Let the games begin!
No, we're not talking about the Winter Olympics; we're talking about The Bachelor: Winter Games, ABC's answer for counter-programming against the big event. Bachelor Nation's latest spinoff is set to premiere on Tuesday, Feb. 13, the network announced on Monday, with ABC also revealing the contestants from all over the world that will be competing in the ultimate game of love.
The four-episode TV event will feature alumni from international versions of the show, including Japan, Australia and Canada, as well as American fan-favorite Ben Higgins, Ashley Iaconetti and Dean Unglert. Plus, Trista and Ryan Sutter (aka one of the franchise's golden couples) will serve as grand marshals kicking off the festivities in the series premiere. Current Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. and former Bachelorettes Rachel Lindsay and JoJo Fletcher will also make appearances.
Described as "a global celebration of unity and love," The Bachelor: Winter Games will find 26 singles (24 were announced so far) competing in winter sports and attempting to find love at Vermont's The Hermitage Club resort. Of course, Chris Harrison will serve as host, with ESPN SportsCenter anchor and sports journalist Hannah Storm, and KABC-TV sports anchor and correspondent Ashley Brewer also joining the team.
Wondering how exactly the show will work? We'll let ABC explain:
"Throughout the run of The Bachelor Winter Games, fans can expect twists and turns on and off the ski mountain, as well as romance, heartbreak, love and, of course, roses. The bachelors and bachelorettes will participate in challenges from winter biathlon to ice dancing, with date cards being given to the winners of each challenge. Romantic dates will test the bachelors' and bachelorettes' perseverance in pursuing relationships with one another while faced with language barriers and cultural differences, including some amusing issues with intimacy.
And now, here are the 24 confirmed contestants set to appear:
And fans can expect to see guest appearances from world champion and five-time U.S. figure skating pairs champions Tai Babilonia and Randy Gardner, as well as figure skating legend Nancy Kerrigan.
The Bachelor: Winter Games premieres Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. on ABC.
The remaining episodes will then air as follows: Thursday, February 15; Tuesday, February 20, with the finale airing on Thursday, February 22. All episodes will air 8:00-10:01 p.m. EST.