The Bachelor Season 27: Who Is the New Bachelor, Premiere Date, and Everything Else to Know

We've rolled into the new year, which means ABC is gearing up for brand new season of its iconic reality dating show, The Bachelor. Fans have been looking forward to its return after a tumultuous season of double Bachelorettes Rachel Recchia and Gabby Windey last summer, and an ever-dramatic Bachelor in Paradise last fall. Now, the show that started it all — The Bachelor — is back as the cycle begins anew. During The Bachelorette's live "After the Final Rose" event, franchise host Jesse Palmer revealed Season 19 contestant Zach Shallcross would be taking over as the man the women vie for on the upcoming season of The Bachelor. But there's still plenty to learn about what's next.

Here's everything we know so far about Season 27 of The Bachelor.

The Bachelor Season 27 latest news

So this isn't the most dramatic season ever? Jesse Palmer told the "Bachelor Happy Hour" podcast that we're in for a refreshing change going back to the show's roots. "I would say Zach's season is a bit of a throwback season in the sense that this is really about the love story. It's not so much about the drama," the host said. "I know in the past, drama has taken over and there will always be some drama, but this season is less about that. It's really more about the love story and Zach trying to find his person. He's really intentional. I was so impressed watching him because he really made a point to talk to everybody." It sounds like Zach really is a hopeless romantic!

"This is also easily the most emotional season that I've hosted, not even close. I think it's a lot of expressive emotion. Going back to night one and I remember watching the women getting out of the limo and it was the most I've ever seen of people walking up saying, 'I'm so happy it's you, I'm here for you,'" Jesse explained.

The Bachelor Season 27 release date

Get the wine glasses ready, we're close to the release date for Season 27. The reality dating show will premiere Monday, Jan. 23, 2023 at 8/7c on ABC. That gives just two months between the Bachelor in Paradise Season 8 finale that aired November 22 and the newest season of The Bachelor.

Who is the new Bachelor?

Zach Shallcross will be the next Bachelor for Season 27. ABC was reportedly deciding from a few recent contestants, including fan favorite Nate Mitchell, but ultimately decided on Shallcross, who seems very unproblematic (so far). A 26-year-old tech executive from Anaheim Hills, Calif., Zach's ABC bio describes him as a "hopeless romantic" with "a huge heart that he is so ready to share forever with the right woman." 

During his time as a contestant on The Bachelorette, Zach made the decision to exit the show before the rose ceremony after a tough overnight date in the fantasy suites with Rachel. While he didn't end up with Rachel, Zach captured the hearts of viewers as he stayed true to himself and left Mexico alone. Now, the charming Californian will be getting another chance at love as ABC's newest eligible Bachelor. 

Fun fact: during the "Hometown Dates" episode of The Bachelorette, we found out Zach's uncle is actor Patrick Warburton.

The Bachelor Season 27 contestants

ABC has released the list of single ladies who will be heading to the mansion in hopes of winning Zach's heart. Previously, viewers got an initial sneak peek at the upcoming contestants during The Bachelorette's "After the Final Rose" special in September. In a new twist, ABC also let the fans vote on who gets the first impression rose, something typically decided by the Bachelor on night one. Brianna was an audience favorite after snapping a Polaroid selfie with the new Bachelor and received the first rose of the season, making her safe for the first upcoming rose ceremony. 

Full List of Season 27 Contestants 

Girls who previously met Zach during After the Final Rose are marked with an (*)

• Aly, 26, a healthcare strategist from Atlanta, Ga.
• Anastasia, 30, a content marketing manager from San Diego, Calif.
• Ariel, 28, a marketing executive from New York City, N.Y.
• Bailey*, 27, an executive recruiter from Nashville, Tenn.
• Rebecca, "Becca," 25, a nursing student from Burbank, Calif.
• Brianna*, 24, an entrepreneur and America's First Impression Rose Winner from Jersey City, N.J.
• Brooklyn*, 25, a rodeo racer from Stillwater, Okla.
• Cara, 27, a corporate recruiter from Pittsburgh, Penn.
• Cat*, 26, a dancer from New York, N.Y.
• Charity, 26, a child and family therapist from Columbus, Ga.
• Christina Mandrell*, 26, a content creator from Nashville, Tenn.
• Davia, 25, a marketing manager from Charleston, S.C.
• Gabriella "Gabi," 25, an account executive from Pittsford, Vt.
• Genevie, 26, a neonatal nurse from Baltimore City, Md.
• Greer, 24, a medical sales rep from Houston, Texas.
• Holland, 24, an insurance marketer from Boca Raton, Fla.
• Jessica "Jess," 23, an e-commerce coordinator from Winter Springs, Fla.
• Kaitlyn "Kaity," 27, an ER nurse from Austin, Texas.
• Katherine, 26, a registered nurse from Tampa, Fla.
• Kimberly, 30, a hospitality manager from Los Angeles, Calif.
• Kylee, 25, a postpartum nurse from Charlotte, N.C.
• Chandralekha "Lekha," 29, a financial advisor from Miami, Fla.
• Madison, 26, a business owner from Fargo, N.D.
• Mercedes, 24, a non-profit case manager from Bloomfield, Iowa
• Olivia L., 24, a patient care technician from Rochester, N.Y.
• Olivia M., 25, a stylist from Cincinnati, Ohio
• Sonia, 29, a project manager from Long Island, N.Y.
• Vanessa, 23, a restaurant marketer from Baton Rouge, L.A.
• Victoria J., 30, a makeup artist from Fort Worth, Texas
• Viktoria E., 29, a nanny from Vienna, Austria

The Bachelor Season 27 trailer

The official trailer shows the eligible singles trotting the globe, and all the drama that comes when 20+ women date one man.

Where to watch The Bachelor

Season 27 of The Bachelor will air Mondays at 8:00-10:00 p.m. EST on ABC beginning Jan. 23. Episodes will be available to stream next day on Hulu.