1. The debut of Trista as The Bachelorette
Not a big deal now, but at the time (2003) this was a controversial concept. One paper said we were setting women back 500 years.
2. Trista and Ryan’s proposal and wedding
Just one of those moments where everybody in the control room knew we had captured lightning in a bottle. The wedding was very pink, but it was also a great wedding. I remember three helicopters full of paparazzi hovering less than 100 feet off the roof of the resort, trying to get shots of the ceremony.
3. The guys on the first Bachelorette
The show was young and still very innocent, and that group of guys was great. Highlights included Jamie Blyth eating Goldie the house dog’s dog food, and one guy getting so drunk he passed out — prompting the other guys to put him in his bed in the front yard. Things aren’t like that anymore, but maybe that’s a good thing!
4. Rhonda hyperventilating in season 1
We were in the control room and heard what sounded like a wounded dog gasping. It was one of our bachelorettes having some sort of attack. We called an ambulance and included it on the show. Many reality shows since have copied this and included other ”medical emergencies” on their series.
5. Fans go crazy over Brad Womack’s double rejection in season 11
Still not sure what happened here. I thought Brad took the high road and did the right thing by not proposing to someone he didn’t love, but the public didn’t like this, and somehow he came off like a bad guy for not picking either of the final two women.
6. Five words: ”I like the Olive Garden”
Not sure why this has stayed with me or why we all thought it was so funny, but it was: During a particularly awkward dinner date in season 3, Amber asked Bachelor Andrew Firestone, ”What’s your favorite, like, restaurant chain? I like the Olive Garden!” It’s true — when you?re here, you’re family!
7. Immortal wisdom from Wes: ”Love, it don’t come easy”
Yes, he is a big deal in certain parts of Mexico — and understandably so.
8. Erica Rose in Italy
The tiara-wearing self-proclaimed princess made us laugh many times. A couple of examples: When she confessed to stooping to fly coach to get to Italy; and when she asked me if there was going to be ”help” there to take care of her.
9. Jason, Molly, and Melissa
Need I say more?
10. Your idea here
Okay, what favorite Bachelor or Bachelorette moments of yours did I miss? Jesse Palmer calling the wrong name at the rose ceremony? Alex and Amanda’s adventures with chocolate body paint in season 1? Let me hear it!
More from Chris Harrison:
The Bachelor: Chris Harrison answers burning questions
Chris Harrison: Bonus setup from EW photo shoot
1
1. The debut of Trista as The Bachelorette
Not a big deal now, but at the time (2003) this was a controversial concept. One paper said we were setting women back 500 years.
2
2. Trista and Ryan’s proposal and wedding
Just one of those moments where everybody in the control room knew we had captured lightning in a bottle. The wedding was very pink, but it was also a great wedding. I remember three helicopters full of paparazzi hovering less than 100 feet off the roof of the resort, trying to get shots of the ceremony.
3
3. The guys on the first Bachelorette
The show was young and still very innocent, and that group of guys was great. Highlights included Jamie Blyth eating Goldie the house dog’s dog food, and one guy getting so drunk he passed out — prompting the other guys to put him in his bed in the front yard. Things aren’t like that anymore, but maybe that’s a good thing!
4
4. Rhonda hyperventilating in season 1
We were in the control room and heard what sounded like a wounded dog gasping. It was one of our bachelorettes having some sort of attack. We called an ambulance and included it on the show. Many reality shows since have copied this and included other ”medical emergencies” on their series.
5
5. Fans go crazy over Brad Womack’s double rejection in season 11
Still not sure what happened here. I thought Brad took the high road and did the right thing by not proposing to someone he didn’t love, but the public didn’t like this, and somehow he came off like a bad guy for not picking either of the final two women.
6
6. Five words: ”I like the Olive Garden”
Not sure why this has stayed with me or why we all thought it was so funny, but it was: During a particularly awkward dinner date in season 3, Amber asked Bachelor Andrew Firestone, ”What’s your favorite, like, restaurant chain? I like the Olive Garden!” It’s true — when you?re here, you’re family!
7
7. Immortal wisdom from Wes: ”Love, it don’t come easy”
Yes, he is a big deal in certain parts of Mexico — and understandably so.
8
8. Erica Rose in Italy
The tiara-wearing self-proclaimed princess made us laugh many times. A couple of examples: When she confessed to stooping to fly coach to get to Italy; and when she asked me if there was going to be ”help” there to take care of her.
10
10. Your idea here
Okay, what favorite Bachelor or Bachelorette moments of yours did I miss? Jesse Palmer calling the wrong name at the rose ceremony? Alex and Amanda’s adventures with chocolate body paint in season 1? Let me hear it!
More from Chris Harrison:
The Bachelor: Chris Harrison answers burning questions
Chris Harrison: Bonus setup from EW photo shoot
