It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

No, I’m not referring to Halloween, Christmas, Kwanza or Hannukah. Nor am I talking about a sale at Sephora (although I could really use some eyeliner, so that would be exciting too). The momentous occasion to which I am referring is the premiere of The Bachelor Canada!

The third season will be airing October 11th at 9 p.m. on the W Network (AKA The Best Television Network In the World, because it airs Outlander). This season’s titular Bachelor will be the comely Chris Leroux, and a bevy of Canadian beauties will be competing to become his bride.

I appreciate that some of you may be on the fence about this reality television program. Time is a valuable currency, so why, exactly, would this be worth yours? For your consideration, I have created a list of reasons why Bachelor Canada is must-see pop culture. If you’re not dying to watch Bachelor Canada after reading this list, then I do not understand you.

It’s Adorably Canadian

The Bachelor Canada is like the American version of The Bachelor that airs on ABC, except it’s Canadian. That sentence might sound redundant, but it’s not. I don’t mean that it’s Canadian in the literal sense that it was produced north of the 49th parallel. I mean its style is Canadian. There are frequent references to people’s bums (you know, instead of “butts”), hockey, and Northwestern Ontarian cities, like Kenora. The girls buy their makeup at Shoppers’ Drug Mart and wear cute party dresses from the Bay. Basically, it’s like if someone filmed your cousin’s 25th birthday party.

The Bachelor Actually Looks Eligible

On the American version of the show, the Bachelor is usually an under-employed man named Ben, who competed (and lost) on a previous season of the series’ sister show, The Bachelorette. Chris Leroux, however, is a thirty-three-year-old former major league baseball player. He pitched for the New York Yankees, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Florida Marlins. Yes, ladies, the man has been gainfully employed! Leroux also has a fetching beard and is a proud dad to his dog, Cash. If you’re in the market for a new crush, Chris might be just the ticket. He’s a total dreamboat.

One of the Contestants Is a Professional “Mermaid”

Lisa, a contestant from St. Catharines, Ontario, is a twenty-four-year-old woman who lists her profession as “Mermaid.” I am not sure how one monetizes being a mermaid, but that’s beside the point. Because I grew up watching Disney movies, I’m hoping Lisa sold her voice to an evil sea witch in exchange for a pair of legs. If Chris chooses her, they obviously have to go as Prince Eric and Princess Ariel for Halloween! I may start writing fan fiction about this woman…

I Took Grade 12 History with One of the Contestants

Catie, the lawyer/meditation coach, went to the same high school as me. We were in the same Grade 12 Canadian history class in 2004. Or was it Modern Western History? (I had the same teacher for both credits, so it’s hard to remember.) What I do know for certain is this: I’m hoping Catie invites me to the wedding if she wins. I’ve already purchased a new dress from Anthropologie, just in case.

They Travel to Exotic Places

Vacations are expensive and money is tight. Instead of travelling, why not stay in on Wednesday nights and watch several bikini-clad women vying for the same man’s attention on an exotic beach? The franchise inevitably takes the cast on a trip somewhere fabulous, like Thailand or Jamaica. You see, Bachelor Canada is similar to a travel show, but with more implied off-camera sex.

Catch the first episode of The Bachelor Canada October 11th at 9 p.m. on the W Network