Chris Harrison Blogs ‘The Bachelor’ Season Premiere
Welcome back, Bachelor Nation! It feels like it’s been forever since we were last together, but 2017 is here, and The Bachelor is back in full swing. I look forward to this every year and can’t wait to watch along with you every Monday. The first day of the workweek is usually hard, but hopefully we can bring a little joy, laughter, and cringe-inducing entertainment into your lives over the next few months.
It’s been a while since we’ve had such a controversial choice for our Bachelor, but Nick really does embody some of the qualities we look for. Like Nick, we’ve all tried to find love and come up short. We’ve all thought we had found the one, only to discover that life had other plans for us. But you can’t give up, and Nick doesn’t give up. I hope you enjoy this journey as Nick takes another shot at an everlasting love.
Related: ‘The Bachelor’ Season Premiere Recap: Nick Wants to Give America a Happy Ending
The women this season are truly incredible. Lawyers, nurses, and aspiring dolphin trainers, oh my! And of course, you’ve gotten to see a little bit of them. As the dates begin to unfold this season, you’ll really get to know them on a deeper level, and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with them, as will Nick. As the preview showed you, we have really outdone ourselves this season and planned some of the best dates in Bachelor history.
But don’t be fooled into thinking that this is a “normal” season of The Bachelor. Nick is not your average Bachelor, and this season reflects that. I want to give a special nod to some of the women who came up with some pretty incredible limo (or non-limo entrances). Lacey and her camel set a new standard for exotic animal arrivals. Alexis and her dolphin (obviously a shark) also set a new standard for sea life entering the mansion. Josephine brought the pun game to a new level. I think Liz wins for most awkward arrival though. This is definitely a first in Bachelor history, and Nick is going to dive into the topic of Liz very soon. I recommend not missing that.
The night was also full of big and important first impressions. As you know, the first rose of the season went to Rachel, who put a nervous Nick at ease more than anyone else that night. Danielle L., Corinne, and Vanessa also made big first impressions and will hopefully all be rewarded with dates very soon.
We started with 30 women this season because the last-minute announcement of Nick as the Bachelor created an influx of excited candidates. This broadened Nick’s options but also created a difficult path ahead for him. Thirty women means 29 breakups, and Nick, who has been on the receiving end of a breakup or two, knows exactly how heartbreaking they can be.
Believe it or not, this first cocktail party was as tame as it will be all season long. Between the drama and the travel — places like Nick’s hometown of Waukesha, Wis., New Orleans, St. Thomas, Bimini in the Bahamas, and Finland — you’re not going to want to miss a moment of this season. I’ll be right here every week to share some behind-the-scenes info and to let you know what to expect next.
See you next Monday, Bachelor Nation, as the romantic dates begin and the drama really takes flight. Until then, let me know what you think @chrisbharrison. Thanks for joining us!
The Bachelor airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC.
