Ex-‘Bachelor’ Host Chris Harrison Says Cease-and-Desist Over ‘The Vow’ Is ‘Personal’
Chris Harrison says Warner Bros. has a bad case of sour grapes.
Last month, Fox Nation announced its first-ever original dating series, The Vow. The erstwhile Bachelor host helms the new series, which sounds suspiciously like the dating show that made him a household name – at least according to Warner Bros., which owns The Bachelor franchise.
The company has sent a cease-and-desist letter to Fox, arguing that The Vow infringes on its copyright and trademarks to The Bachelor, Deadline reported. The letter called out the new show’s use of falling rose petals in its trailer, as well as the use of the words “the bachelor” in the clip and an image of a home that looks like The Bachelor mansion. Fox News Media responded by arguing that rose petals are commonly associated with romance, and that Warner Bros. can’t claim ownership over using the phrase “the bachelor” to refer to a single man.
In an interview with USA Today, Harrison – who hosted The Bachelor from 2002 to 2021 – said the legal move felt “personal.”
“I don’t see them going after the 50, 60, 70 other relationship dating shows that have come on in the time that I was there or since I left,” he said. “There’s been one show that they’ve gone after. Is that a coincidence? You be the judge.”
Harrison also spoke to Entertainment Tonight about the new show, where he suggested that the people behind The Bachelor wanted to take him down a peg.
“Sounds like somebody misses somebody really bad,” he said. “Jealousy’s a tough thing. Green’s not a great color on anybody, is it?”
The Bachelor franchise has struggled in the seasons since Harrison left the show, after he defended a contestant who was accused of racism. Ratings have fallen, and the franchise has been mired in various scandals. Earlier this year, the latest season of The Bachelorette was pulled amid drama surrounding star Taylor Frankie Paul. Meanwhile, other dating shows, including Love Island, have captured the attention of viewers.
Fox Nation apparently hopes to capitalize on The Bachelor’s waning influence. The series, which premieres November 11, will follow 30-year-old Jace Cates as he embarks on a relationship journey with 10 women, each seeking lasting commitment and marriage. The Vow “explores whether shared values, faith, communication, and long-term goals can build a relationship designed to last long after the cameras stop rolling,” according to a Fox Nation press release.
“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,” Harrison said in a statement. “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. 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? The stakes couldn’t be higher. I’m incredibly proud and honored to put my name on this show.”
For more news and exclusive interviews, follow Showbiz Cheat Sheet’s Instagram.
