ABC to Air THE BACHELORETTE - AFTER THE ROSE Special Live, 7/22

As first reported on EWonline, ABC will, for the very first time, air a live broadcast of the AFTER THE ROSE post-Bachelorette finale special. In addition, the network announced that it will air the final episode of 'The Bachelorette' on a new night, Sunday, July 22, from 8 to 10 pm. The live 'After the Rose' special will immediately follow. 

On tonight's 'Hometown' episode of The Bachelorette, the stakes are high as Emily returns from her exciting and emotionally charged journey around the world to travel across the country to visit Arie, Chris, Jef and Sean in their hometowns. She has shown a spirit and resilience that has surprised her suitors, but she will be severely tested by some of the families as she tries to figure out if she can be in love with more than one man. Are all of these bachelors ready for marriage and to be dads? Emily will find out from the people that know them the best, as she moves closer to making her own fairytale come true.

After a much-needed reunion with her daughter, Ricki, Emily starts her hometown adventures on the bustling streets of Chicago, where Chris is located. He takes her on a walking tour of the city and for a taste of his family's heritage at a local Polish restaurant. The conversation turns serious as Chris once again apologizes for his childish behavior on their last group date. Now with the air cleared, it seems smooth sailing from here. Emily feels instantly comfortable with Chris' tight knit family, but they are worried he will end up brokenhearted. Will Chris take a giant leap of faith and share the depth of his true feelings for her? The celebration is just getting started as his extended family shows up for some traditional Polish festivities.

Then it's on to St. George, Utah, to visit Jef, the cool, laid-back entrepreneur. Arriving at his family ranch, Emily is caught off guard not only by the beauty of this desert paradise, but by Jef's country boy appeal to match his more sophisticated side. The couple enjoys an afternoon together, shooting targets and touring the ranch. Emily's early confidence fades as she nervously meets Jef's siblings, knowing that they have rejected his past girlfriends. His older brother hints that she might be the kind of woman to motivate this on-the-go bachelor to settle down. But even if his Brothers and Sisters warm up to her, do they think she is the right fit for their family? Jef has one more surprise for Emily - and it's one of the most romantic hometown moments in Bachelorette history. But will it be enough to seal the deal for the next rose?

Emily goes for a real change of pace when she meets Arie, the professional race car driver, at an Arizona racetrack. When he arrives in a racecar, Emily is up for the challenge of riding with him. The couple's breathtaking spin around the track, leaves Emily happy and exhilarated. But Arie is very anxious about the potential Culture Clash between her and his very European family - especially his skeptical mother. He is right to worry. As if she weren't already uncomfortable, Emily feels completely excluded when Arie's family begins speaking Dutch in front on her. Will a heart-to-heart talk between the Bachelorette and Arie's mother save this hometown date from turning into a disaster?

Finally, Emily journeys to Dallas, the home of the tall, handsome bachelor Sean, who seems to be everything she has always wanted in a husband. As they spend the morning picnicking in the park, he explains about his last failed relationship and reveals that he has vowed never to become serious with another woman unless he was going to spend his life with her. Emily is very impressed with Sean's honesty, but she is in for a rude awakening. He reveals a painfully embarrassing secret once he brings her to his parent's home. Is this the end for Emily's supposedly perfect guy?

Emily's feelings have deepened for all four bachelors, so when she returns to Los Angeles for the rose ceremony, she is faced with the impossible decision to let one man go. However, she sadly does say good-bye to one stunned and heartbroken bachelor. The Bachelorette and final three men get ready to leave for their next exotic destination -- Curacao - where Emily will need to face the dilemma of the overnight dates.

The four remaining men are:
Arie, 30, a race car driver from Scottsdale, AZ
Chris, 25, a corporate sales director from Chicago, IL
Jef, 27, an entrepreneur from Salt Lake City, UT
Sean, 28, an insurance agent from Dallas, TX

Hosted by Chris Harrison, "The Bachelorette" is a production of Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television. Mike Fleiss and Martin Hilton are executive producers. "The Bachelorette" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with stereo sound. This program carries a TV-PG,L parental guideline.

Photo credit: Craig Sjodin/ABC

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