After ABC announced a new season of The Bachelor is coming in 2027, Ben Higgins couldn’t help but picture a world where Chris Harrison would return to the beloved reality TV dating show.
“Oh, 100 percent I’d support Chris coming back,” Higgins, 37, exclusively shared with Us Weekly while attending the Jennie Garth and iHeartPodcasts’ “I Choose Me” live summit on Saturday, April 25. “I mean, Chris for my childhood — he’s gonna hate me for saying that — but for my childhood, and then my time, was the face of the show.”
Ben Higgins’ Enduring Connection to Chris Harrison
Although it’s been nearly 10 years since Higgins appeared on season 20 of The Bachelor, where Harrison, 54, served as the host, the reality star still has fond memories of filming the show with a guy who turned into a lifelong friend.
“I think what Chris did, and I’m not saying [current host] Jesse [Palmer] isn’t doing this because I don’t know Jesse well enough to say, but I knew Chris cared about me, and I knew at the background of everything in the production rooms, he was stopping things from happening if it was at the detriment of the contestants,” Higgins shared. “I’m a big fan of Chris. I’ve never hid from that, but Chris has another show now. I think it would be really hard to see the reunion between Chris and The Bachelor again.”
Chris Harrison’s Impact on The Bachelor Franchise
Less than five years after his dramatic exit from Bachelor Nation, Harrison announced his permanent departure from the franchise in 2022. The host had been with the show since its inception in 2002, serving as the primary face of the series for two decades.
During his tenure, Harrison became synonymous with the franchise, appearing in over 20 seasons of The Bachelor and several The Bachelorette seasons. His departure came after years of controversy surrounding his handling of certain situations on the show, including allegations of favoritism and inappropriate behavior.
Despite the controversy, Harrison maintained a strong relationship with many former contestants and remained popular with fans who appreciated his long-standing presence on the show.
Current State and Future Possibilities
Currently, Jesse Palmer serves as the host of The Bachelor, having taken over from Harrison in 2022. Palmer has maintained the show’s format while introducing some new elements to keep the series fresh.
However, the possibility of Harrison’s return has been a topic of discussion among fans and former contestants alike. Many believe his charismatic presence could help bring back some of the show’s original magic.
Ben Higgins’ recent comments suggest that if given the opportunity, Harrison would be welcomed back with open arms by many in the Bachelor Nation community.
- Former host Chris Harrison served The Bachelor for nearly two decades
- Harrison’s departure was controversial but was followed by a smooth transition to Jesse Palmer
- Many fans believe Harrison’s return could help revitalize the show’s legacy
- Ben Higgins specifically mentioned Harrison’s care for contestants during his time as host
While the 2027 season is still several years away, the possibility of Harrison’s return remains a topic of speculation among fans. Whether the show will bring him back or not remains to be seen, but his enduring popularity suggests he could still have a significant impact on the franchise.
FAQ
- When is the next season of The Bachelor? The next season is scheduled to air in 2027.
- Who is the current host of The Bachelor? Jesse Palmer has been the host since 2022.
- When did Chris Harrison leave The Bachelor? Harrison announced his permanent exit from the franchise in 2022.
- Has Ben Higgins ever appeared on The Bachelor? Yes, Higgins appeared on season 20 with Chris Harrison as host.
- What did Ben Higgins say about Chris Harrison’s return? Higgins expressed 100% support for Harrison’s return, calling him the face of the show during his childhood and his time on the series.
As the new season approaches, many will be watching to see if any changes are made to the show’s format or if Chris Harrison might make a surprise return to the stage.
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