The new year means one thing and one thing only: The Bachelor [1] is back! Our Monday nights are back to being 100 percent focused on over-the-top dates, steamy hot-tub sessions, and plenty of tears. Colton Underwood [2] is on the hunt for a wife, so get ready to watch his love story unfold, Bachelor Nation! But before we dive into the journey, here's what you need to know before the premiere [3].
The Star
The 26-year-old is one of the youngest Bachelors [4] we've ever had, but he's lived quite a life so far. The former NFL player [5] lives in Denver, CO and created the Colton Underwood Legacy Foundation [6].
This season's tagline [7] "What does he have to lose?" shows us that clearly Colton's virginity will be a main topic of conversation, whether we like it or not.
The Host
If there's one thing we can rely on every season, it's that Chris Harrison [8] will be telling us when it's the "final rose tonight." He'll be by Colton's side through another dramatic season of The Bachelor [9].
The Women
We met the first three contestants [10] when Colton appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show [11]. Sydney, Annie, and Katie had the chance to answer questions and impress Colton, but if they were wrong, they would literally drop [12]. Annie was left at the end and won a hug from the former football player. We'll see if that helps her in the mansion.
The Dirt
Leave it to producer Mike Fleiss [13] to give us a glimpse inside the filming of the season. One picture he tweeted out [14] could mean that they were filming in Colorado, where Colton is from, or maybe on a trip. But hey, at least we know that "the ladies are smitten . . . [15]" and that we "won't believe this season!! [16]"
In the trailer [17], we see Colton and a few ladies toast to Fantasy Suite dates and Chris Harrison bringing up him possibly losing his virginity. So, that will be a very important week.
The Premiere Date
The new season will begin on Jan. 7 [19].