SEASON PREMIERE

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND, JUAN PABLO GALAVIS STARTS HIS SEARCH FOR LOVE ON ABC'S HIT ROMANCE REALITY SERIES, "THE BACHELOR," PREMIERING MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014 ON ABC

The Two-Night Bachelor Premiere Event Kicks Off with "The Bachelor: Countdown to Juan Pablo" on Sunday, January 5

Soon-To-Be-Wed Bachelor Sean Lowe Pays a Surprise Visit to Juan Pablo to Offer His Advice

This Season's Highlights Include Private Concerts by Chart-Topping Artist Romeo Santos, Josh Krajcik and South Korean K-Pop Sensation "2NE1"; Romantic Excursions to Seoul, South Korea, Vietnam, New Zealand, Salt Lake City, Utah and Miami, plus a Spectacular Trip to St. Lucia for the Seductive Overnight Dates and the Emotional Finale

Juan Pablo Galavis, the former Venezuelan soccer player, stepped out of the limo to meet last season's Bachelorette, Desiree Hartsock, and into the hearts of female fans across the country who were taken with his sincerity, easy-going charm and good looks. The dashing single dad, very devoted to his daughter, Camila, was ready to find love. Juan Pablo became one of the most talked about men of the season despite failing to win Desiree's heart. The fans spoke and now Juan Pablo is back for his own chance to find the love of his life, wife and stepmother to his daughter. He begins his search for his soul mate, choosing from among 27 beautiful bachelorettes, when the 18th edition of "The Bachelor" premieres MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET) , on ABC.

Editors' note: The two-night Bachelor Premiere Event starts on Sunday, January 5 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) with "The Bachelor: Countdown to Juan Pablo."

In "Episode 1801," Juan Pablo enjoys some time with his adorable daughter, Camila, when he is surprised by a visit from Sean Lowe. Sean offers some pointers on how he should handle his romantic adventure when 27 amazing women come from all over the world to meet him. Although not looking forward to having to send any of these beautiful bachelorettes home, he soon forgets about that when he hears the first screams of excitement from the limousines. It's obvious the women are out to make a memorable first impression. A gorgeous nurse pulls out a stethoscope and lets him listen to her heart. A free-spirited hippie decides to go barefoot. A vivacious dancer invites him to show her his sexy salsa moves. The real showstopper is a music composer who arrives on a "piano bike," playing her own composition. Not to be outdone, one woman shows up seven months pregnant. Is it a stunt or an OMG real moment? And one bachelorette brings a date - her dog, Molly.

Juan Pablo tries to calm everyone's nerves by surprising the women with an impromptu dance party and a spontaneous photo booth. Now, as he tries to get to know the women individually, the stunning nurse impresses him with her commitment to caring for sick children. A lovely single mom connects with Juan Pablo as she shares stories about her eight-year-old son. But things get a little crazy when an overzealous masseuse gets the Bachelor on her massage table and treats him to some of her best moves.

Tensions run high once Chris Harrison brings out the first impression rose, with those who haven't spoken with the handsome bachelor growing more anxious by the minute. One recently heartbroken woman tearfully relates her story of being left at the altar by her former fianc�. An elegant opera singer, who has come half away around the world to meet Juan Pablo, is totally enchanting. As the party draws to a close, he offers the coveted rose to a stunning beauty, but she is hesitant to accept it. Why?

At the end of the evening, 18 bachelorettes remain to start the exciting adventure with Juan Pablo and begin the search for love.

A list of the bachelorettes will be released shortly.

Romantic and adventurous dates will reach new heights this season, testing the ladies' perseverance in pursuing their romantic objective, along with fun, exciting and exotic dates that will elicit real and raw passions. A "Winter Wonderland"- complete with ice skating, sledding and a hot tub - is the Los Angeles setting for Juan's first one-on-one date, culminating in a private concert by blues, rock and soul singer Josh Krajcik. Juan Pablo travels to Salt Lake City, Utah on another individual date to run the world famous "Electric Run" 5K with one lucky woman. A group photo shoot benefitting the Models and Mutts charity causes quite a commotion among the women when two bachelorettes discover how their photos will be handled with Juan Pablo. The Bachelor feels right at home when he invites ten ladies to play a game of futbol at the home of the MSL two-time defending champions, the Los Angeles Galaxy. Jetting off to Seoul, South Korea, Juan Pablo and the remaining women are submerged into a totally different culture. Six women are introduced to the South Korean K-pop superstar group "2NE1," who teach them one of their choreographed dances. They are shocked to find out that they will perform as their back up dancers in front of a huge audience of screaming fans. Vietnam's breathtaking natural beauty is the next surprise on their Asian tour. The group journeys on to New Zealand where a thrilling, but mysterious boat trip through the Tutukau Gorge, a spin inside an Ogo and a visit to the famed movie set of Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit" are the backdrop for more romantic twists and turns. Sparks fly at a private concert by chartbuster Romeo Santos in Juan Pablo's home of Miami. Finally, after spending passionate weeks traveling to a variety of locations, Juan Pablo brings his final three women to the exotic Caribbean island of St. Lucia. Will this sexy single dad find the love of his life or will he miss his chance for a happy ending again?

As in the past, women will continue to be eliminated each week, but if at any point a woman should decide that she's no longer interested in the Bachelor, she can reject his invitation to continue dating. Some lucky women will meet his family, and he will visit their hometowns for a slice of their lives in an effort to determine the woman with whom he is most compatible.

Hosted by Chris Harrison, "The Bachelor" is a production of Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television. Mike Fleiss and Martin Hilton are the executive producers. "The Bachelor" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 stereo surround sound. A parental guideline will be assigned closer to the airdate.

This episode of "The Bachelor" will be available on ABC.com the day after airing on the network for users to watch online. For more information on "The Bachelor" visit ABC.com.