It’s finally a wrap on The Bachelor season 25, and fans had a lot of opinions. Many shared their thoughts on Matt James and winner Rachael Kirkconnell’s relationship or the announcement of the two Bachelorettes. But Emmanuel Acho’s job as host also garnered mixed reactions from fans. ABC was reportedly waiting to see viewers’ reactions to Acho before making a decision about bringing Harrison back or moving forward with a new host permanently. Based on the divided fan response, the network’s decision hasn’t gotten any easier.
After a disastrous interview with Rachel Lindsay, Chris Harrison took a step back from the franchise and Emmanuel Acho was announced as the new host of the post-finale special After the Final Rose. Though the network was said to be waiting until after the special aired to make a permanent decision regarding the franchise’s host moving forward, Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe were announced as the co-hosts of the upcoming season of The Bachelorette. But the job of permanent host is still open.
Acho took his place as Chris Harrison’s replacement on Monday night and many viewers thought he was a marked improvement. Fans on Reddit thought that Acho did an excellent job handing the “tough questions” and issues of racism, which was something Harrison “obviously couldn’t have done.” There were many fans who want Acho to replace Harrison permanently. They felt Acho seemed compassionate, present, and “more engaged” than Harrison. Many felt that Harrison often came off “patronizing and disingenuous,” and that Acho was great at “asking direct, intense questions but doing so with grace and respect.”
However, there were several other Reddit fans who disagreed and thought Acho didn’t live up to the hype for various reasons. “His performance and lack of experience shows me he's not ready,” one fan said. Others commented that he sounds too much like a sports newscaster and came off “a little bit robotic and flat.” Fans didn’t think he was completely terrible, but feel that he’s just not right for The Bachelor franchise. “The romance stuff isn’t really in his wheelhouse,” a fan claimed, and another added that while he was the right choice to handle the difficult racial conversations of this season, “he is clearly wrong for the regular tacky goofy show.”
Bachelor Nation alum have been quick to welcome Acho with open arms, but many die-hard Bachelor fans have been more hesitant. It’s understandable—Chris Harrison has been the host of the franchise for almost two decades, since the show debuted in 2002. Fans have gotten used to Harrison as the face of the franchise, and many are reluctant to see him go. But several fans feel that Harrison has been coasting in recent years and hasn’t really been doing much on the show anyway. For them, a fresh face would be a welcome change to the stale franchise.
Though the decision about who will host The Bachelor franchise is still up in the air, ABC has bought itself some time with The Bachelorette co-host announcement. There are many who don’t want Chris Harrison to return, but the network has time to consider its options. Has Acho done a good enough job on After the Final Rose to secure the hosting position full time? Fans probably won’t know until it’s time to film Bachelor in Paradise. Until then, the internet will continue to debate.
Source: Reddit