comment, Harrison told Daily Mail, ‘I will be coming back to TV to do what means the most to me: helping people find love. 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.’
Harrison hosted The Bachelor and its spin-offs for almost two decades before parting ways with ABC in 2021 when he defended a contestant accused of racism
Unbothered by some of the criticism towards his new series, Harrison continued, ‘The response to our casting announcement has been incredible.
‘People are talking, discussing, debating love and relationships; that’s what great reality TV is about.’
Harrison exited The Bachelor franchise in 2021 after hosting the flagship series, along with its spin-offs, for almost two decades.
He parted ways with ABC after facing backlash for defending former contestant Rachael Kirkconnell, who was accused of racism for attending an antebellum plantation-themed fraternity party while in college.
Harrison apologized for the remarks on Good Morning America, but his pleas for forgiveness fell on deaf ears at the time.
The 54-year-old married Entertainment Tonight host Lauren Zima in 2023
Since leaving The Bachelor, Harrison has hosted two podcasts and worked with Dr. Phil’s now-defunct conservative network Merit Street Media
Reflecting on the experience in a 2023 episode of his podcast, the host said, ‘Apologies didn’t matter. And I’ve never seen a time like that in my life, I’ve never known that not to work. If you sincerely apologize and open your heart and it was just like yelling in a cave.
‘It just didn’t matter. It didn’t move anything and it didn’t move us away from what had just happened. So even after that apology, we were still at ground zero. And it was confusing and it was scary.’
After exiting the franchise, Harrison has been focused on his new life in Austin, Texas, with second wife, Entertainment Tonight host Lauren Zima, who he wed in 2023.
For a period of time, Harrison hosted his own podcast on iHeartRadio called The Most Dramatic Podcast Ever.
He later signed a deal with Dr. Phil’s conservative network Merit Street Media, where he and Zima hosted their own together.
However, the series seemed to come to an end last year, and Merit Street Media filed for bankruptcy in June.
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