The Golden Bachelor: Gerry Turner’s Journey to Find Love in His Golden Years and Meet the Trailblazing Contestants

The iconic “Bachelor” franchise is embarking on an exciting new chapter, embracing the wisdom and depth that comes with age. With the highly anticipated spinoff series, The Golden Bachelor, ABC is redefining romance on reality television. This groundbreaking show introduces viewers to Gerry Turner, a charming and eligible gentleman, as he searches for love among a group of dynamic and glamorous women, all embarking on their own journey for a second chance at companionship in their golden years.

• Gerry Turner, a 71-year-old retired restaurateur, is the inaugural “Golden Bachelor.”
• The Golden Bachelor features 22 accomplished women, each vying for Gerry’s heart and a deep connection.
• The much-anticipated series, The Golden Bachelor, is set to premiere on September 28, promising a heartwarming and mature love story.

The Golden Bachelor stands as the latest and most unique addition to The Bachelor franchise, signaling a significant evolution for the beloved reality dating staple. Announced by ABC on May 16, this innovative series is a highlight of the network’s fall lineup, promising a fresh perspective on love, romance, and human connection. At the heart of this captivating new show is Gerry Turner, a distinguished 71-year-old retired restauranteur hailing from Hudson, Indiana. Gerry is embarking on a poignant quest to find lasting love among a diverse group of 22 extraordinary women, each hoping to capture his affection and embark on a meaningful relationship.

As anticipation builds for this historic season, we’ve gathered all the essential details about The Golden Bachelor. From its eagerly awaited premiere date and the fascinating premise behind the show, to an in-depth look at Gerry Turner and the remarkable women who will join him on this journey, here’s everything you need to know about this revolutionary spinoff that promises to touch hearts and inspire millions.

The Golden Bachelor Premiere Date & Broadcast Schedule

Mark your calendars! The Golden Bachelor is set to make its highly anticipated debut on Thursday, September 28. Viewers can tune in to ABC at 8 p.m. ET to watch Gerry Turner’s emotional journey unfold. This new series will anchor ABC’s Thursday night lineup, leading directly into new episodes of Bachelor In Paradise season 9, which will begin airing at 9:01 p.m. ET. For those who prefer to stream, The Golden Bachelor will also be available for on-demand viewing on Hulu the very next day, offering convenient access to every heartwarming moment. The launch of The Golden Bachelor follows closely on the heels of the conclusion of season 20 of The Bachelorette, which starred the charismatic Charity Lawson, setting the stage for a refreshed and mature take on the quest for love.

Meet Gerry Turner: The Inaugural Golden Bachelor

ABC officially introduced the man who would lead The Golden Bachelor on July 17, and he instantly captivated audiences. Gerry Turner, at 71 years old, holds the distinction of being the oldest lead star in the entire history of The Bachelor franchise, marking a truly monumental moment for the show. Gerry, a vibrant and active individual, is described by ABC as someone who “is often busy hosting barbecues, playing pickleball, cheering on his favorite Chicago sports teams, four-wheeling, and spending time with friends and family at restaurants and local haunts.” Beyond his lively interests, Gerry is a devoted family man, cherishing his two daughters and two granddaughters. His personal story is one of profound love and loss; he was happily married to his high school sweetheart, Toni, for an incredible 43 years until she tragically passed away in 2017 after a battle with illness.

In the deeply emotional first trailer for the series, Gerry candidly opened up about the immense grief he experienced following his wife’s passing. “I took my wife to the emergency room on July 7, and she passed away on July 15,” Gerry recounted with tears in his eyes. He continued, his voice heavy with emotion, “It will be 6 years since she passed away. No one is going to replace Toni. But the love of my daughters and my granddaughters pulled me out of a dark spot.” This vulnerable confession immediately resonated with viewers, highlighting the authentic and heartfelt journey Gerry is undertaking.

Despite the enduring love he holds for Toni, Gerry expressed a profound desire to find a new companion with whom to share the remainder of his life. “I want to fall in love. I really want to find my person, who can put me in my place when I need it and make me smile at it,” he articulated. He elaborated on the kind of connection he seeks: “The person who can lay down beside you at night [and] not have to say anything, and you can feel it. That’s love. That’s what I want. And I know that person’s out there.” Gerry’s honesty and clear vision for his future underscore the emotional depth and genuine hope that define his participation in The Golden Bachelor, making his quest for love particularly compelling.

In a heartwarming promo clip released on August 21, Gerry shared a poignant conversation with his supportive daughters and granddaughter, discussing his excitement and anxieties about this unique dating experience. “Dating on this show is going to be an altogether new experience. What I hope is that I can look at one of those women and know that I’ve found the right person,” he conveyed. His family, particularly his granddaughter, offered some sage advice for navigating the modern dating world, jokingly suggesting he needed to “up his texting game” – a humorous nod to the generational differences in courtship.

Gerry openly expressed his ultimate aspiration to his family, stating, “I hope to find that person that I know is the right one. I know you guys have always wanted me to be happy and that one person is out there somewhere that will do that.” This candid exchange highlighted the deep love and support Gerry receives from his family, who are rooting for him to find happiness once more. His journey represents not just a personal quest for love, but also a broader celebration of finding joy and companionship at any stage of life, echoing sentiments that will surely resonate with many viewers.

