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Chris Harrison Reveals Why Nick Viall Beat Luke Pell, Chase McNary for ‘Bachelor’

It just made sense. Bachelor Nation was shocked (but excited!) when ABC announced Nick Viall as the season 21 star of The Bachelor over fan favorites Luke Pell and Chase McNary. Longtime franchise host Chris Harrison, however, thinks the decision feels right. Hear why Viall was selected to be the Bachelor in the video above!

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“At the end of the day, when we were discussing all of the candidates — and Luke and Chase were definitely on the board — it just got down to that final question of ‘Who is the most deserving? Who is the most sincere? Who have we watched time and time again come on the show to find love and come up short each and every time?'” Harrison, 45, said in an interview with Good Morning America Wednesday, August 31. “We all just kept coming back to Nick, and it’s just crazy enough to work.”

Chris Harrison, Nick Viall Rick Rowell/ABC; Craig Sjodin/ABC

The TV personality then quoted one of his famous Bachelor catchphrases: “It might be the most dramatic season ever.”

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Viall, 35, has become a familiar face to Bachelor Nation fans over the years. He was the runner-up on both Andi Dorfman‘s and Kaitlyn Bristowe‘s seasons of The Bachelorette, and he is currently starring on season 3 of Bachelor in Paradise.

Luke and Chase
Luke Pell and Chase McNary Craig Sjodin/ABC (2)

“The good news is [that] it’s worked for him. He’s fallen in love on the show. He has sincerely tried to make it work, and he’s just come up a little bit short each time,” Harrison continued. “But he’s done his part. He’s given himself to this process. And again, at the end of the day, this wasn’t an indictment on Luke or Chase as much as it was more of a compliment to Nick, and he is that sincere guy that really does wanna make this work.”

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Prior to ABC’s announcement at the tail end of Tuesday night’s episode of After Paradise, fans speculated that Pell, 31, or McNary, 27, would be chosen as the next leading man. Some were disappointed that Viall won over both season 12 Bachelorette contestants.

The Milwaukee native, however, has plenty of support from his fellow Bachelor franchise alums. Viall’s ex Bristowe, 31, exclusively told Us Weekly, “I’m happy for him! Everyone deserves to find someone. I hope it works out.”

Even Viall’s nemesis Josh Murray shared some kind words, tweeting, “Despite our differences, I am truly happy 4 @viallnicholas28 everyone deserves love and he is no exception — this is your time, go find her!”

Christina Garibaldi and Ian Drew dished on all the latest during Us Weekly‘s Facebook Live News Update.  Check it out!

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