As host of both reality series The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, Chris Harrison knows a thing or two of what goes on behind the camera.  With ABC back with its search for a female star to follow DeAnna Pappas on a new season, it's the best time to discuss things.  Harrison, who is happily married, was recently interviewed about the reality series, true love on TV, and the controversy between DeAnna and her former fiancé, Jesse Csincsak. 

On looking for the next Bachelorette, Chris Harrison revealed that they're really not out to find someone who falls into a certain type.  “It's hard to answer that because really, there's no set picture.  We've had rich, we've had poor, we've had famous athletes, actors, we've had it all,” he said.  “It's just somebody who's willing to take this leap of faith, who's obviously ready to commit and ready for a relationship.” 

“When we're looking for The Bachelorette, that's kind of our job.  Does she just want to be a model, or does she really want to get into movies or whatever.  I have found that when we've done the Bachelorette they are even more sincere when they come into this than the guys are.” 

Harrison also found the topic of DeAnna and Jesse unavoidable.  He claimed that they all still keep in touch, and that the couple's split was definitely trying for them.  “[T]hey're both very good friends of mine.  I will say that I was definitely sorry to hear they broke up, and wish them both the best.  And still consider them both very good friends of mine.” 

The discussion then swerved to the next season of The Bachelor, which features The Bachelorette's Jason Mesnick.  “I can't give too much away on the show, but I will say this: Jason, coming into this, was very respectful — he's a great dad, a phenomenal dad — he was very respectful of Ty not being exploited or used in any way.  His number one priority is looking out for Ty.”

The reality series has definitely risen to popularity with many viewers.  Harrison says that the success lies in the fact that it's grounded on such a rich emotion.  “Our show, there's no spin, there's no gimmick, there's never a twist.  All it is is, at the end, can you find love?  It really goes to the same reason people love soap operas.  In the end, everyone wants love.  Everyone wants a relationship, whether you admit it or not.  And we also enjoy the train wrecks and the drama along the way.” 


-Maria Gonzalez, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: TV Guide
(Image Courtesy of ABC)