The Bachelor will air a special before the next season premieres, giving fans a preview into the franchise's new star, Arie Luyendyk Jr., and the bachelorettes who will pursue him.
ADVERTISEMENT
ABC has announced The Bachelor: Countdown to Arie will air Monday, December 11 from 10-11PM ET/PT on ABC.
The season preview will be hosted by Chris Harrison, and for the first time ever, Bachelor Nation will receive an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at Arie, his family and his love of racing cars. The special will also catch up with some of the franchise's happy, successful couples to date.
Five years ago, Arie competed for Emily Maynard's heart on The Bachelorette's eighth season.
Despite falling in love with her and preparing for an engagement, Emily dumped him before the final Rose Ceremony in favor of her winner Jef Holm. The special will allow viewers to relive that heartbreaking time in Arie's life and discover how he received closure upon returning home from filming.
ADVERTISEMENT
Arie's father, two-time Indianapolis 500 Champion, Arie Luyendyk Sr., will also be shown weighing in on his son's decision to find love again as the Bachelor on TV.
According to the network, Arie will admit that Emily was his last true love and explain why it's been difficult for him to fall completely in love ever since. Arie's friends and family will also offer their insight into why they believe Arie's second time on the show will be totally different.
Since Arie is known as "The Kissing Bandit" -- meaning he's rumored to be the best kisser from the franchise -- The Bachelor: Countdown to Arie will also showcase the "Worst Kisses in Bachelor History" as well.
The special will additionally get fans caught up with what's happening in the lives of some of the franchise's successful couples to date.
The Bachelor, The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise couples who will make an appearance on the Countdown special are Rachel Lindsay and fiance Bryan Abasolo, who will be shown enjoying life in Dallas, and Evan Bass and Carly Waddell, who will share news about the upcoming birth of their baby.
ADVERTISEMENT
Sean Lowe and Catherine Giudici are also expecting a child, their second baby together. And new parents Jade Roper and Tanner Tolbert will introduce their daughter to viewers.
The special will also exclusively preview this season's romance, tears and drama as Arie begins his journey to hopefully find his future wife.
The Bachelor's 22nd season is set to premiere Monday, January 1 from 8-10PM ET/PT on ABC.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski