Each season claims to be nothing like we’ve ever seen before—and yet, one familiar face has remained a comforting fixture through the years. This weekend, longtime Bachelor host Chris Harrison celebrated yet another milestone for ABC’s beloved reality franchise.
The television personality, who’s now helped steer 21 Bachelors and 13 Bachelorettes in finding love, took to Instagram on Sunday, March 26, to highlight his personal accomplishment.
“15 years ago it all began,” Harrison wrote, alongside a photo of inaugural Bachelor Alex Michael. “At the time this young man couldn’t comprehend how life was about to change. Along the way I’ve worked with some amazing people and made some incredible friends. I’ve seen every corner of this beautiful planet, more than a few tears, plenty of drama but also a lot of love.”
Overwhelmed by the support of millions of fans worldwide, Harrison added a sweet shout-out to the producers and people who’ve continuously made the show a success season after season. “Thank you hardly seems like enough to those I’ve worked for and with to make this show, but Thank You!” Harrison noted. “Many have come and gone since our first season with Alex Michel and I appreciate them all for their part in all this. The first 15 years have been an incredible ride and thanks to you #BachelorNation the future only looks bigger, brighter and more dramatic than ever!”
Harrison recently wrapped season 21 of The Bachelor with three-time contestant and two-time Bachelorette finalist Nick Viall, who ultimately proposed to Vanessa Grimaldi. Filming has since commenced for season 13 of The Bachelorette, featuring the series’ first-ever black lead Rachel Lindsay.
Harrison, seemingly self-aware of his good fortune, previously said during a panel that he’s “the luckiest son of a bitch in the world.” He added, “In all seriousness, I didn’t grow up with much. I had a phenomenal family, wonderful parents and had a great life, but I never really traveled much outside of Dallas and the state of Texas my entire existence. This show has changed my life in so many ways and it has given me the ability to travel around the world and see the world, and so it’s never lost on me how blessed I am to have this job.”
