Fans of ‘The Bachelor’ Still Don’t Know Who Arie Luyendyk Jr. Is, According to Twitter

Arie Luyendyk Jr. with a rose
ABC/Craig Sjodin
THE BACHELOR - ARIE LUYENDYK JR.

Back in September, ABC announced on Good Morning America that 36-year-old Arie Luyendyk Jr. would be looking for love on the upcoming 22nd season of The Bachelor, premiering on New Year’s Day.

Fans were confused and shocked. Everyone had high hopes for Peter Kraus from Rachel Lindsay’s season of The Bachelorette becoming The Bachelor until rumors were semi-silenced by this cryptic tweet from producer Mike Fleiss:

It was also reported by US Weekly that Peter turned the role down because he wasn’t ready.

Nevertheless, who is Arie Luyendyk Jr?

He was on Emily Maynard’s season of The Bachelorette in 2012 and was the runner-up, something fans don’t remember because, let’s face it, 5 years in Bachelor time is an eternity.

As we get closer to the season premiere on ABC, I think it’s safe to dub Arie the least-known Bachelor in recent history.

It’s only been a few years, but several fans claim he was “before their time”.

Even though The Bachelor only began in 2002 some fans seem to at least feel like they’ve been watching it longer.

This may be a first…

Bachelor Nation doesn’t exactly have much faith in this season.

Hopefully, after they re-air Emily Maynard’s Season 8 finale Dec. 31 on ABC, when she sends Arie home fans will get a better understanding of who he is and maybe get over Peter?

The Bachelor, Season 22 premieres Monday, Jan. 1, 8/7c, ABC