Arie Luyendyk Jr. has been named the next Bachelor, and people have opinions about it.
Luyendyk, a race car driver, is no stranger to the franchise. He appeared in the 2012 season of The Bachelorette and became a fan favorite. Thursday on Good Morning America, where the news was officially announced, Luyendyk said he was “a little skeptical” about accepting at first, but explained he will keep his Bachelorette label of “the kissing bandit” with the “right woman,” of course.
WATCH: Arie Luyendyk Jr. discusses becoming the new Bachelor with @michaelstrahan.@ariejr @BachelorABC #TheBachelor pic.twitter.com/9d6KYLZz6y
— Good Morning America (@GMA) September 7, 2017
The response to the news was mixed, and many people were confused by this #tbt.
Construction has began on new walls for #TheBachelor mansion so @ariejr can't go more than 5 feet without a wall to make out against
— Robert Mills (@Millsy11374) September 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/BrettSVergara/status/905772567780347907
https://twitter.com/XIBASH/status/905779255736459265
https://twitter.com/heyJennaBell/status/905778063090348032
My hot take: Arie as #thebachelor = return to the classic era. Less about insta fame. Franchise needs a refresh & this could be it.
— Jenny Hoye (@jenny_hoye) September 7, 2017
The Bachelorette finally had it first black contestant last season, and many were holding out hope that the next Bachelor would be more diverse as well. But this could also be an ABC ploy to get fans to rewatch the 2012 season. The franchise saw its share of controversy this year: Over the summer, production was suspended on Bachelor in Paradise after allegations of sexual misconduct.
Season 22 will debut in January.