Nick Viall may not be the Bachelor everybody wanted — many Bachelorette Season 12 viewers were gunning for castoffs Luke Pell or Chase McNary, and the two-time Bachelorette runner-up/Bachelor in Paradise cast member isn't exactly fresh meat for the franchise. But ABC and the series' producers have decided the 36-year-old former sales executive/current professional love seeker is the Bachelor we deserve, and today (November 1), Viall announced The Bachelor's Season 21 premiere date.

"Still on my journey, but breaking my silence to share when you all can see it for yourselves!!!" Nick wrote in an Instagram photo of what's likely his first press photo as the new Bachelor. "Get ready... it all starts January 2nd!!"

So there you have it — with the 2016 holidays at your back, as you prepare to face the new work-year, you'll have Nick to distract you with a half-dozen awkward limo introductions!

"I don’t want to pick someone because they’re the last woman standing," Viall, who was passed over by Bachelorettes Kaitlyn Bristowe and Andi Dorfman in their respective season finales, told PEOPLE. "My biggest fear isn’t necessarily getting my heart broken. It’s not finding the right one."

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