‘The Bachelorette’ Host Chris Harrison Slams ‘UnREAL,’ Calls Lifetime Series ‘Really Terrible’

Chris Harrison has starred as the host of ABC’s “The Bachelor/Bachelorette” for over a decade, so it’s not surprise he isn't a fan of Lifetime’s new hit series "UnREAL," which appears to be based on the dating reality show. With Season 11 of “The Bachelorette” officially over, and “UnREAL” gearing up to air its Season 1 finale Monday, Harrison is now speaking out about the controversial, yet highly-rated, drama.

Penned by former “Bachelor” associate producer Sarah Gertrude Shapiro, “UnREAL” follows a group of television producers behind the scenes on a popular dating competition show called “Everlasting.” On the series, viewers watch as Rachel (Shiri Appleby) and Quinn (Constance Zimmer) perfectly manipulate contestants all in the sake of good television all the while trying to live navigate their own love lives on the set of a television show. Despite the show earning rave reviews for the Lifetime network, Harrison is not a fan.

“It’s complete fiction,” Harrison reportedly told Variety when asked to comment on the show at the “The Bachelorette: Men Tell All” taping earlier this month. “As much as they would love to jump on our coattails - they were begging for us to talk about it and for people to write about it - at the end of the day, no one is watching. I mean, absolutely nobody is watching that show. Why? It is terrible. It is really terrible.”

While Harrison said he doesn’t mind shows, such as “Saturday Night Live,” poking fun at the ABC shows, he says “UnREAL” took it too far. “The way that ‘UnReal’ took it, it wasn’t a sign of respect. They were trying to take it another direction, but it doesn’t work that way," he said. "'UnREAL' is just a really bad attempt. And they got what they deserved and that is no one is watching the show."

Despite Harrison’s claims, “UnREAL” has been doing fairly well in the ratings. Earlier this month TvByTheNumbers reported that the average episode of “UnREAL” brings in 4.8 million viewers “across all available platforms.” While it’s definitely not receiving numbers similar to “The Bachelor/Bachelorette” – the most recent installment concluded with 8.5 million viewers Monday—the show isn’t in danger. “UnREAL” was recently renewed by Lifetime for a 10-episode second season and will return in 2016.

Do you prefer “The Bachelor/Bachelorette” or “UnREAL”? Sound off with your pick in the comments section below!