SEASON PREMIERE

"HERE COME THE NEWLYWEDS," THE ROMANTIC COMEDY REALITY SERIES, IS BACK, PREMIERING MONDAY, MAY 25 ON ABC

Nine Just-Married Couples Compete For a Life-Changing Cash Prize

"The Battle of the Sexes" -- Nine just-married couples compete for a life-changing cash prize to help kick-start their new lives together and realize their dreams, on the season premiere of the one-hour romantic comedy reality series, "Here Come the Newlyweds," MONDAY, MAY 25 (10:02-11:00 p.m.) ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Note: This program will repeat Saturday, May 30, from 9:00-10:00 p.m., ET.

Hosted by comedian Pat Bullard, "Here Come the Newlyweds" is all about relationships, the differences between men and women, and the universal issues that every couple must face. The newlyweds are diverse, sexy and competitive, and include pairings that range from couples who met at a date auction, a rock concert and church to a couple reunited after 10 years apart and another couple who were still virgins before saying, "I do."

In this eight-episode series, each couple faces a variety of mental and physical challenges which will test the love and passion they have for one another as well as their competitive spirit. At the end of each episode, the field will be narrowed as the couples vote to send one couple home. The stakes get higher as the potential nest egg grows, until one couple ultimately wins the grand prize.

In the premiere episode, "The Battle of the Sexes," the nine newlywed couples are put on the spot to reveal their first impressions of the couples they will be competing with, and there's a men vs. the women paintball battle, with the losers cooking breakfast for the winning sex. The couples' communication skills are tested when the blindfolded husbands strip down to their skivvies while their wives instruct them where to find their clothes. The winning couple of this challenge will earn safety from elimination.

Those eager to take home the big cash winnings are:

Marlo & Mark Corliss � After dating off and on in college, both went their separate ways, only to once again cross paths and fall in love. Hometown: Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts.

Ashley & Matt Cox � This outdoors-loving couple have known each other since the fifth grade, when they met on the school bus. They know everything about each other, which can sometimes lead to knowing what buttons to push and harmless bickering. Hometown: Smyrna, Tennessee.

Sarin & Jed Hinkins � Virgins when they got married, this couple's honeymoon was the very first time they were together. Their honeymoon hotel turned out to be a "clothing optional" resort � which was incredibly awkward for them. Hometown: Cedar City, Utah.

Brendan & Bridget Huffman � In high school, Brendan and Bridget ran with the same crowd. Years later, Brendan bumped into Bridget at a rock concert -- she was on a date with another guy. Sparks flew, Bridget ditched her date and the two have been together ever since. Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Michele & Sonarak Ieng � Sonarak met Michele at a date auction where he was the emcee and she was up for auction. He bid on her and the next day Michele contacted him. The outgoing couple have been together ever since. Hometown: Fairfax, Virginia.

Makayla & Kenny McMorris � This fun-loving and goal-oriented couple met at their church, but started dating after seeing each other at a club. When it comes to examples of happily married couples, they say that they are each other's best role models. Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska.

Audra & Rich Newbery � It was love at first sight for Rich when he saw Audra dancing at a club with her friends. Audra says that it was Rich's British accent that won her over. Hometown: San Francisco, California.

Katie & Nick Oskowski � This couple is addicted to fitness. She teaches aerobics and he is a personal trainer. If that weren't enough, they enjoy spending time together working out at the gym. Hometown: Mentor, Ohio.

Andrea & Matt Smith � Although Andrea and Matt fell in love at first sight, it was five months before they shared their first kiss, and they dated for two years before getting married. Hometown: Cottonwood Heights, Utah.

The executive producers of "Here Come the Newlyweds" are Jay Blumenfield and Tony Marsh ("The Road to Stardom with Missy Elliott," "Dane Cook's Tourgasm"). The series is produced by The Jay and Tony Show in association with Warner Horizon Television.

This program is broadcast with Spanish subtitles via secondary closed captioning. A TV parental guideline will be posted closer to airdate.

This episode of "Here Come the Newlyweds" will be available on abc.com the day after airing on the network for users to watch online.