Christopher Bryan Harrison

Chris Harrison is an American television host best known for presiding over ABC’s Bachelor franchise for nearly two decades, from 2002 to 2021. He departed the franchise following a racial controversy and has since pivoted to other projects, including a podcast and a deal with Dr. Phil’s Merit Street Media. In 2026, Fox Nation greenlit his new marriage-focused dating series, set to premiere in 2027.

Overview

Christopher Bryan Harrison's Profile

Chris Harrison was born on July 26, 1971, in Dallas, Texas, and grew up in the Dallas area, graduating from Lake Highlands High School in 1989. He then attended Oklahoma City University on a soccer scholarship, where he studied communications and covered sports for local media. After college, he worked as a sports reporter at CBS affiliate KWTV in Oklahoma City from 1993 to 1999.

Harrison relocated to Los Angeles in 1999 after landing a role with TVG, a horse-racing network. He went on to host HGTV’s Designers’ Challenge and the GSN game show Mall Masters. In 2002, he became the face of ABC’s The Bachelor, a role he held continuously for 19 seasons across multiple franchise shows.

In February 2021, Harrison stepped back from The Bachelor after controversy involving racially insensitive comments he made in defense of a contestant. He officially exited in June 2021 and received a reported $9 million settlement. Besides the Bachelor role, Harrison hosted the syndicated version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? from 2015 to 2019. In 2026, he signed a deal with Fox Nation, which greenlit his untitled dating series, expected to premiere in 2027.

Quick Facts

4
Shows Hosted

0
Shows Currently Hosting

33
Years Active

2
Awards & Nominations

TV Shows​

A list of television shows hosted by this host, including current programs and previous presenting roles.

Networks

A list of Networks that this host has worked for.

No current networks found.

No past networks found.

Personal Life

Family, relationships and background

  • Marriage Lauren Zima from 2023 to (A journalist, producer, and former Entertainment Tonight co-host)
  • Marriage Gwen Harrison from 1994 to 2012 (They met as college sweethearts)
  • Joshua Harrison, a biological child with Gwen Harrison, born in 2002
  • Taylor Harrison , a biological child with Gwen Harrison, born in 2004

Education

Educational background and qualifications

  • Lake Highlands High School, Dallas, Texas (graduated 1989).
  • Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Oklahoma City University.

Net Worth & Income

Income sources, net worth, and properties.

  • Earned an estimated $8 million in total salary across The Bachelor franchise hosting tenure.
  • Reportedly received a $9 million exit settlement from ABC upon leaving The Bachelor franchise.
  • Royalties from his romance novel, The Perfect Letter (2015).
  • Owns a custom-built, 5,200-square-foot luxury estate in Austin's Barton Creek neighborhood.

Awards

Awards & recognition

  • Daytime Emmy Award nomination — Outstanding Game Show Host for Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (2018)
  • Daytime Emmy Award nomination — Outstanding Game Show Host for Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (2019