FAN FAVORITE CHRIS SOULES SEARCHES FOR LOVE AGAIN ON ABC'S HIT ROMANCE REALITY SERIES, "THE BACHELOR," WHEN IT PREMIERES MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015

Bachelor Nation Will Be Treated - For the First Time Ever -- to a Three-Hour LIVE Television Premiere Event

Chris Soules, the stylish farmer from Iowa, who was sent home by Andi Dorfman on "The Bachelorette," is ready to search for the one missing piece in his life - true love - when he stars in the 19th edition of the hit romance reality series "The Bachelor," which will premiere - for the first time in Bachelor history -- as a three-hour LIVE television event, MONDAY, JANUARY 5 (8:00-11:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

During its 18th season, "The Bachelor" increased its overall audience year to year to deliver its most-watched season in 3 years - since 2011. The ABC unscripted series ranked No. 1 in its highly-competitive 2-hour Monday time period among its core demographic of Women 18-34.

Chris, the 32-year-old Midwestern bachelor and self-proclaimed romantic, has been engaged once before. Heartbroken, Chris ended that seven-year relationship just months before he expected to walk down the aisle. Although his relationship with his fiancée was good, he didn't want to settle for "good." He wanted "great." While the humble but enormously successful farmer from tiny Arlington, Iowa (pop. 427) has found it difficult to date, that hasn't stopped him from having faith that one day he will find the perfect woman for him, who will be smart, motivated and confident. When he starts his own family, he yearns for a big one like his own: four to six children. His experience on "The Bachelorette" made him realize that love really is out there, and he is confident that he will find it this time on "The Bachelor."

Hosted by Chris Harrison, "The Bachelor" is a production of Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television. Mike Fleiss, Martin Hilton and Alycia Rossiter 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.