The most dramatic announcement in reality TV history has finally arrived, and it didn’t come from a rose garden. Chris Harrison, the long-time face of The Bachelor who exited the franchise in 2021, has officially unveiled his “Next Chapter.” After years of silence and a quiet move to Austin, Texas, Harrison is returning to the screen with a project that is being described as a direct challenge to the very empire he helped build.
Partnering with Dr. Phil McGraw’s Merit Street Media, Harrison is not just hosting; he is executive producing a massive multi-show deal that aims to “flip the script” on the reality dating genre. The crown jewel of this deal is a new reality dating series that reportedly features a “Power Roster” of former leads who are ready to speak their truth.
Recruiting the ‘Ex-Leads’ for a New Vision
In what many are calling a strategic strike against his former network, Harrison has reportedly been in talks with several iconic former Bachelor and Bachelorette leads to join his new venture. While specific names are being kept under wraps for a big reveal event, the project is rumored to involve these alumni in mentorship and advisory roles, providing a level of unfiltered reality that the original franchise typically edits out.
The goal of the project is to create a transparent dating experience. Harrison has teased that for years he called seasons “the most dramatic ever,” but with this new project, those words will actually ring true. By bringing in seasoned veterans who know the pitfalls of televised love, Harrison is positioning his new show as the grown-up alternative to the influencer-heavy seasons of the current Bachelor era.
The Merit Street Media Power Move
The comeback is anchored by a two-pronged approach at Merit Street Media’s new state-of-the-art studios in Dallas. Harrison will co-host a weekday morning talk show alongside his wife, former ET correspondent Lauren Zima, designed to be a fun, lighthearted look at entertainment and relationships.
Additionally, the untitled dating series is being produced in Harrison’s hometown crowd of Texas. Dr. Phil himself has promised the format is so novel and so different that viewers will become addicted within a week. Harrison is also contributing to Dr. Phil Primetime, where he will lead penetrating field work into romance scams and catfishing, using his two decades of relationship expertise to expose the darker side of modern dating.
A Franchise in the Rearview Mirror
While Bachelor Nation remains loyal to its roots, Harrison made it clear in recent conversations with alumni that he has no intention of looking back. When asked if he would ever return to host the original show, he gave a firm refusal, stating that he would not go back but instead move forward.
The industry reaction has been electric. Critics are noting that Harrison’s move to a new network allows him to operate without the constraints of a traditional network, potentially allowing for the raw, unfiltered drama he has been hinting at since his departure. By taking the “Bachelor King” title to a new castle, Harrison is proving that the man, not just the show, was the draw for millions of fans.
The Texas Takeover
The decision to film and produce in Dallas and Austin is a deliberate move away from the Hollywood machine. Harrison has described Austin as the “new Hollywood,” citing the influx of tech, music, and entertainment talent as the fuel for his creative fire. He feels that the energy in Texas is palpable, providing the perfect backdrop for a comeback that prioritizes an honest, open heart and mind over scripted tropes.
“The hiatus served its purpose, but the fire is back,” a source close to Harrison’s team shared. “He’s not just returning to TV; he’s building a new house. He knows what the audience missed, and he’s bringing the heavy hitters with him to make sure this is the most watched comeback in reality history.”