Heather Martin

Emotions run high as rivals come face-to-face, cocktail parties are called off, and a group date gets unexpectedly competitive.

Colton Underwood burst onto the scene during season 14 of The Bachelorette. It was his good looks, love for dogs and vulnerability that charmed not only Bachelorette Becca Kufrin, but all of Bachelor Nation. This former NFL player made a play for Becca’s heart but was sadly sent home after professing he had fallen in love. Now Colton is back and ready to capture hearts across America yet again when he returns for another shot at love.

Yo, ho, ho and avast, matey! Eight bachelorettes perform in a spectacular live “Pirates Dinner Adventure” show, spilling over into an intense competition between two women, to capture Colton’s attention and affection. Elyse travels to San Diego with the Bachelor on what she thinks will be a romantic one-on-one date to the historic amusement park, Belmont Park. Actor and former NFL football player Terry Crews (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) and his wife, Rebecca King-Crews, coach a group of the women preparing for the “Bachelor’s Strongest Woman” competition, while Chris Harrison and iconic comedian Fred Willard offer their colorful play-by-play on the daunting athletic contest. The week ends with a pool party instead of a cocktail party, which reignites the cat fight between two enemies.

Colton’s search for love starts with laughs, surprises and intense face-offs between the women. The first date of the season has eight hopeful bachelorettes sharing personal stories about their “firsts” – with Colton and a live audience – and coached by happily married masters of comedy Megan Mullally (Will & Grace) and Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation). Hannah B. scores the first one-on-one date on her birthday, including dinner on The Queen Mary. Twelve eager women attend “Camp Bachelor” with a decidedly unorthodox camp counselor, actor and comedian Billy Eichner, who oversees three challenging contests. However, some ill-timed drama the night of the rose ceremony might lead to certain ladies being left without a rose.

A spectacular international trip awaits the 15 remaining bachelorettes beginning with Singapore, a booming multicultural metropolis, mixing big city luxury with fascinating Chinese heritage. Tayshia and Colton take on their fears when they decide to throw caution to the wind and bungee jump, but she also must face her apprehension about revealing a past failure in her private life. Thirteen excited bachelorettes jump at the opportunity to explore the city’s colorful street markets, however, thrills turn to chills when they stop at a leech therapy center and taste various exotic dishes. Colton treats Caelynn, one of his favorites, to a posh designer shopping spree; but before their relationship can progress any further, a serious discussion needs to take place. Meanwhile, a new rivalry springs up this week.