The Bachelor franchise is now officially without a host for the first time in its nearly 20-year history. Earlier on Tuesday, reports emerged indicating Chris Harrison had agreed to a deal to depart. Now, he's taken to Instagram to confirm that's the case.
Chris didn't comment on the apparent deal, the issues that prompted it, or the fact he's said to have received a payout somewhere in the eight-figure neighborhood. He did thank the fans, though, and they were quick to respond.
Chris' Instagram post contained a photo of him taping one of the live shows at some point in the past. A studio audience was behind him and he stood in a suit, clasping his hands in front of him. He started out his caption by saying, "I've had a truly incredible run as host of The Bachelor." He continued, "now I'm excited to start a new chapter."
"I'm so grateful to Bachelor Nation for all of the memories we've made together," he added.
Hint: It's Not An Overall!
The exiting host of The Bachelor and its spinoff shows added, "While my two-decade journey is wrapping up, the friendships I've made will last a lifetime."
More than 90,000 people "liked" Chris' Instagram post during the first hour after he'd shared it. In addition, more than 7,000 people commented, including quite a few former franchise contestants. JP Rosenbaum, Kevin Wendt, Arie Luyendyk, Jr., and Sean Lowe were all quick to send him their warm wishes, and they had plenty of company.
Former The Bachelor Jason Mesnick added a lengthy caption, as did former contestant Lesley Murphy. In addition, plenty of Chris' supporters noted that they would not continue watching with him gone.
"Sad to see you go! Many of us aren't watching anymore. It just isn't the same without you," one supporter commented.
"Best of luck to you. I will no longer be watching. Think it's time the show ends for good," another noted.
"Ratings are gonna plunge this season," a third user declared.
The Bachelor fans will be curious to hear what comes next. Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe took over for Katie Thurston's The Bachelorette, and David Spade will be one of several personalities to do Bachelor in Paradise. Michelle Young is slated to film The Bachelorette over the summer, and people have presumed The Bachelor will be back in January.
How significant will the blowback be now that Chris is officially gone for good? People will be quite curious to see how this plays out going forward.
