Looking for Love in Front of Millions

Guys, if you think this is “reality” television, you must be dreaming.

In the latest twist on the unscripted genre, “Survivor” meets “Fantasy Island” as a single man searches for his soul mate among 25 knockout women on “The Bachelor,” premiering at 9 tonight on ABC.

If all goes according to Cupid’s plan (or at least the network’s), over the course of six episodes the bachelor will pare the field to 15 women, then eight, four and, ultimately, to the woman who wins his heart.

Will he choose the doctor, the NBA cheerleader, the power tool sales rep or one of the others? Will he propose, and will she accept?

Host Chris Harrison treats the contest with borderline reverence.

“This is no ordinary relationship show,” he says. “This is about something real, something permanent--you know, the whole ‘till-death-do-us-part’ thing.”

The producers appear to have taken pains to avoid repeating the “Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire?” fiasco, when the “winner” decided that a cold fish with seven figures is still a cold fish, and the union quickly unraveled.

This time the catch is Alex, a 31-year-old management consultant with an Ivy League degree and senatorial good looks, who seems genuinely friendly and humble.

In tonight’s show, Alex hosts a cocktail party at a seaside Malibu estate, mingling with the women who share his desire for true love (and a chance to be on TV).

After the soiree, he offers a red rose to the 15 women he would like to know better, and those who accept it will go to round 2, moving into the mansion as the courtship and competition intensify.

The cheese factor is undeniable, but “The Bachelor” makes a connection with its audience beyond the vicarious thrill.

The faces may be glamorous, but the quest for love and acceptance is universal.

At the end of tonight’s episode, one of the stunned rejects nearly breaks down. “I’m a good person,” she says.

And at that moment, who could watch without knowing how she feels?

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“The Bachelor” can be seen at 9 tonight on ABC. The network has rated it TV-PG (may be inappropriate for young children).