Chris Harrison is returning to TV for the first time in almost five years to host a new “Traditional Marriage” dating show, but fans already have mixed feelings about it.
The former “Bachelor” host, 54, took to Instagram Wednesday to share a casting call for the currently unnamed upcoming series.
“It’s time to help people find love again,” he wrote. “Now we’re casting.”
The announcement itself featured a photo of the reality show host in a suit, along with a call for applicants for a “traditional marriage.”
“A prominent streaming service is recruiting single men and women (21 and older) who are looking for a traditional, marriage-oriented partnership based on commitment and shared values,” the post reads.
“We’re looking for clear roles, long-term commitments, singles who believe in building a life together, and people who are dating with true intentions,” it added.
However, Harrison’s announcement received mixed reactions from fans who flooded the post’s comments section to share their thoughts on the already controversial new project.
One person wrote, “Sorry for giving you MAGA,” while another added, “Do you only need a submissive woman for your role?”
“This looks like the back cover of a Christian self-help book,” commented a third, while a fourth shared: “This is really disgusting” and “I feel embarrassed again after hearing this idea.”
However, other fans praised the idea of a “traditional marriage” dating show and welcomed the concept and Harrison’s return to television.
“Is this for real?! If so, we’re ready!” one excited viewer wrote, while another commented: “This is it!”
“Best in the business!” a third fan added about Harrison’s return, while another shared: “I missed him!” and “He’s back!”
As for Harrison, he opened up about his new reality show host role in a chat with TMZ shortly after the casting was announced.
“For me, I’m coming back to television to do what means the most to me: helping people find love,” he told the outlet. “I want to do a show about finding true love.”
Harrison continued, “I think that’s been lost and I think everyone wants it back. Will there be drama along the way? Of course there is, but in the end it’s always going to be about love.”
The former Bachelor host added that the reaction to his casting announcement has been “incredible,” adding that it’s “a great reality show” to see fans “talking and debating and debating love and relationships.”
“As for what the show is about…here’s one of my favorite lines. You’ll find out after the break,” he concluded.
A representative for Mr. Harrison did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment.
The upcoming “Traditional Marriage” dating show will be one of Harrison’s biggest projects since his dramatic exit from the Bachelor series in 2021 after nearly 20 years.
He first came under fire for defending former “Bachelor” contestant Rachel Kirkconnell in February of the same year. This is because several photos of her attending an antebellum-style party three years ago were leaked.
Later, in an “Extra” interview with former “Bachelorette” star Rachel Lindsay, Harrison expressed sympathy for Kirkconnell and suggested that the backlash against her is unwarranted because the photo in question is from several years ago.
Harrison ultimately resigned as host of the popular reality show, leaving the show for good a few months later.
“I’ve had a really great run as host of The Bachelor series, and now I’m excited to start a new chapter,” he wrote in a since-deleted Instagram post in June 2021.
“I’m so grateful to Bachelor Nation for all the memories we’ve made together,” he added. “My 20-year journey is coming to an end, but the friendships I have made will last a lifetime.”
