For some fans and alums of Bachelor Nation, Chris Harrison's ouster as the longtime host following the Rachel Lindsay controversy was thought to be a bad move. In short, he was easily the most recognizable face after nearly 20 years in the position, so people were comfortable with his status. Replacements have stepped up in the interim, but the ex-host apparently has no ill will nowadays. In fact, he recently revealed the silver lining to no longer being part of the ABC franchise.
Chris Harrison recently showed Twitter love to the fans who have missed him on these past Monday nights of Katie Thurston’s season of The Bachelorette. But really, the former host isn’t exactly nostalgic for those Monday nights on the ABC franchise anymore. When asked how he was faring in the aftermath of everything, Harrison told TMZ:
We’re doing great, absolutely. Honestly, I wish everybody the best. I will say it’s been kind of nice to have, after 19 years, my Mondays back, including last night.
Having his Monday nights back probably isn't the only reason Chris Harrison is doing good since his exit. Reportedly, the ex-Bachelor franchise host got a nearly eight-figure exit package from ABC as a result of his ouster. Sources have also claimed that Harrison is waiting to pursue other hosting opportunities in the future.
The ex-host saw a quick departure from the franchise after he defended contestant Rachael Kirkconnell’s divisive social media posts during an interview with Rachel Lindsay, which many viewed as racially insensitive at the time. (Supposedly, it could have all been avoided.) But interestingly enough, Kirkconnell is now back together with The Bachelor's Matt James, who chose her on the show but later decided they needed to part ways when the controversy came about. Chris Harrison had some thoughts on their rekindled relationship, saying:
I'm happy for them and I wish them all the best. I hope they are in love, and I hope they do great.
So Rachel Kirkconnell, Matt James and Chris Harrison are all apparently moving on from the scandal that rocked all of their lives this year. But is Harrison keeping tabs on the ABC franchise he led for so long – specifically, Katie Thurston’s Bachelorette season airing now? The ex-host shared that he's been doing so “from afar.” He didn't specify how alums Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe were faring as his replacements, although we have some thoughts of our own.
Katie Thurston’s Bachelorette season is winding down and rumors are circulating that Blake Moynes finally comes out on top this go-around. Meanwhile, Bachelor in Paradise and Michelle Young's Bachelorette season are waiting in the wings for airtime, which Chris Harrison might be watching from afar, too, or he may simply finding other things to do on Monday nights. Maybe yoga?
