Chris Harrison Blogs ‘The Bachelorette’ Season Premiere
Greetings, Bachelor Nation! It’s so great to be back with you on Monday nights where we belong. It’s been a long few months since our last visit, and I can tell you that things have been busy all around Bachelor Nation. Ali Fedotowsky and Desiree Hartsock are pregnant, Ben and Lauren have moved to Denver and are more in love than ever, Kaitlyn and Shawn are living happily together and planning the next steps of their lives. We are so lucky to be so surrounded by love stories right now, and I really hope that continues as we continue forward into this next season of The Bachelorette.
Related: ‘The Bachelorette’ Recap: Mojo For JoJo
I think we can all agree that after the heartbreaking finale for JoJo last season, no one deserved another shot at love more than her. And I think after watching our season premiere you feel like we made the right choice. JoJo is energetic, smart, emotionally available, and as ready for love as anyone could ever be. JoJo literally drove away from the After The Final Rose last season and moved directly into her suite near the mansion where she would begin her turn as our Bachelorette. It was a whirlwind of emotion, but with her family right alongside her, and with all the support from you, the fans, she hit the ground running.
Before she met the guys, we asked Kaitlyn, Desiree, and Ali to sit down with JoJo to teach her some of the do’s and don’t of trying to fall in love in this way. Kaitlyn is happily engaged, Desiree is happily married, and Ali (though her relationship from The Bachelorette ended a few years after it began) is newly pregnant and says her happiness today is directly attributed to what she learned as the Bachelorette. The three of these women gave JoJo great advice, but more importantly, they infused her with confidence and sent her into the night feeling better than ever.
Last season, JoJo came out of the limo wearing a unicorn mask, so you better believe the guys were more excited than ever to woo this creative lady with creative entrances. Wells wowed everyone by bringing All-4-One with him (that was a first, and it was genius); Christian came zooming in on a motorcycle; and Luke brought back the unicorn with a real life unicorn of his own. But I don’t think any entrance has ever been as big, as bold, and as brash as Jolly Old Saint Nick! Yes, Nick B., or Santa Claus, as many will call him from now on, really brought a lot of joy to the house that night, and also a bit of confusion.
Not only did he come in as Santa Claus, but he really committed. He brought presents for the other men. He ate milk and cookies. He even had JoJo sit on his lap. For what it’s worth, I think this bizarre move was totally brilliant. After all, everyone loves Santa Claus. Some may call him crazy, but in Bachelor Nation, we applaud his bravery and all hope we are on his “nice list” next year.
I think we would all agree that this was one of the wildest first nights in Bachelorette history. Daniel really brought the party, Chad was happy to provide his very bold opinions, and Jordan brought the first real kiss of the season — and with that won the first impression rose. That rose, we all know has been a blessing or a curse for all who receive it. Last season it went to Olivia, but the season before that it went to Shawn. I’m sure that we, and all the guys in the house, will be keeping a close eye on that relationship as it develops.
As you saw at the end of the show, we have an unbelievable season in store for you. There’s going to be fireworks, both literal and figurative, and I really mean it when I say that this is the most dramatic season in Bachelorette history. Can’t wait for you to watch next week as the dates begin! Until then, Bachelor Nation, it feels so good to be back!
The Bachelorette airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC.