"The Bachelor" broke tradition - and the hearts of fans around the world. Producers didn't pick Peter Kraus to be the next star of the show. They didn't pick anyone from the most recent cycle of "The Bachelorette," as the show's customs once dictated. Instead, they announced the pick of a player who wasn't necessarily the most popular guy back when he had his initial run with the franchise.
Welcome back to the stage, Arie Luyendyk Jr.
Arie Luyendyk Jr. returns
Thursday morning's "Good Morning America" came with the special announcement surrounding the show's casting. Luyendyk Jr. appeared to share the news. He expressed that he was open and excited about the opportunity put before him. The 35-year-old also revealed that his casting was so secret that his family didn't even know he would be on "The Bachelor" until the announcement came on Thursday.
Luyendyk Jr. first appeared in the franchise in 2012. He didn't win Emily Maynard's heart on season eight of "The Bachelorette." Now, others will vie to win his heart.
Supposedly, he has been offered this role before. Sean Lowe, a former star of "The Bachelor," claims the race car driver was picked to star in Season 19 before producers got cold feet and picked Chris Soules instead. He's getting a second chance, though. The Dutch-speaking driver would be best not to mess this one up.
Bachelor Nation reacts to 'The Bachelor' casting
By and large, reactions to Luyendyk Jr. were lukewarm. Many were disappointed that the show broke tradition by failing to cast a participant from the previous cycle of "The Bachelorette." Peter Kraus was a popular choice to be named "The Bachelor" after finishing as a runner-up during Rachel Lindsay's season this summer. Instead, the "kissing bandit" (as he became known during his season in 2012) will be running amok with the ladies.
There is an explanation as for why Luyendyk Jr. was the choice this season. All press is said to be good press, but "The Bachelor" franchise has been flooded with some particularly troublesome press over the past year. First, there was Corinne Olympios, who became a controversial character before being involved in a scandal during "Bachelor in Paradise." "The Bachelorette" became farcical, with a contestant named "Whaboom" stealing the spotlight and weird promos suggesting racial tension dominating air time. Plus, the couple from the last cycle of "The Bachelor" already broke up. The show could use an easygoing presence to restore faith in the program.