The Bachelor franchise should definitely dump Chris Harrison, but is a new host even needed?
https://tvline.com/2021/02/19/chris-harrison-leaving-the-bachelor-fired-host/
As The Bachelor franchise slowly reckons with its longstanding diversity problem amid Harrison's racism controversy, "it’s especially important that the franchise doesn’t give Harrison a mere slap on the wrist, then return to business as usual" after the host temporarily stepped away last week, says Rebecca Iannucci. "ABC and The Bachelor/ette‘s creative teams have hedged on questions about diversity for years, but they have an opportunity here to make a meaningful change: If the franchise is committed to doing better, Harrison’s time as host should come to an end altogether, instead of resuming after a few weeks of vague 'education,'" says Iannucci. "If we’re assessing the Bachelor shows honestly, they don’t really need a host at all. What would change, exactly, if a host weren’t around to announce, 'Hey, there’s only one rose left on that table!'? (Answer: Nothing.) Would any of us miss the meandering chats that Harrison has with contestants when they’re unable to sort through their emotions? (Answer: No.)' But assuming ABC wants someone running the show, there are ample options for Harrison’s replacement, many of them young and diverse Bachelor/ette alumni who can bring fresh perspectives and charisma to the series," such as Bachelorette alum Rachel Lindsay. Iannucci adds: "Harrison’s apologies, though eloquent, fit a recent mold of celebrity mea culpas that insist, 'I promise to do better,' with no substantial follow-up on how that change will occur. Many a well-written Notes App apology has floated off into the digital wind, ultimately fixing nothing and prompting little introspection. Harrison’s words may be sincere now — but his return to the Bachelor franchise would render it all meaningless."
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