ABC says The Bachelor will be back in 2027, and that sent Ben Higgins down a very specific path: could Chris Harrison ever come back too? Short answer from Ben: yes please. Longer answer: probably complicated.
Ben Higgins is all-in on a Harrison homecoming (in theory )
Higgins, 37, was at Jennie Garth and iHeartPodcasts' I Choose Me live summit on Saturday, April 25, when he told Us Weekly he would "100 percent" support a Harrison return. Ben was The Bachelor on season 20 almost a decade ago, and Harrison, now 54, was the voice (and eyebrow raise) of the franchise during Ben's run. They became real-life friends, which colors how Ben talks about him.
Ben says Harrison always made him feel protected on set — not just on camera, but behind the scenes, where he believes Harrison stepped in if something would hurt contestants. He was careful to add that he is not saying current host Jesse Palmer doesn't do that; he just doesn't know Jesse well enough to comment.
Here's the rub, per Ben: he's a huge Harrison fan and has never hidden it, but Harrison has moved on. With another show in play, Ben thinks making a true reunion with The Bachelor would be tough. Still, if ABC pulled it off? He thinks fans would lose their minds in a good way. Same for him.
What Harrison is actually doing now
Less than five years after exiting the franchise, Harrison popped up in February to say he is hosting a new dating series for a yet-to-be-named major streamer. The concept is very... traditional.
"A prominent streaming service is casting single men and women who want a traditional, marriage-minded partnership built on commitment and shared values. We’re looking for singles who believe in clear roles, long-term commitment and building a life together — and who are dating with real intention."
Translation: he is busy, and this new thing is positioned differently enough that a Bachelor comeback feels unlikely unless schedules and brands do some impressive gymnastics.
So who hosts The Bachelor in 2027?
ABC just confirmed on April 22 that both The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise are returning. No casting yet. Higgins, who cohosts iHeartRadio's Almost Famous podcast, thinks producers will try to make a splash when the mothership returns. He even name-checked Robert Irwin as someone he's heard floated. More importantly, Ben wants a lead who's actually there to build a love story — not just stir the pot. He thinks leaning into a cleaner, family- friendly vibe is how The Bachelor stands apart from a lot of hookup-heavy dating shows right now.
Also worth noting: Ben's just happy the show isn't dead. Same.
Where things stand (quick hits)
- April 22: ABC says The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise are coming back; The Bachelor is slated for 2027.
- April 25: At Jennie Garth and iHeartPodcasts' I Choose Me summit, Ben Higgins backs a Harrison return but doubts the logistics.
- February: Chris Harrison unveils a new, traditional-values dating series for a major streamer and starts casting.
- Context: Higgins (37) led season 20 nearly 10 years ago; Harrison (54) hosted his season. Jesse Palmer is the franchise's current host.
Want more Ben?
The I Choose Me livestream replay opens Wednesday, April 29, if you want to see his full chat.