{"id":10351,"date":"2026-02-10T14:09:17","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T14:09:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/strongermarriages\/?p=10351"},"modified":"2026-02-10T14:09:17","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T14:09:17","slug":"former-bachelor-host-draws-criticism-for-traditional-marriage-dating-show","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/strongermarriages\/2026\/02\/former-bachelor-host-draws-criticism-for-traditional-marriage-dating-show.html","title":{"rendered":"Former ‘Bachelor’ Host Draws Criticism For ‘Traditional Marriage’ Dating Show"},"content":{"rendered":"
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DFree Shutterstock.com | Inset: Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Former \u201cBachelor\u201d host Chris Harrison is promoting his new dating show, and it\u2019s already stirring some controversy. \u201cA prominent streaming service is casting single men and women (21+) who want a traditional, marriage-minded partnership built on commitment and shared values,\u201d the casting call stated<\/a>. \u201cWe’re looking for singles who believe in clear roles, long-term commitment, and building a life together \u2014 and who are dating with real intention.\u201d<\/p>\n

Critics were instantly hung up on the \u201ctraditional marriage\u201d verbiage. \u201cTraditional marriage????? Why are we reverting back to 1920?\u201d wrote one critic. \u201c\u2018Clear roles\u2019 \u2013 what the heck does that mean?\u201d wrote another user. \u201cI want a partnership with someone who carries mine when I need it, and leans on me when he needs it. We work together to make our life amazing.\u201d Some accused the show of going \u201cMAGA.\u201d Questionnaires for the show ask potential contestants to discuss their image of an ideal marriage, with options including \u201ca provider husband and a stay-at-home wife; the wife managing the home\/finances\/childcare; faith-based leadership in the home.\u201d The questionnaire also asks what \u201ctraditional marriage\u201d means to contestants.<\/p>\n

Others voiced their support for the show\u2019s premise. \u201cLOVE THIS!!!\u201d wrote one supporter. \u201cEveryone hating in the comments is just deluded into thinking traditional marriage is oppressive when it\u2019s truly the most freeing and joy-filled union.\u201d \u201cIt’s so weird to me that people are so triggered by the concept of a traditional marriage. Husband and wife loving each other, staying true to each other, having children, enjoying life together,\u201d wrote another user. \u201cOh no, so terrible. We can’t have that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Harrison was a longtime host of \u201cThe Bachelor\u201d until a controversy led to his dismissal. In an interview with Rachel Lindsay, the first black bachelorette of the show, Harrison defended contestant Rachael Kirkconnell, who had come under fire for images of her attending an antebellum-themed wedding. The event was considered racist and Kirkconnell was accused of being racially insensitive. Harrison asked Lindsay to extend \u201ca little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion.\u201d Harrison was quickly suspended from the show before eventually being terminated. Afterwards, Harrison tried to apologize for how his comments were received. \u201cI stand against all forms of racism, and I am deeply sorry. I\u2019m sorry to Rachel Lindsay, and I\u2019m sorry to the black community.\u201d He also asked his supporters to \u201cstop throwing hate\u201d at Rachel Lindsay. \u201cIt\u2019s unacceptable,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Former \u201cBachelor\u201d host Chris Harrison is promoting his new dating show, and it\u2019s already stirring some controversy. \u201cA prominent streaming service is casting single men and women (21+) who want a traditional, marriage-minded partnership built on commitment and shared values,\u201d the casting call stated. \u201cWe’re looking for singles who believe in clear roles, long-term commitment,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":516,"featured_media":10354,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fbia_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10351","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nFormer 'Bachelor' Host Draws Criticism For 'Traditional Marriage' Dating Show<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Chris Harrison\u2019s new dating show sparks backlash and praise over 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