The highly anticipated return of “The Bachelor” arrived on Monday, January 22, 2024, with the premiere of its 28th season. Fans were reintroduced to Joey Graziadei, a familiar face from his previous appearance on Charity Lawson’s season of “The Bachelorette.”
The opening moments of the show set a somber tone as viewers witnessed Joey’s emotional moments by the beach. As Bachelor Nation enthusiasts know, the journey of love can be an emotional rollercoaster, and Joey’s vulnerability was on full display.
Joey Graziadei welcomed a group of eager women who would compete for his heart during the season premiere. In his opening speech, he reflected on his life before becoming a part of the ABC show, describing himself as a “normal dude” living in Hawaii. He expressed that joining “The Bachelorette” was the “best decision” of his life and hinted at the possibility of finding love as “infectious” as his grandparents’ relationship.
Lea, a familiar face from “The Bachelorette: After the Final Rose,” made her entrance, holding a rose she received earlier but was unable to open until the season 28 premiere. Joey expressed his anticipation to see what awaited him in that rose.
The premiere saw Jess becoming the first contestant of the season to share a kiss with Joey, a revelation that didn’t sit well with some of the other women, leading to tension. Notably, Joey shared kisses with Daisy, Lea, Allison, and Taylor. However, his moment with Taylor was interrupted, leading to an argument between Jess and Taylor.
Adding an intriguing twist to the season, two sisters, Allison and Lauren Hollinger, disclosed their relationship to the other contestants. Although some found it “weird,” Joey appreciated their decision to embark on the Bachelor Nation journey together. Yet, tensions arose when Allison interrupted her sister’s date with Joey, causing unexpected drama.
Lea, in a significant moment, opened an envelope revealing that she had the power to steal a one-on-one date from any of the contestants before Hometown Week. While some worried it would make her a target, Lea chose to destroy the card, demonstrating her respect for her fellow contestants and earning the coveted first impression rose.
As the episode concluded with the first Rose Ceremony, several contestants received roses, signaling their journey to win Joey’s heart. “The Bachelor” season 28 promises more drama, love, and unexpected twists in the episodes to come, with a new episode airing next week on ABC.
