Chris Harrison is making his return to television after nearly five years to host a new dating show centered on “traditional marriage,” sparking divided reactions among fans. The 54-year-old former “Bachelor” host shared a casting call on Instagram, announcing he aims to “help people find love again” through this unnamed series on a prominent streaming service.
The show seeks singles aged 21+ committed to “traditional, marriage-minded partnerships” defined by “clear roles, long-term commitment, and shared values.” Harrison emphasized his goal to create a series focused on authentic love, telling TMZ: “Will there be drama? Absolutely, but in the end it will always be about love.”
Fan responses ranged sharply. Critics called the premise “icky” and questioned if it promoted “subservient women,” with one commenter noting “This looks like the back of a Christian self-help book.” Supporters welcomed Harrison’s comeback, with fans declaring “Best in the business!” and “We’ve missed you!”
This marks Harrison’s most significant role since his controversial exit from “The Bachelor” franchise in 2021. He departed after defending contestant Rachael Kirkconnell against criticism for attending an Antebellum-themed party, telling former “Bachelorette” Rachel Lindsay that historical context mattered. Following backlash, Harrison stepped down after nearly two decades as host, stating at the time: “I’m excited to start a new chapter.” His representative didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment about the new project.