5 things to expect from Nick Viall's season of 'The Bachelor'

We're inching closer //to the season premiere of Waukesha native Nick Viall's season of "The Bachelor." 

This has to be his last shot at love on reality TV, right?  

It's the fourth time he'll appear on a "Bachelor" adjacent show. He was a runner-up on both Andi Dorfman and Kaitlyn Bristowe's "Bachelorette" seasons, and he left "Bachelor in Paradise" alone this summer. 

Viall will take the lead when his season of "The Bachelor" premieres Monday at 7 p.m., Jan. 2. After meeting 30 women on the first night, Viall will hand out roses to the women he wants to get to know for another week. Each week, as romantic connections grow, the pool of contenders will shrink. We'll have weekly recaps from Viall's run in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and you can follow along with Sarah Hauer (@SarahHauer) and Allison Sherwood (@AliSherwood) as they live-tweet each episode. 

For now, drink in all "The Bachelor" fandom we have to offer. Here's what we know about Viall's season so far. Don't worry, this is a spoiler-free zone. 

Experienced bachelor

Viall is the only three-time contestant to become "The Bachelor." His previous rejections are sure to be a large part of the season's storyline. I'm certain we'll see a lot of shirtless Nick looking off into the distance, contemplating his failures to find love in the first episode.

Despite his repeat appearances, Viall still needs advice from previous "Bachelors." Sean Lowe, Chris Soules and Ben Higgins offer some words of wisdom from their experiences leading the show. 

One contestant -- Sarah who is described by ABC as "a bubbly school teacher" makes sure Viall knows he isn't a runner-up in her eyes. She runs up the driveway in sneakers to make her first impression.

30 potential suitors

On the first night, 30 women — including four nurses, four business owners and one aspiring dolphin trainer — will introduce themselves to Viall. While Viall is 36 years old, nine of the women are 25 or younger and just three are 30 or older.

It will be like most other first nights in "The Bachelor" mansion. Women will vie for Viall's attention using a variety of gimmicks. A few women wear red to stand out, but the plan backfires when they're lost in a sea of red dresses.

One contestant — Liz — already knows the "Bachelor." The pair met and spent some time together at fellow "Bachelor" franchise stars Jade and Tanner Tolberts' wedding. Viall had said before filming the season he didn't want any women in his past to be cast on the show. We'll see how that relationship works out. 

Before the first rose ceremony, Viall will hand out a first impression rose to the contestant who catches his attention right away. Viall received the first impression rose on Dorfman's "Bachelorette" season. By the end of the episode, the dating pool will narrow to 22 contestants. 

Contestant with Wisconsin roots

31-year-old Neonatal nurse Danielle Maltby, 31, grew up in Colgate, Wis. Viall and Maltby bond over their shared roots on the first night, according to an ABC news release. 

Maltby, who now lives in Nashville, attended Germantown High School, followed by Viterbo University in La Crosse for her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her Facebook profile says she worked at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Jennifer Aniston picked Maltby to be in Viall's final four contestants while on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," but let's hope the pair has more to talk about than cheese, beer and the Packers.

Viall's Wisconsin ties

Viall will take the ladies to Wisconsin for the first trip away from the "Bachelor" mansion. The contestants will visit Viall's hometown and the city of Milwaukee. 

A one-on-one date in brew city will feature a private concert with country singer Chris Lane at the Riverside Theater. Other Wisconsin activities rumored to occur on the date: a tour through a cheese factory, dinner at the Milwaukee Art Museum and a trip to a roller rink. 

ABC has played up Viall's Wisconsin roots in promotional materials. One of his leisure time activities: "Rooting for his beloved Green Bay Packers." Perhaps he'll don a cheesehead on national TV? 

Other travel destinations include New Orleans, the Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, with the season concluding in Finland. 

Group dates

Why do the producers insist on group dates involving bridal wear? The first group date this season takes 12 women to try on different bridal themes for a wedding photo shoot. In another relationship-themed date, the women will need to perform a humorous breakup with Viall in front of a live audience. 

Viall will show off his track skills off when the bachelorettes participate in a track and field face-off. Viall ran at Waukesha North High School (he won state in the 800-meters run) and at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Olympians Michelle Carter, Allyson Felix and Carl Lewis will help coach the ladies. 

If you feel the need for a more "in-depth" look at Viall, ABC will air a primer to his season Sunday, Jan. 1.

Erin Jensen of USA Today contributed to this report.

7 things to know about Waukesha 'Bachelorette' contestant Nick Viall