Could Chris Harrison be angling for a return to Bachelor Nation??
The longtime television host was booted back in June 2021 after his tone-deaf interaction about race during an infamous interview with former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay. But judging by new remarks that he made on a podcast this week, it sounds like he’s open to accepting the show’s rose again!! That is if producers even wanted to hand one out to him…
Related: ‘Bachelorette’ Alum Arrested On DWI Charge — While On Date With A Teenage Girl?!
So, the 51-year-old television personality has been hosting his own podcast lately. The Texas-born former reality TV love facilitator has a very appropriate name for the weekly audio show, too: The Most Dramatic Podcast Ever. Aptly titled considering his (former) line of work!!!
This week on his most recent ep, the Dallas native offered up some VERY choice thoughts about his career! Speaking to co-host Tori Spelling about what the future may hold for him in TV, Harrison surprisingly hinted that there may be a reunion on the horizon with ABC execs and Bachelor Nation producers. REALLY???
He started out by saying:
“I live by the axiom never say never because in life and business, that comes back to bite you in the butt.”
Well, that’s just good advice. In most cases, you never know what could happen in the future. So it’s never a bad thing not to close (most) doors. Life advice, y’all!
When pressed about whether that would mean he’d ever return to Bachelor Nation hosting duties, Chris said:
“Would I have that conversation? Yes. I also believe in relationships and in business, take the phone call and you listen and you have that conversation, whether it’s uncomfortable or not.”
Interesting! Of course, who wouldn’t take that conversation. Ya know? Chris found fame and fortune on The Bachelor. For years, he was beloved by fans and viewers. It all ended so abruptly, and so controversially, that it would make sense to hear he’s open to a comeback now that the dust has settled. But it doesn’t mean s**t if ABC isn’t up for it, right??
Well…
When Spelling asked if the TV network would be up for crossing that bridge, Chris suggested execs could be having internal discussions about his return. Ummm that’s a surprise! And it would really be something if it turns out to be true!!
He said:
“With the advent of this podcast, they’ve seen the numbers. They’ve seen the response in my social media. They’re not deaf to all of that. They’ve seen what’s happening, so am I shocked these conversations are happening? No. It would not be a surprise. In fact, I would be shocked if they aren’t happening.”
Whoa!!
Of course, the show has gone through a series of hosts since Chris’ 2021 departure amid the infamous Rachael Kirkconnell plantation party controversy. Former football star Emmanuel Acho hosted Matt James‘ After The Final Rose special that season. Then, he gave way to Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe, who stepped up to co-host The Bachelorette after Harrison got booted.
Jesse Palmer was then tabbed as the show’s permanent replacement. He’s successfully helming Zach Shallcross‘ season 27 of The Bachelor that is airing weekly right now. But perhaps Harrison is holding out hope for a comeback??
Related: ‘The Bachelor’ Star Greer Blitzer Apologizes For Defending Blackface In Old Tweets
Reunion or not, Chris looked back on his two decades of hosting Bachelor Nation shows. He tossed out a bit of shade, too, asserting things have changed on the series since his departure:
“I will always be grateful for that in my life. It changed my life. It changed my kids’ lives. I still have a lot of friends working on the show — people I really care about. I loved my time. Not all of it, it was still a job. But overall, it was amazing. It was an incredible experience. Did it change? Yes. And was it the same in the last several years? No, it was not. I was contemplating when it was going to be time.”
Hmmm…
What do U make of these comments, Perezcious readers? Is Chris just being overly optimistic about a potential return — while drawing a ton of new attention to his podcast?! Or could there actually be something bigger going on behind the scenes here, and he’s floating a proverbial trial balloon while lobbying for his old job back??
Sound OFF with your thoughts down in the comments (below)!
[Image via WENN]
Related Posts
