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The Bachelor: Nick Viall is the New Bachelor!

No one saw this one coming. On the last episode of the Bachelor in Paradise after show, a shocking announcement was made revealing NICK VIALL as the new Bachelor. We knew that the announcement for the new Bachelor was coming, but Nick wasn’t even on the radar. The producers swerved Bachelor Universe last minute–literally. According to reports, Luke Pell from JoJo’s season was slated to become the next Bachelor. Pell would have been a good safe choice. He was a heavy fan favorite, but there was the whole too nice and boring factor to him. The last minute switch might have been due to the overwhelmingly positive reaction on Twitter that Nick has received on this season of Bachelor in Paradise. As crazy as it sounds, the producers and casting directors heavily rely on Twitter reactions in their casting choices.

His Story

Even in pro-wrestling, it would be hard to justify the kind of turn that Nick made. He went from one of the most hated guys in Bachelor history to everyone’s favorite among the cast of Bachelor in Paradise as well as the fans. Nick is certainly a controversial guy. His first feud with Josh Murray started when both men were vying for Andi Dorfman’s heart. Josh was the good guy, Nick was the sneaky and manipulative villain. After finishing runner-up, Nick crashed Kaitlyn Bristowe’s season. He feuded with eventual winner Shawn Booth. Ended as the runner-up once again. Now we have witnessed his good guy turn on Bachelor in Paradise.

What to Expect From Him

Nick’s Bachelor selection might have been in the works for a while. The production really gave him a favorable edit during this season of BIP. He will get people talking, good or bad. It might seem unfair that he gets a FOURTH chance to be on the show, clearly he must be tight with someone in power. Nick is 35, he’s one of the oldest Bachelors the show has ever had. Apparently the powers to be didn’t hold out for the announcement until after the finale due to the application deadline for women to apply to date Nick. Would be a bit weird to have a few 22-year-olds trying to date a guy in his mid-thirties.

I expect Nick to walk the fine line between good guy and villain. I think we will see some unprecedented stuff come out of this season. Some will love him, others will love to hate him. Just listen to the AfterBuzz TV podcast where Nick frequently guests, he’s very savvy when it comes to casting and production trends. At 35, he should also be fairly mature and aware of what he wants and how to go about it. He’s been clear that he is serious about finding love. Will fourth time be the charm? Come January, we will start getting some answers.

For more Bachelor news, follow me on Twitter @JimRko

Jim Alexander

Jim Alexander is one of the co-founders of the Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle (CIFCC). He has been a staff writer at TheMovieBlog.com since 2014. He helped develop and host the “Correct Opinion Podcast.” Jim has written for Screenrant.com and contributed to the Australian movie site Cinemazzi.com. He is the United States Film and Entertainment Reporter for BBC’s 5 Live radio show. In addition to his interest in film, he also hosts the “Bachelor Universe” blog and podcast, centered on the ABC show The Bachelor. Jim graduated with a MA in Journalism from DePaul University. He is a die-hard Chicago Bulls and Bears fan. Born in Chicago, but raised in Poland, he grew up playing soccer and remains an avid fan of the sport. He is passionate about film and strives to incorporate new and innovative ways to present film criticism. He currently resides in a suburb outside of Chicago, IL.