Chris Harrison was the beloved host of the Bachelor franchise for years. He left in 2021 amid major controversy. Jesse Palmer took over as host. But not everyone thinks he’s doing a good job. One alum from the show shaded Jesse Palmer and said they wanted Chris Harrison back. Keep reading to find out why.
Taylor Frankie Paul Hints She’s Started Filming Bachelorette
Many longtime fans didn’t think the Bachelor franchise could survive without Chris Harrison. It’s been a bumpy road, but the dating shows still dominate ABC. A second season of The Golden Bachelor is currently airing.
In a surprise move, the network decided make a schedule switch-up. While The Bachelor has been renewed for Season 30, it won’t air in early 2026. Instead, viewers will watch Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul look for love again.
The single mother of three divorced her husband in 2022 and ended her romance with Dakota Mortensen earlier this year. She’s a controversial choice as Bachelorette, partly because of her criminal record. Some viewers aren’t happy that ABC chose someone who isn’t already connected to the franchise.
Season 22 of The Bachelorette will reportedly air in January. Taylor Frankie Paul recently hinted that the season started filming. She shared a photo of her getting glammed up with the caption, “‘Fall in love again & again.’ Don’t mind if I do.”
Her Mom Makes Shocking Comments About Chris Harrison
When The Bachelorette returns next year, Jesse Palmer will again be the host. He took over as permanent co-host after Chris Harrison abruptly left in 2021. Next year will mark five years since his unexpected departure, but some fans still won’t accept him.
Taylor Frankie Paul’s mother included. Liann May was a guest on the Almost Famous podcast hosted by Bachelor Nation alums Ben Higgins and Ashley Iaconetti. She shared an unsolicited opinion about her daughter’s upcoming season.
“I wish Chris were the host, nothing against Jesse [Palmer]. I love Chris, I wish they could have brought him back,” she said.
Bachelor Alum Agrees, Shades Jesse Palmer
It’s a sentiment many longtime Bachelor Nation fans hold. Surprisingly, Ashley Iaconetti agrees. She was a contestant on Chris Soules’ season of The Bachelor and multiple seasons of Bachelor In Paradise.
Ashley I. met her future husband, Jared Haibon, on Season 2 of Bachelor In Paradise. They reconnected after leaving the beach and tied the knot in 2019. They currently live in West Greenwich, Rhode Island. She’s rumored to be part of a new Bravo Real Housewives spinoff.
In response to Liann May’s comments, Ashley said, “We all wish Chris were the host, that would be great. Jesse’s great, but obviously there is so much heart and soul that we’re missing after Chris.”
She added,” I think you speak for a lot of people there.”
While many fans still want Chris Harrison back, not everyone does. One fan recently wrote on social media, “May be a hot take but I prefer Jesse as host way more than CH. Jesse is way more personable and seems to genuinely care about the leads/contestants.”
The likelihood of Chris Harrison returning to the franchise is slim to none. Let us know in the comments which host you prefer – Chris Harrison or Jesse Palmer.
Jennifer Havener grew up in a small town in Upstate New York. She earned her B.A in Writing & Literature from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She always knew watching reality TV shows and soap operas, particularly ‘Days of Our Lives’, would come in handy someday. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her dogs, Lola and Ruger
