No reality show franchise has done quite as good a job of staying relevant as The Bachelor. Whether it’s changing hosts or starting an entirely new show, this ABC reality juggernaut just keeps expanding its reach.
Now the franchise has its eyes set on an entirely new demographic. This week, The Golden Bachelor premiered, bringing viewers a certified silver fox as a lead and a multitude of female senior citizens looking to find a partner for their golden years.
Bachelor Nation has all sorts of fans: those who watch every show with fidelity, those who tune in if the lead interests them, and those who used to fall into one of the former categories but have since fallen off the bandwagon. If you currently find yourself firmly in the third group, one episode of The Golden Bachelor will have you repledging your allegiance to Bachelor Nation.
A Genuine Viewing Experience
The Golden Bachelor is the sweetest show on television right now. Gerry Turner, the first-ever Golden Bachelor, is a 72-year-old widower who tragically lost his wife of over four decades to an unforeseen bacterial infection just weeks after closing on a waterfront home for them to enjoy in retirement. Turner assures viewers that no one will ever replace his late wife, but he’s optimistic that he can find a second love of his life.
And we’re optimistic that Turner can, too. Turner is kind, rational, and sweet, and he’s got great options for suitors. The contestants are beautiful, vivacious, accomplished women who have no intention of slowing down any time soon. They’re confident in themselves and know what they want. They’re all inspirational as hell.
But The Golden Bachelor Doesn’t Lack Drama
If the gushy stuff has never been the reason you’ve watched any offerings from The Bachelor franchise, don’t worry. The Golden Bachelor has plenty of drama, too. Though it doesn’t seem that there will be as much petty infighting at Bachelor Mansion (the ladies are in their 60s and 70s, after all), aging doesn’t necessarily mean that romantic relationships become less complicated. By the looks of what’s to come, Turner and company are subject to just as much trouble when trying to find a fiancé as anyone in their 20s or 30s.
Even with the drama, The Golden Bachelor will warm your heart and remind you that life doesn’t stop if you don’t let it. The only downside to this version of The Bachelor is that we’ll be just as heartbroken as Turner if he doesn’t find love by the end of the season.
The Golden Bachelor is streaming now on Hulu.