Warner Bros. TV and Fox Nation are clashing over former Bachelor host Chris Harrison’s new dating show, The Vow.
According to multiple outlets, WBTV, which produces The Bachelor, issued a cease and desist to Fox Nation on September 18, accusing the new series, The Vow, of copying elements of The Bachelor.
The letter claimed that promos for The Vow show “a plain attempt to capitalize on and ‘ride on the coattails’ of WB’s instantly recognizable intellectual property and the Franchise’s goodwill in violation of, inter alia, state and federal trademark, copyright, and unfair competition laws. Without having seen the Series itself, we cannot comment on it and reserve all rights in connection therewith. To be clear, though, we have no objection to Fox and Lionsgate releasing a dating show hosted by Chris Harrison in and of itself. But thus far, Fox and Lionsgate have promoted the Series entirely on the back of the Franchise, not on its own merits.”
The letter specifically called out the use of roses in the promo, claiming the flower motif is synonymous with the Bachelor franchise. The cease and desist letter also took issue with the thumbnail used in The Vow’s promo that appears to “feature a mansion in the background meant to evoke the iconic ‘Bachelor Mansion.’”
Fox Nation responded in a letter obtained on September 24 by multiple outlets, denying The Vow had replicated The Bachelor.
Fox Nation’s letter claimed that The Bachelor does not hold the rights over using falling roses as a motif, claiming that the trope was previously used in pop culture, including in films such as Beauty and the Beast, Moulin Rouge and American Beauty. Fox Nation also claimed that Warner Bros. TV does not own the rights to use the words “the bachelor” when referring to an unmarried man in a colloquial sense.
“Your letter also focuses myopically on certain stills from the trailer, while omitting that its clear purpose is to convey that The Vow ‘offers a different approach’ from other dating shows ‘by placing the focus on meaningful relationships, commitment and building a life together.’” Katherine Moran Meeks, Fox News Media’s executive vice president and general counsel wrote.
Meeks continued, “Your letter appears designed not to vindicate legitimate copyright and trademark interests, but to restrict FOX Nation and Chris Harrison from promoting a competing dating show. It is unfortunate that Warner Bros. is targeting Mr. Harrison in this malicious and vindictive manner.”
ABC declined to comment.
The Vow is slated to premiere on November 11, with Harrison hosting the six episodes that will roll out weekly. Harrison previously hosted The Bachelor and its spinoffs from 2002 until his controversial exit in 2021.
Harrison announced The Vow was casting via his Instagram in February.
“It’s time to help people find love again. Now casting,” Harrison wrote at the time, noting that the show was searching for applicants seeking a “traditional marriage.”
“We’re looking for singles who believe in clear roles, long-term commitment and building a life together — and who are dating with real intention,” the post read.
