Elizabeth Wagmeister Senior Correspondent When Mike Fleiss announced he was leaving “The Bachelor” franchise earlier this week, he released a chipper statement to the media, congratulating the latest winning couple from the reality dating show that he created more than 20 years ago. “First and foremost, congratulations are in order for Zach and Kaity.
I wish them a long and happy life together,” Fleiss said, announcing his sudden departure. “I want to thank WBTV and ABC for 21 extraordinary years.
They’ve found the perfect creative team for me to entrust ‘The Bachelor’ franchise and keep this lightning in a bottle bold and moving forward.
Let the journey continue.” When Variety questioned the reasoning behind Fleiss’ exit, ABC and Warner Bros. TV, which produces “The Bachelor,” wouldn’t comment on his departure.