It's hard to believe that we're finally about to see two dozen women fighting over one gentleman [1] (we use that term loosely), since we've been waiting for a new season of The Bachelor [2] for what feels like an eternity now. But, luckily, it's really time to dig our heels in and daydream about what Colton Underwood will get up to [3] as the franchise's next leading man, since the premiere isn't that far off. So, exactly how long of a wait do we have? If you're a die-hard Bachelor [4] watcher, season 23's start date probably doesn't come as too much of a surprise.

Past seasons of the dramatic show have premiered on the first Monday of the new year. Season 22 with Arie Luyendyk Jr. kicked off on Jan. 1, 2018 [5], and season 21 with Nick Viall premiered on Jan. 2, 2017 [6]. History has a way of repeating itself with this franchise, which is why ABC likely picked the start date for Colton's season of The Bachelor [7] to be Monday, Jan. 7. (Yes, it's just a few days away!)

Underwood was revealed as The Bachelor's latest suitor back in September, which followed his stints on both The Bachelorette [8] and Bachelor in Paradise. The pro football player initially competed for Becca Kufrin's heart on Season 14 of The Bachelorette, and then ended up in a love triangle with fellow Bachelor Nation alum Tia Booth [9]. Now that his relationship with Tia has obviously fizzled (she has a new man now [10], FYI), Colton's much-talked-about virginity is going to be the main storyline of his season [11]. So, uh, prepare for that.