Chris Harrison says a legal warning from Warner Bros. Television over promotion for The Vow dating show feels personal, according to an interview he gave USA TODAY that was published October 22. The former Bachelor host is also the host and an executive producer of the new series, and he is pushing back on a cease-and-desist letter aimed at the companies behind the project.

Warner Bros. Television, which produces The Bachelor, sent the letter to Fox News Media and Lionsgate Alternative Television. Harrison, 55, has a second connection to the show as well, since his wife, entertainment correspondent Lauren Zima, also serves as an executive producer. A Warner Bros. representative declined USA TODAY’s request for comment on his remarks.

Why does Harrison think his show was singled out?

Harrison pointed to the many relationship dating shows that have aired during his years on the franchise and since he left it. In his telling, the studio has gone after only one of them, and he left readers to draw their own conclusion.

“Is that a coincidence? You be the judge.” Chris Harrison, the host of The Vow, said in his USA TODAY interview.

What did the studio object to in the teaser?

According to TheWrap, which reviewed the correspondence, the studio argued that the imagery copied recognizable promotional elements of its franchise and traded on the audience’s link to Harrison. The teaser, released September 16, showed falling rose petals and Harrison walking up to a red rose lying on the ground, with a line about roses fading while true love lasts. Warner Bros. sent its warning two days later.

Mediaite’s account of the letter says the studio also took issue with a mansion image that it believed recalled the Bachelor Mansion, along with the teaser’s use of the phrase “the bachelor.” Those were the specific points the studio raised beyond the rose imagery.

Fox’s lawyers responded on September 24. They disputed Warner Bros.’ claim to falling rose imagery and questioned the studio’s objection to using the words “the bachelor” to describe an unmarried man. They also accused the studio of trying to restrict a competitor’s advertising. Fox argued that the teaser parodied familiar dating-show conventions, pointing to Harrison’s decision to leave the rose behind.

In its letter, Warner Bros. said it had not seen the series and had no objection to Harrison hosting another dating program in itself. That detail matters to fans who have followed the back-and-forth, because the dispute centers on the promotion rather than on Harrison’s return to hosting.

Where will fans see the ads?

The promotional campaign will include local commercial slots on ABC-affiliated stations in nearly a dozen markets, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Dallas. TMZ reported that advertisements are planned during the November 12 broadcast of Grey’s Anatomy in several of those markets. The buy is part of the rollout for a series that is set to stream on Fox Nation.

How did Harrison leave The Bachelor?

Harrison hosted The Bachelor and its spinoffs from 2002 until 2021. His exit followed criticism of an Extra interview with Rachel Lindsay, in which he defended contestant Rachael Kirkconnell over photographs of her attending an antebellum-themed fraternity event in 2018. He apologized and initially stepped away from hosting.

As ABC News reported at the time, Warner Horizon and ABC Entertainment confirmed his permanent exit that June. The Vow is his first major return to hosting a dating series since then, and the new show has drawn attention for that reason alone.

What is The Vow about?

The series centers on Jace Cates, a 30-year-old mortgage loan officer from Oregon, as he dates 10 women who are seeking marriage. According to Fox Nation’s announcement, the dates and challenges will explore faith, family, communication and long-term compatibility. Participants are encouraged to leave if they believe a relationship has no future.

The October 22 promo introduced the contestants, including Kylee Russell, who previously appeared on The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise. Sean and Catherine Lowe, who met on The Bachelor, are scheduled to appear to offer relationship advice to the cast.

When does The Vow start streaming?

The six-episode series begins streaming on Fox Nation with two episodes on November 11. New installments will follow on Wednesdays, with the finale scheduled for December 9. Fans who want to catch the premiere will need to plan around that opening double bill.

Quick answers

When does The Vow dating show premiere?
According to Fox Nation’s announcement, the six-episode series begins streaming on Fox Nation with two episodes on November 11. New installments follow on Wednesdays, with the finale scheduled for December 9.

Who is the lead of The Vow?
The series follows Jace Cates, a 30-year-old mortgage loan officer from Oregon, as he dates 10 women seeking marriage.

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