On October 16, the premiere of the first episode of the Ukrainian romantic reality show "The Bachelor" featuring basketball player Viacheslav Kravtsov took place. In the broadcast, viewers saw the protagonist's acquaintance ceremony with the contestants for the first time and learned details of his personal life. Kravtsov shared that he had been married, has a daughter named Melissa from his first marriage, and that his family broke up three years ago due to frequent contract moves and mounting arguments. The basketball player also reported that his mother is battling cancer and expressed hope to find true love on the show to introduce his chosen one to the person closest to his heart. "I want to see the girls real and sincere," Kravtsov emphasized.
The Acquaintance Ceremony: From a Joke Agreement to a Passionate Dance
The first to arrive to Kravtsov was 39-year-old Khrystyna Horniak, a notary and the ex-wife of host Volodymyr Ostapchuk. She suggested that the basketball player sign a humorous "agreement of intent and sympathy," which Kravtsov approved of, noting that both the agreement and Khrystyna herself appealed to him. This was followed by a series of original introductions: dancer Daria Karytonova performed a passionate dance with her partner, which made Kravtsov confess that he felt "extra." 25-year-old bodybuilding champion Kateryna Melnyk talked about how she found support in sports after her partner's betrayal. 29-year-old real estate expert Liza Protsenko gifted Kravtsov a map featuring the Red Queen, and 26-year-old manager Valeriia Polianska arranged an impromptu date with potatoes and sprats, which, according to the host, the basketball player really enjoyed.
Roses Before the Ceremony and a Two-Week "Immunity"
A key plot twist of the first episode was that some of the contestants had already received roses before the main acquaintance ceremony began. 26-year-old model Liia Yaholenko invited Kravtsov on a separate date ahead of filming and received a rose from him, boosting her confidence in the room where the rest of the girls gathered. Similarly, Tetiana received a rose after also having an original date with Kravtsov on her own initiative. The third rose — featuring a two-week "immunity" — was chosen by Liza Protsenko at the suggestion of host Reshetnyk: the owner of this flower gets protection from elimination but is obligated to fulfill all the whims of the other contestants. The rest of the girls called this move risky and insecure.
Remaining Contestants and First Episode Intrigues
In addition to those already mentioned, the first episode featured introductions from 32-year-old former basketball player Kateryna Petrenko, who suggested playing "33" (it turned out they worked together on a charity project a year ago); 40-year-old Olha, a modeling agency owner who gifted the Bachelor a box of items from the past; and 24-year-old Daria Dandyk, an intern dreaming of opening a rehabilitation center, who tied a red thread around Kravtsov's wrist. Thus, the first episode ended on a cliffhanger: Kravtsov has given out three roses, Liza has "immunity," and upcoming dates and potential eliminations lie ahead.
Context and Season Expectations
The season of "The Bachelor" with Kravtsov has become one of the most anticipated on Ukrainian television in 2026: the basketball player is known not only for his sports achievements but also for his public stance on social media. The premiere drew attention from both reality show fans and sports enthusiasts. According to Styler, the full list of contestants in the first episode includes at least nine women with various professions — from a notary and model to a bodybuilding champion and real estate expert. The further dynamics of relationships, potential dates, and first eliminations will be the subjects of upcoming episodes.
