While Bachelor Nation has come up with a list of replacements for Chris Harrison, ABC may already have a plan in mind. Michael Strahan is allegedly in talks to take over as the host of The Bachelor. Harrison stepped aside from the show following the controversy surrounding his response to Rachael Kirkconnell's past racist actions. It was reported that Harrison may be cut out of the remaining pre-filmed episodes, but that didn't exactly happen; The show is, however, still looking for a new host for After the Final Rose.
Harrison has been under fire following racially insensitive comments he made during an interview with Rachel Lindsay for Extra. When asked his thoughts about the photos that resurfaced of Kirkconnell, Harrison ultimately defended the contestant, leaving fans outraged. After staying silent for a few days, Harrison released a public apology before announcing he'd be stepping away from the show temporarily. Fans were quick to nominate Lindsay as the new host as well as other familiar faces such as Danny Devito.
Although a new host has yet to be confirmed by ABC, they allegedly already have someone in mind. A source told OK! that former NFL star Michael Strahan is supposedly ABC's top choice for Chris Harrison's replacement as host. Strahan seems to be the perfect fit to host the After the Final Rose as he is charismatic and has plenty of experience hosting for ABC. Since wrapping up his career with the New York Giants, Strahan has built a successful career at the network that airs The Bachelor. The former star of Live! With Kelly and Michael now co-hosts Good Morning America. Strahan has hosted ABC's $100,000 Pyramid since 2016 and was also the host of a home improvement show on the DIY Network called Backyard Stadiums.
Production has not yet come to a consensus about Harrison's long-term future with the show, but he is definitely not going to be asking the tough questions during the After the Final Rose. The show originally wanted Lindsay to host the After the Final Rose, perhaps to make her feel like all was well; however, she declined the offer. They have also reportedly looked into their contestant and lead pool from both The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, but none has emerged as a likely substitute thus far. A source explained to OK!, "If they don’t get this episode right they could kill the cash cow. There is talk about taping the show rather than doing it live."
If Strahan is in fact in talks to be a replacement for Harrison, it probably means Harrison's future with the franchise is over. While the show has gotten much wrong over the years, it appears to have realized that it needs to at least consider a Black host to begin to atone from the racism that has plagued the franchise since the beginning. It's important to remember, as with the casting of a Black lead, that Strahan filling Harrison's role wouldn't isn't going to solve every problem. But it's a start.
The Bachelor airs Mondays at 8pm EST on ABC.
Source: OK!