SEASON PREMIERE

ARIE LUYENDYK JR. WILL LOOK FOR LOVE AGAIN ON ABC'S HIT ROMANCE REALITY SERIES 'THE BACHELOR,' PREMIERING FOR ITS 22ND SEASON, MONDAY, JANUARY 1

Sean and Catherine Lowe and Their Adorable Son, Samuel, Drop By to Offer Arie Advice on Searching for His Soul Mate Among 29 Beautiful Women

This Season's Highlights Include Appearances by Racecar Driver Robby Gordon, GLOW Legends Ursula Hayden and Angelina Altishin, Kenny 'Pretty Boy Pit Bull' King and Actor/Comedian Fred Willard; Dazzling Performances by Singer/Songwriter Connor Duermit, Hot Country Band Lanco, Indie Artist/Songwriter Tenille Arts and French Singer Pauline Paris; and Romantic Excursions to Lake Tahoe, Ft. Lauderdale, Paris, Tuscany and Peru

Dashing racecar driver Arie Luyendyk Jr. returns to try and finally win at love. Five years ago, Arie fell madly in love with fan favorite Bachelorette Emily Maynard (now Emily Maynard Johnson) and was ready to propose when she broke his heart. That was the last time Arie was really in love, but now he begins his own pursuit of his soul mate, as 29 beautiful, accomplished women join him on the highly anticipated 22nd season premiere of "The Bachelor," MONDAY, JAN. 1 (8:00-10:01 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network, streaming and on demand.

In "Episode 2201," Arie meets with one of Bachelor Nation's favorite married couples, Sean and Catherine Lowe and their son, Samuel, before his journey begins. The two men have been friends since they competed for Emily's heart on season eight of "The Bachelorette." Sean offers Arie tips on how to date 29 women at one time, while Catherine decides to help prepare him for fatherhood and has him change a diaper. Little Samuel reminds Arie how much he wants the life that Sean and Catherine have. Now armed with advice and encouragement, Arie is ready for the tumultuous night ahead.

All the women are eager to make a lasting first impression. A beautiful blonde wearing a mask proclaims that Arie is not the only "kissing bandit." Another woman roars up on a miniature Formula One racecar, leaving a lot of jealous ladies in her wake. One sassy female gives Arie compliments in Dutch, his second language, and another sultry stunner whispers sweet nothings in his ear. Arie handles the pressure like a pro. The arrivals are almost stolen by a charming woman, who arrives in a cherry red '65 convertible Mustang.

Once Arie enters the mansion, the competition is on! He is swept away by a very assertive and mysterious bachelorette. She lands the first one-on-one conversation with the debonair Bachelor and a very romantic kiss. There is already discord and envy running among the women as they try and steal time with the man they hope will be their fiancé.

When the "first impression" rose arrives, the bachelorettes' anxiety level rises. A hopeful TV host believes that her future with the Bachelor is destiny. Another gorgeous, thoughtful woman makes Arie dig deep about why he hasn't found true love since Emily. And for some, actions speak louder than words. A feisty lady uses a ukulele to serenade Arie, and yet another challenges him to race riding miniature racecars.

Arie finally decides who to honor with the all-important "first impression" rose. But how will his choice sit with the other women? A nerve-wracking rose ceremony ends the journey for eight lovely ladies, but for the 21 remaining bachelorettes the road ahead will be filled with passionate highs and heartwrenching lows. Arie's journey has finally begun!

A list of the bachelorettes will be released shortly.

Romantic and adventurous dates will reach new heights this season, testing the ladies' perseverance in pursuing their romantic objective; along with fun, exciting and exotic dates that will elicit real and raw passions.

Two back-to-back one-on-one dates kick off the season. Arie treats the first woman like a princess, complete with designer dresses from fashion icon Rachel Zoe. After that romantic evening, Arie whisks another lucky bachelorette away to his hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona, where she gets a glimpse of his everyday life and even meets his parents. The unforgettable evening ends with a private performance by singer-songwriter and musical artist Connor Duermit.

Fifteen women clash in a "Bachelor" demolition derby with special commentary by Chris Harrison and Arie's friend, racecar driver Robby Gordon. Chaos ensues as eight bachelorettes face off in a G.L.O.B. (Gorgeous Ladies of the Bachelor) wrestling match. Legends from GLOW - Ursula Hayden and Angela Altishin - train the women for the matches. And Arie takes on a surprise guest, Kenny "Pretty Boy Pit Bull" King from Rachel's season, but who will emerge victorious? Arie takes romance to new heights as he and a thrilled bachelorette go parasailing on Lake Tahoe and then enjoy dancing and kissing the night way to a performance by hot country music band Lanco. The remaining women travel to beautiful Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, for a deluxe one-on-one date on a 100-foot yacht, dinner at an antique car museum and a private concert by Tenille Arts. An adventurous airboat trip through the Florida swamps not only uncovers alligators, but a delicacy: frog legs!

If the bachelorettes' hearts could beat any faster, imagine being in Paris, one of the world's most romantic cities, while creating beautiful memories with Arie. Whether on a speedboat touring the city on the Seine River, enjoying a wonderful picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens, performing at the famed Moulin Rouge, dining at Maxim's or kissing atop the iconic Eiffel Tower, it is an emotional part of Arie's and the women's journey. The next stop is magnificent Tuscany, Italy, showcasing its unique culture, cuisine and breathtaking countryside views.

The hometown dates are filled with emotional revelations, but in a 180-degree turn, the final three bachelorettes travel to spectacular Ica, Peru, for the unpredictable overnight dates where the relationships have a chance to flourish. But will more surprises await the unsuspecting Bachelor before he travels to Cusco, Peru, to hopefully choose a wife? Will Arie open his heart and find the woman of his dreams who will love him back?

Hosted by Chris Harrison, "The Bachelor" is a production of Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Unscripted & Alternative Television. Mike Fleiss, Elan Gale, Bennett Graebner and Nicole Woods are the executive producers. "The Bachelor" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 stereo surround sound. A parental guideline will be assigned closer to the airdate.