Nick Viall Chosen As the Next Bachelor, Twitter Reacts to Controversial Decision

How does the saying go? Fourth time’s the charm? Fortunately, for previous “Bachelorette” contestant Nick Viall, that couldn’t be more true. Viall has been chosen as season 21’s bachelor in ABC’s reality show “The Bachelor,” giving him another chance to find love in what can only be assumed as the season’s “most dramatic ever.”

The surprising announcement was made during the “After Paradise” segment of “Bachelor in Paradise.” Viall was part of “Bachelor in Paradise” season 3, where many fans seemed to take a liking to the notorious villain of “The Bachelorette” franchise (after all, villains gotta vill).

Viall, 35, has appeared on season 10 of Andi Dorfman’s “The Bachelorette,” coming in second to Josh Murray. The two have caused their fair share of drama on “Bachelor in Paradise” this season. He also appeared on season 11 of “The Bachelorette” after shaking things up with Kaitlyn Bristowe. He ended up the runner-up again, behind Shawn Booth.

After the announcement (and a Skype appearance from season 20’s bachelor Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell), Viall said, “I’ve certainly had the practice. I’m definitely ready for it — I’m very excited.”

The surprising pick shook up the Bachelor Nation. Fans had hoped one of Joelle “JoJo” Fletcher’s men, such as Luke Pell or Chase McNary, would end up taking the title of next bachelor.

The controversial decision was met with criticism but Chris Harrison told PEOPLE, “He has just become that perennial, second place guy who wants to find love and is as sincere, if not more sincere, than anybody about finding it.” He added, “It’s about giving him his chance to find love. Who deserves it more than him?”

Bachelor Nation Reacts to Nick Viall Being Picked as Next Bachelor

I am emotionally exhausted after the @PLLTVSeries finale and #TheBachelor announcement… pic.twitter.com/qXOI8Zj9hj

— Avery Thompson (@avery__thompson) August 31, 2016

We're going to get through this, Twitter. We just have stay strong and stick together. #TheBachelor pic.twitter.com/nRzz0VtdHL

— Andrea Lavinthal (@andilavs) August 31, 2016

I think we can all agree that @viallnicholas28 is certainly the most qualified candidate for the position. #TheBachelor

— Dana Weiss (@Possessionista) August 31, 2016

When the world heard that#TheBachelor is Nick Viall @viallnicholas28@BachelorABC pic.twitter.com/3OMnvybfef

— JetsettersFlyin™ ✈️ (@JetSettersFlyIn) August 31, 2016

Wow, how'd he pull that off? Congrats @viallnicholas28! #TheBachelor

— Chris Bukowski (@chrisjbukowski) August 31, 2016

When you find out that @Luke__Pell isn't the next bachelor #TheBachelor pic.twitter.com/st7mMBMObl

— Laura Danna (@laurrralovvve) August 31, 2016

Despite our differences I am truly happy 4 @viallnicholas28 everyone deserves love and he is no exception – this is your time, go find her!

— Josh Allan Murray (@JoshAllanMurray) August 31, 2016

With @viallnicholas28 as #TheBachelor, I can guarantee that Fantasy Suite gets a lot of use!

— JJ Lane (@jjhlane) August 31, 2016

He's gonna be 36 while filming #TheBachelor. Over 10 years older than the girls… Does the wedding ring come with an AARP membership?

— Chad Johnson (@realChadJohnson) August 31, 2016

Just heard who the next Bachelor is….dudes been kicked off every show possible for a reason….awful choice #TheBachelor

— Matt Overton (@MattOverton_LS) August 31, 2016

I mean Nick Viall is great and all, but like… Luke. #TheBachelor

— Hot Mess. (@hotmessUD) August 31, 2016

Finding out that Luke isn't the bachelor but then realizing that its nick #BachelorInParadise #TheBachelor pic.twitter.com/CjsPIJcgpj

— erika (@stylesformal) August 31, 2016

I've been #TeamNick since day 1!!! so happy for my dear friend! Love ya buddy and best of luck! #TheBachelor

— Sarah Herron (@sarahherron) August 31, 2016

Like him or not… Having @viallnicholas28 as #TheBachelor will be great TV. Great choice @ABC

— Tanner Tolbert (@ttolbert05) August 31, 2016

The best day in the world is THIS day because @viallnicholas28 will find love as #TheBachelor BEST DAY EVER! #AfterParadise

— Carly Waddell (@carlywaddell) August 31, 2016

ABC's #TheBachelor announcement has hit a nerve. It's not that I don't want #NickViall to find "love," I'd rather him do off my TV screen

— Not Elon Musk (@lonimartice) August 31, 2016

WATCH: This is the curveball #TheBachelor just threw with @viallnicholas28. pic.twitter.com/IKFsMjJmtP

— Nick Peterson (@NickPetersonTV) August 31, 2016

Somewhere, Ben Flajnik and Juan Pablo are high-fiving. "We aren't gonna be the most hated anymore!" #TheBachelor #NickViall

— Kate Coyne (@KatePeople) August 31, 2016

Well they finally did it. Bachelor makers have ruined the show. I will not be watching Nick being #TheBachelor

— Sweetly Southern (@SweetlySouther2) August 31, 2016

Before I'm 30 I'll have devoted at least 4 seasons of TV to watching this guy attempt to get wifed up. #TheBachelor pic.twitter.com/Hf1bGEyvp9

— Stacy Rizzetta (@StacyRizzetta) August 31, 2016

I was a fan of Nick on BIP this season until we found out we were stuck with another whole season of him this fall #TheBachelor

— Team Luke Pell (@teamlukepell) August 31, 2016

Finding out nick is the next bachelor #TheBachelor #AfterParadise pic.twitter.com/MU6AtIIJlK

— Jackie Day (@jackieegorman) August 31, 2016

So happy Nick can't be the runner up as #TheBachelor

— Evan Bass (@ebassclinics) August 31, 2016

If anyone ever deserved to be #TheBachelor, it's @viallnicholas28.

— J.P. Rosenbaum (@JP_Rosenbaum) August 31, 2016

Was Nick Viall the right choice for season 21 of “The Bachelor” or was the shakeup a mistake? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!