Why Fans Think Chris Harrison Won't Be Hosting The Bachelorette

What is Bachelor Nation without Chris Harrison? Well, audiences might find out soon. 

Amid the scandal that came to be after his conversation with the first Black Bachelorette, Rachel Lindsay, during his appearance on Extra, Harrison has apologized to Bachelor fans for defending (spoiler alert!) presumed Season 25 winner Rachael Kirkconnell. Harrison issued a statement on Instagram, saying he was "stepping aside for a period of time" from the franchise. He was replaced by former NFL player and Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man author Emmanuel Acho for the After the Final Rose finale special. 

"It's been a pivotal season, and this episode will hopefully be one of the most storied shows in TV history," Acho captioned an Instagram post announcing the news. "Empathy is needed and change is coming." 

On The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Acho hinted that Harrison may be back for future Bachelor seasons, as he is "currently dealing with the reaction" from his comments. "I don't believe in cancel culture. I do believe in accountability, [and] I think right now he is taking accountability for his actions," Acho said of Harrison. 

But who will be hosting the new season of The Bachelorette? Keep scrolling to find out why fans think Harrison's seemingly temporary absence from the franchise will keep him away from the cameras for the next Bachelor Nation installment. 

Despite rumors of there being two Bachelorette seasons slated for 2021, it seems longtime host Chris Harrison might be sitting on the sidelines. Audiences are already bracing for a lackluster Bachelor finale, and the promise of fan favorites Katie Thurston and Michelle Young both getting their own Bachelorette seasons is a Bachelor Nation dream come true. But are fans ready to forgive Harrison? Not quite. 

Rumored Bachelorette lead Katie shared a clip of fellow contestant Pieper James telling Extra that she would not feel comfortable if Harrison hosted Bachelor in Paradise. Redditors assumed Katie felt the same way about her Bachelorette season. "She chose to highlight the part about Chris. I think [Katie] knows exactly what she's doing," a fan commented. 

Katie also tweeted that she hopes Chris "takes more time" before coming back. "I wouldn't be surprised if Chris isn't hosting next season and it hasn't been announced because they haven't finalized his replacement," another Redditor wrote. "I can't imagine [ABC] letting Katie, who's definitely under contract at this point...keep it up if Chris was hosting." 

Of course, it may not be up to Bachelor Nation fans. Harrison told Good Morning America that he plans to return to the hit ABC franchise, via Deadline. "I am committed to the progress, not just for myself but also for the franchise," Harrison stated. However, per TMZ, Harrison is not quarantining with the cast and crew in New Mexico. Maybe fans are right on this one!