Night one of Bachelor in Paradise is in the books, and it did not disappoint. But if Kristina’s words—”I am going to make Blake my bitch”—are any indication, this whole season will be a wild ride.
That’s just fine with host Chris Harrison, who thrives on the unexpected, whether it’s on the sandy beaches of Mexico or in the confines of the Bachelor mansion. Case in point: Look how well he navigated all the Bachelorette fans who were freaking out about the supposed Hannah Brown/Tyler Cameron/Gigi Hadid love triangle. (According to him, “People need to pump the breaks.”)
He’s got bigger things to worry about now that Paradise has started, and we’re not just talking about Dean’s ’70s-era mustache. Here, Harrison breaks down what happened on tonight’s premiere, what’s still to come, and when we’ll see the show’s first same-sex relationship.
Hannah Brown made an appearance in the premiere to catch up with Demi. Will we see her more throughout Paradise?
Chris Harrison: No, it’s really a specific moment and a visit when Hannah comes in. She won’t have a major role or be coming in and out throughout the season. It’s like when Becca came in for a specific reason to talk to Colton last season and then left. Hannah doesn’t have a specific role in Paradise.
Speaking of Demi, she revealed her sexuality is fluid and we know she has the first queer relationship on the show. When will that start to develop?
Chris: Yeah, it’s really interesting because obviously we teased it, so we’re talking about it. But I don’t want to spoil it for everybody. It’s also such…we did a great job of allowing Demi to tell this story, to tell her story, and it’s beautiful and amazing. I’m really proud of it. It happens sooner than later, I’ll tell you that. You don’t have to wait a long time. There’s something that happens, and there’s more to Demi’s story than just this that sets everything up. So, patience, we’ll get there. But there’s more to that story than just that relationship.
As much as the Bachelor franchise has evolved over the years, the last few seasons have really tapped into the cultural zeitgeist. What does it mean to you to see the franchise catch up to where the rest of the world is?
Chris: You kind of hit the nail on the head. And that is, this show has always been about…this is why it’s so popular and why it’s so relatable, is that you’re watching what you’re going through. That’s what makes it compelling. The show has evolved phenomenally well. And it’s not just been lately…we’re always a microcosm of what’s happening in the world. I think what’s happening in the world is really evolving quickly…conversations, lifestyle, whatever it is socially, has been mirrored on our show. I don’t think we’re the tail wagging the dog, I think it’s the other way around. I think what happens in the world ends up on our show. I love that. I like that we’re able to evolve.
Absolutely. At the end of tonight’s show, Kristina says she’s going to make Blake her bitch now. Where this is headed?
Chris: Well, clearly things don’t get better for Blake. To put in a Paradise reference, it’s not smooth sailing for him for quite some time. But then again, he created all these waves. Now he’s going to have to deal with it. Things continue to get rough and evolve and things continue to blow up for Blake. You’re going to see other relationships take shape as well rather quickly this season.