The new lead for The Bachelor has been announced: airline pilot Peter Weber. ABC revealed the choice during the finale of Bachelor in Paradise, sharing a press statement that recaps how Peter first captured attention on The Bachelorette and explains why he’s now set to search for lasting love as the star of the 24th season of the long-running reality dating series, which premieres in January 2020.
According to ABC’s announcement, Peter Weber initially drew notice on The Bachelorette for the very first impression he made stepping out of the limo and telling Bachelorette Hannah Brown that he wanted a co-pilot in life. That first connection developed quickly into a passionate, intense relationship, culminating in a dramatic moment when the two spent a memorable night together in a windmill. The romance ultimately ended when Hannah chose to break things off, leaving viewers and Peter himself dealing with the fallout.
Peter, 28, is a native of Westlake Village, California, and grew up just minutes from what is now the Bachelor mansion. His parents—who reportedly met while working on the same flight more than 30 years ago—have been presented by ABC as an example of the kind of lasting marriage Peter hopes to build. Peter and his brother followed their parents into aviation: Peter began flying professionally in his early twenties, becoming a pilot at 23 and later advancing to the role of captain with a major commercial airline by age 25. With a busy career already established, ABC frames his search as seeking the missing piece to share life’s adventures.
Outside of work, the network notes Peter enjoys celebrating his Cuban heritage through cooking and loves to dance. Described as a hopeless romantic, he’s portrayed as eager to find a life partner to join him for love, laughter, dancing and travel. Viewers will see Peter’s next chapter unfold when The Bachelor returns in January.
Fans and observers have reacted strongly to the announcement. There had been significant online conversation and speculation that Mike Johnson, a popular contestant from a recent season, might be selected as the first Black Bachelor, but ABC’s pick ultimately went to Peter. The casting decision sparked debate among viewers about representation and how the franchise chooses its leads.
Also drawing attention is the fact that reports emerged during the earlier season that Peter had been involved with someone before appearing on The Bachelorette. Unlike earlier controversies in the franchise—such as the Jed Wyatt situation, where undisclosed outside relationships later became a major story—Peter’s past relationship was already widely reported by the time he was named The Bachelor. That transparency did not stop producers from moving forward with his casting.
Reaction to Peter’s selection reflects the strong emotions the franchise often generates: some viewers welcomed the choice, curious to watch how a pilot’s romantic journey will unfold onscreen; others questioned the timing and optics. Many pointed to the windmill episode as a defining moment that kept Peter in the public eye and contributed to his selection as lead.
As ABC frames it, Peter’s personal story—growing up near the show’s mansion, being raised by parents who found love through shared work, and building a career as a commercial airline captain—sets up a clear narrative: a man rooted in family and aviation who is now ready to find a partner to share both ordinary life and big adventures. Whether viewers agree with the network’s choice, the upcoming season promises to revisit familiar themes of romance, heartbreak and reconciliation that have long been central to the franchise.
Watchers can expect to see Peter’s search for love begin when The Bachelor premieres in January 2020, as the series returns to follow his journey from pilot to potential partner.