It appears Juan Pablo Galavis is bringing some serious Latin heat to primetime…

The 32-year-old Venezuelan American former pro soccer star, the first minority star of ABC’s The Bachelor after 17 previous editions, has helped give the reality dating show a massive ratings boost.

In his debut Galaviz prompted an impressive 17-percent ratings bump from last year’s premiere of ABC’s aging Bachelor franchise.

Averaging a 2.7 rating among adults 18-49 and 8.5 million viewers, the two-hour season opener marked the best premiere for the ABC series in three years.

During Monday night’s premiere Galaviz managed to cut his first nine bachelorettes, including three Latinas: Alexis Morgado, a 24-year-old communications director from Tampa, FL; Christine Llano, a 23-year-old police support specialist from Miami, FL; and Valerie Eredia, a 26-year-old personal trainer from Sutter, CA.

Galavis, now working as a consultant in the sports and entertainment industry, says he’s hoping to find the love he’s been looking for, adding that’s what’s missing in his life.

He noted that his daughter Camila was born on Valentine’s Day in 2009 and she’ll always be his valentine, so it’s important to him to find a wife that will understand and appreciate family. Galavis also wants two more kids “badly” and felt The Bachelor experience would be all about “destiny.”