WARNING: Spoilers from this week’s episodes of “The Vow” below.
Chris Harrison is challenging modern dating culture with a reality series focused on faith and commitment.
The former “Bachelor” host returned to reality television Wednesday with the two-episode premiere of “Chris Harrison’s The Vow” on Fox Nation, introducing viewers to a new approach to finding love centered on Christianity and traditional values.
The first two episodes, “And So It Begins …” and “Beauty is Fleeting,” followed Jace Cates, a 30-year-old mortgage loan officer from Oregon, as he met 10 women hoping to become his wife. But what began with prayers and promising first impressions quickly turned emotional as two contestants were sent home.
‘THE VOW’ BRINGS CHRIS HARRISON BACK TO REALITY DATING TV: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE FOX NATION SERIES
“There will be no roses, no elimination ceremonies, no gimmicks to distract from real life,” Harrison explained during the premiere.
Harrison said the series was created in response to a dating culture increasingly shaped by swiping, hookups and fleeting relationships.
“Connections got faster, easier, but a lot less meaningful,” he said. “What happened to the kind of love that lasts?”
Before meeting the women, Jace opened up about his own heartbreak, explaining that he had previously been engaged before realizing something was missing from the relationship.
“When my engagement ended, it was extremely hard,” he said. “It was absolutely my lowest point.”
Jace said his faith helped him navigate the breakup and ultimately recognize what he wanted in a future wife.
“Dating’s not a game for me, I’m doing it because I want to meet my wife and start our life together,” he said.
As the 10 women arrived at the Texas Hill Country property, conversations quickly turned to traditional marriage, motherhood and what it means to be a wife.
Alexis Wyborny challenged the stereotype that traditional wives must spend their days in the kitchen.
Watch: Women debate what it means to be a ‘trad wife’ on Chris Harrison’s new dating show
“A lot of people think about a traditional marriage or they’re calling a trad wife right now as somebody who wears a muumuu and makes sourdough bread all day, every day,” she said.
Alexis described herself as an independent woman who earns her own money, while Kierstin Zankl expressed interest in eventually becoming a stay-at-home mother.
Sierra Wood, meanwhile, spoke openly about her decision to remain a virgin until marriage.
“I’m wanting to save myself till I’m married,” she said.
Another contestant, Mya Draper, made her intentions clear, saying she hoped to become a wife and mother.
“I would love to just be a mom and be a wife and do my husband for a living and have a big family,” she said.
When Jace finally entered the house, he opened the evening with a group prayer before Harrison surprised everyone with their first challenge: preparing the property for the night.
Instead of a traditional cocktail party, the women worked alongside Jace to arrange furniture, prepare food and set up the outdoor space.
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The evening produced several promising connections, including one with Sierra, who discovered that she and Jace lived approximately 20 minutes apart in Oregon and attended the same church.
However, the night took an unexpected turn when Jace pulled Kierstin aside and ultimately sent her home, leaving nine women competing for his heart.
In the second episode, “Beauty is Fleeting,” Jace’s search for a wife continued as he selected Mya for the season’s first one-on-one date, a horseback riding adventure through the Texas countryside.
During their time together, Jace discussed his broken prior engagement, while Mya shared the heartbreaking loss of her father in a car accident two years earlier.
Jace praised her vulnerability, and the two shared a kiss.
“I haven’t allowed myself to fall for someone in so long, but I’m definitely falling for Jace,” Mya said afterward.
The romance continued during a group basketball outing, where Jace introduced the women to his former college coach and spent time playing with children.
“I’m excited to see how the women interact with the kids because I want that family so bad,” he explained.
But the outing also sparked tension when Jace selected Marley Alexander for a romantic dinner overlooking Austin, leaving several contestants feeling overlooked.
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Jace and Marley’s dinner exposed major differences in their expectations for marriage.
Marley, who had been single for seven years, explained that she wanted to travel before having children and preferred to remain close to her family in Texas.
Jace, however, said he was ready to settle down and start a family much sooner.
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“Our timelines couldn’t really be further apart and that’s not a knock on Marley. That’s just reality,” he said.
Despite their initial attraction, Jace decided their differences were too significant to overlook and sent her home.
Watch: Chris Harrison’s ‘The Vow’ contestant ends romance over conflicting marriage and family plans
Marley accepted his decision, telling Jace she trusted God’s timing.
With Kierstin and Marley eliminated, eight women remain as Jace continues his search for a wife.
The first two episodes of “Chris Harrison’s The Vow” are now streaming on Fox Nation, with new episodes dropping every Wednesday.