LOS ANGELES (AP) — The creator of “The Bachelor” has exited the reality TV franchise more than two decades after the iconic dating show launched. Mike Fleiss’ departure was confirmed Tuesday, a day after “The Bachelor” aired its season 27 finale. Fleiss thanked WBTV and ABC in a statement shared with The Associated Press that did not include the reason for the split. He described the show as lightning in a bottle and said the creative team taking over will keep the franchise “bold and moving forward.” Taking the helm as executive producers and showrunners is a trio of franchise stalwarts.