Where is Chris Harrison now? Why did He leave The Bachelor franchise?
by A Maria
Updated Mar 22, 2023
Who is Chris Harrison?
Christopher Bryan Harrison is an American game show and television host, who gained widespread recognition as the host of the ABC reality dating shows The Bachelor between 2002 and 2021, along with its spin-offs The Bachelorette from 2003 to 2021, Bachelor Pad from 2010 to 2012, Bachelor in Paradise from 2014 to 2021, the first season of Bachelor in Paradise: After Paradise in 2015, Bachelor Live in 2016, and The Bachelor Winter Games in 2018. He also hosted the syndicated version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire between 2015 and 2019.
Where is Chris Harrison now?
After his departure from The Bachelor franchise amidst controversy, Chris Harrison decided to shift his focus toward his personal life. In June 2021, he relocated from Los Angeles to his home state of Texas. He started fresh on social media by wiping clean his Instagram account and made a comeback by announcing his engagement to Lauren Zima in October 2021, their first post together on the platform. The couple had started dating in August 2018 and made their first public appearance as a couple in January 2019 at a pre-Screen Actors Guild Awards party. Chris often shares photos with his fiancée and his two kids from his previous marriage with Gwen and has also maintained contact with various stars from Bachelor Nation. Tyler Cameron, Wells Adams, Ben Higgins, and Andrew Firestone are some of the people he has posted pictures with or been tagged in pictures with.
What is Chris Harrison doing now?
After his exit from The Bachelor franchise, Chris Harrison relocated to his hometown of Austin, Texas, with the support of his fiancée. In a March 2022 Instagram post featuring the couple on the cover of Austin Lifestyle Magazine, Harrison expressed his excitement about settling back into his home state. He also shared that his daughter, Taylor, would be attending the same university as his son, Joshua. But the most interesting update is that Harrison is now an ordained minister with Universal Life Church and has been officiating weddings since 2012. While pricing isn't listed on his website, it's safe to assume that couples who accept their roses are fully committed to the experience.
Why did Chris Harrison leave The Bachelor?
During the airing of Matt James’ season of The Bachelor in June 2021, Chris found himself in the midst of a scandal. Matt was the first Black bachelor, and his casting was seen as a significant step toward improving the franchise’s diversity. However, the excitement surrounding the season was tarnished after Rachael Kirkconnell, the season’s winner, faced criticism for liking TikTok videos related to the Confederate flag and attending a plantation-themed party in 2018. In February 2021, Chris defended Rachael during an Extra interview with former bachelorette Rachel Lindsay, who was vocal about the franchise's lack of diversity. Chris received backlash for his comments, and after issuing an apology, he stepped aside from the franchise. Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe were then hired to host season 17 of The Bachelorette in June, and Chris announced that he was leaving the franchise permanently.
Did Chris Harrison launch a Podcast?
Chris Harrison announced in December 2022 that he will launch a new podcast called "The Most Dramatic Podcast Ever...With Chris Harrison." According to the podcast's description, Chris will share his expertise on relationships and delve into topics such as dating, marriage, love, and loss. Fans can expect a more personal and intimate look into Chris's life as he navigates these subjects. The podcast is set to premiere on January 9, 2023, and will be available on Apple Podcasts. It is being seen as Chris's comeback after his departure from the Bachelor franchise.
How much is Chris Harrison's net worth?
Chris Harrison, the American television host, has a net worth of $25 million, largely attributed to his hosting roles on popular ABC reality shows such as "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette." He has been the host of the franchise since 2002 and reportedly earns a salary of $8 million for hosting "The Bachelor."
Professional career of Chris Harrison
Chris Harrison began his career in 1993 as a sports reporter at KWTV, an Oklahoma City CBS affiliate. He later worked briefly for the horse racing channel TVG Network and hosted HGTV's Designers' Challenge. Harrison hosted the game show Mall Masters for GSN in 2001 and guest-starred on Sabrina the Teenage Witch in 2002. In 2008, he co-hosted the American Music Awards pre-show with Carrie Ann Inaba and Nicole Scherzinger. Harrison was also signed to anchor live red carpet awards coverage for the TV Guide Network (now known as Pop) starting with the 2009 Primetime Emmy Awards.
He co-hosted the game show You Deserve It with Brooke Burns in 2011 and has hosted Hollywood 411 on the former TV Guide Network. Harrison returned to GSN when it began airing reruns of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? a syndicated game show he hosted from 2015 to 2016. He published his first romance novel, The Perfect Letter, in May 2015.
Harrison is best known for hosting ABC's reality dating shows The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, Bachelor in Paradise, and its spinoffs. In February 2021, he announced he would be stepping aside temporarily from the franchise after defending a contestant on The Bachelor who was accused of racism. Alternative hosts were announced for season 17 of The Bachelorette in March 2021. In June 2021, it was announced that Harrison had permanently departed the franchise after 19 years.
Where is Chris Harrison now - FAQs
Christopher Bryan Harrison is an American game show and television host, best known as the host of the ABC reality dating shows The Bachelor and its spin-offs, including The Bachelorette, Bachelor in Paradise, and more.
In addition to The Bachelor franchise, Harrison hosted the syndicated version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire from 2015 to 2019. He has also hosted several other game shows and television programs, including Mall Masters, Designers' Challenge, and Hollywood 411.
Harrison hosted The Bachelor from 2002 to 2021, The Bachelorette from 2003 to 2021, Bachelor Pad from 2010 to 2012, Bachelor in Paradise from 2014 to 2021, the first season of Bachelor in Paradise: After Paradise in 2015, Bachelor Live in 2016, and The Bachelor Winter Games in 2018.
Harrison hosted the syndicated version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire from 2015 to 2019.
Before his career in television, Harrison worked as a sports reporter and anchor at various news stations. He also worked briefly for TVG Network, a horse racing channel, and was the host of several home design and renovation shows on HGTV.