The Bachelor: Find Out How ABC Is Shaking Things Up With Chris Soules' Premiere

The ABC reality hit returns on January 5th, 2015, and it will be the first premiere to be broadcast live

By Lauren Piester Oct 30, 2014 4:00 PMTags
Chris Soules, The BachelorABC/Fred Lee

Can't wait for Chris Soules' season of The Bachelor to start?

Clearly, ABC is excited too. Not only will the season premiere be three glorious hours long, but it will also reportedly be broadcast live when it airs on Jan. 5. That's right, live— just like the After the Final Rose special that airs at the end of every season. And it's the first time in the franchise's 18-season history that a premiere will broadcast live. Celebrate away, Bachelor Nation!

Farmer Chris hails from a super small town in Iowa, and was a fan favorite from Andi Dorfman's season of The Bachelorette. She sent him home in third place, but he was first place in the hearts of many Americans, who found themselves wondering what on earth could possess Andi give him the boot over the still-creepy Nick Viall.

The competition to become the next Bachelor came down to Chris and Arie Luydendyk Jr., but producers ultimately chose to give the loveable farmer the chance to woo (and be wooed by) the potential new love of his life.

"I mean, coming from a small town I never really expected to have this opportunity to be on either show let alone to be the lead on The Bachelor, so it's been awesome," Chris said after the announcement was made on Good Morning America. "I am going to do my best and think I'll do well. I'm looking forward to it."

Honestly, who isn't?

TVLine originally reported the news of this live, supersized premiere.