Chris Harrison, who hosted "The Bachelor" and its franchise spinoffs for nearly 20 years, is returning to the reality TV dating world − and he's making a statement while doing it.
Harrison, 55, is set to host Fox Nation's first original dating series, "Chris Harrison's The Vow," five years after his departure from the Bachelor Nation franchise. "The Vow" follows a similar approach to ABC's longtime series, with 30-year-old bachelor, Jace Cates, dating 10 single women to find his forever partner. However, the show explicitly focuses on building a faith-based relationship with a long-term commitment.
"At a time when much of modern dating culture is driven by fleeting connections and social media attention, the series offers a different approach
by placing the focus on meaningful relationships, commitment and building a life together," a logline for the show reads.
In the first teaser released Wednesday, Sept. 16, Harrison, who became known for helping Bachelor Nation leads hand out roses to their suitors, makes a subtle dig at his former franchise by tossing the coveted flower and nearly stomping on it.
"Expecting someone else?" Harrison asks in the clip. "Rose's fade, true love last forever."
In a statement, Harrison said he was looking forward to helping singles find their happily ever afters once again.
“I’m so excited to be back helping people find love, and Fox Nation has been an incredible partner in bringing this vision to life," he said. "We were inspired by the faith-driven renaissance happening across America, and as a result, I believe we’ve created the most authentic dating show on television today."
Harrison first posted a casting call on his social media, recruiting single men and women ages 21 and older who "want a traditional, marriage-minded partnership." The series was later greenlit at Fox Nation, Deadline reported in February 2026.
What is 'Chris Harrison's The Vow' about?
The show will follow Cates' journey as he goes on curated dates and engages in real-world compatibility challenges to figure out which of the 10 women he could see himself settling down with. Along the way, Harrison will guide the singles and Cates through hard conversations around faith, family and future goals. The network's streaming platform also encourages contestants to leave the show if they don't believe the relationship will last.
"At a time when so many people feel dating has become harder than ever, 'The Vow' asks a simple but important question: Can genuine, lasting love still be found in the modern world?" Harrison said. "The stakes couldn’t be higher. I’m incredibly proud and honored to put my name on this show.”
Special guests include SeanandCatherine Lowe, who found love on the 17th season of "The Bachelor," and have been married for 12 years.
Why did Chris Harrison leave 'The Bachelor'?
Harrison exited the ABC reality series in June 2021, following a racism controversy. In Season 25, after "The Bachelor" has cast its first Black male lead Matt James, contestant Rachel Kirkconnell faced criticism when resurfaced social media posts showed her liking Confederate flag-related TikTok videos and attending a plantation-themed party in 2018.
During a Feb. 9 interview on the syndicated "Extra" series, Harrison defended Kirkconnell from what he called the "woke police," and asked people to "have a little grace."
"I'm not defending Rachael," he said in an interview with Rachel Lindsay, the first Black lead on "The Bachelorette." "I just know that, I don't know, 50 million people did that in 2018. That was a type of party that a lot of people went to."
Kirkconnell later apologized for her actions. She and James announced their split in January 2025, nearly four years after James handed her his final rose.
As for Harrison, he apologized to Lindsay after his comments, admitting in March 2021 that he "made a mistake" and would be "stepping aside for a period of time" but noted that he had no plans to resign. However, just months later in June, Warner Horizon and ABC Entertainment confirmed Harrison would be exiting the franchise for good.
When will 'Chris Harrison's The Vow' premiere?
The first two episodes will release on Nov. 11, followed by weekly Wednesday episodes. The finale will air on Fox Nation on Dec. 9.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chris Harrison takes subtle dig at 'The Bachelor' in new faith-based dating show