When it came to the type of women he envisioned dating, Gerry provided producers with a specific age range, yet remained open-minded. He revealed to Variety, “I think I said 60 to 70 but feel free to blur the lines,” demonstrating his desire for a genuine connection above strict demographics. The selection of contestants promises to reflect this flexibility, bringing together an inspiring group of women. Consistent with the franchise, Jesse Palmer, the familiar host of The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, and Bachelor in Paradise, is expected to extend his hosting duties to The Golden Bachelor, providing a comforting and recognizable presence for both Gerry and the audience.

Meet the Inspiring Contestants of The Golden Bachelor

The excitement soared on August 30 when ABC officially unveiled the 22 remarkable women who will be competing for Gerry’s heart on The Golden Bachelor. This diverse and accomplished group of ladies shattered expectations, featuring an array of backgrounds, professions, and life experiences that promise a deeply engaging season. Among them is a familiar face to dedicated fans of the franchise: Patty James, the mother of The Bachelor season 25 star Matt James, is one of the trailblazing contestants. Her participation adds an intriguing layer of familiarity and legacy to this fresh spin-off.

The reveal of these women highlighted the show’s commitment to showcasing vibrant individuals who are ready for a new chapter of love. Each woman brings her own unique story, having navigated life’s triumphs and challenges, and now stands ready to open her heart again. This collection of contestants truly embodies the spirit of the “golden years,” proving that the desire for connection, passion, and partnership knows no age limit. Below is the complete list of the fabulous women ready to embark on this unprecedented romantic journey:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Golden Bachelor (@goldenbachabc)

The 22 incredible women participating in The Golden Bachelor are:

• Anna, 61, a retired nutritionist bringing her vibrant energy from Summit, N.J.
• April, 65, a dedicated therapist from Port St. Lucie, Fla., looking for a deeper connection.
• Christina, 73, a retired purchasing manager from Sierra Madre, Calif., ready for new adventures.
• Edith, 60, a retired realtor from Downey, Calif., with a passion for life.
• Ellen, 71, a retired teacher from Delray Beach, Fla., eager for romance.
• Faith, 60, a high school teacher from Benton City, Wash., known for her optimistic outlook.
• Jeanie, 65, a retired project manager from Estill Springs, Tenn., seeking a loving partnership.
• Joan, 60, a private school administrator from Rockland, Md., with a zest for life.
• Kathy, 70, a retired educational consultant from Austin, Texas, ready for a golden love story.
• Leslie, 64, a dynamic fitness instructor from Minneapolis, Minn., keeping life active and fun.
• Maria, 60, a health and wellness director from Teaneck, N.J., radiating positive energy.
• Marina, 60, an educator from Los Angeles, Calif., bringing warmth and intellect.
• Nancy, 60, a retired interior designer from Alexandria, Va., with an eye for beauty.
• Natascha, 60, a pro-aging coach and midlife speaker from New York City, N.Y., inspiring others to embrace their age.
• Pamela, 75, a retired salon owner from Aurora, Ill., with a lifetime of stories to share.
• Patty, 70, a retired real estate professional from Durham, N.C., and the mother of former Bachelor Matt James.
• Peggy, 69, a dental hygienist from East Haven, Conn., with a caring and gentle spirit.
• Renee, 67, a former Chicago Honey Bear Cheerleader from Middleton, Wis., still full of spirit and enthusiasm.
• Sandra, 75, a retired executive assistant from Doraville, Ga., bringing grace and experience.
• Susan, 66, a wedding officiant from Aston, Penn., who believes deeply in love.
• Sylvia, 64, a public affairs consultant from Los Angeles, Calif., with a sharp mind and engaging personality.
• Theresa, 69, a financial services professional from Shrewsbury, N.J., looking for a partner in life and love.

The Premise of The Golden Bachelor: A Second Chance at Love

ABC’s official synopsis for The Golden Bachelor eloquently captures the essence and groundbreaking nature of this new series. The longline states, “After more than 20 years of fostering young love on The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, and Bachelor in Paradise, The Golden Bachelor showcases a whole new kind of love story – one for the golden years. On this all-new unscripted series, one hopeless romantic is given a second chance at love in the search for a partner with whom to share the sunset years of life. The women arriving at the mansion have a lifetime of experience, living through love, loss and laughter, hoping for a spark that ignites a future full of endless possibilities. In the end, will our Golden man turn the page to start a new chapter with the woman of his dreams?” This premise promises a refreshing and deeply resonant exploration of romance, focusing on individuals who bring a rich tapestry of life experiences to their quest for connection.

The concept of a senior-focused dating show within The Bachelor universe has been a long time coming, with discussions and casting calls dating back to at least 2020. However, initial plans for the series faced significant delays due to the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Rob Mills, an executive overseeing ABC’s unscripted programming, provided insight into the network’s vision for the senior citizen series in a compelling interview with Variety in July 2020, even as the pandemic paused production.

Mills reflected on the emotional depth discovered during the initial casting process, stating, “Some of the casting interviews we got, they were just so touching. It’s such a different way of doing ‘The Bachelor’ because these people are just at a totally different place in their lives.” He further elaborated on the unique appeal of an older demographic: “There is an interesting thing about people who have hit the other end of the spectrum, who’ve lived their lives, they’ve raised their kids, some have been widowed or divorced and maybe some have never been in love. We thought that would be an interesting dynamic through the ‘Bachelor’ prism.” This foresight has now come to fruition, offering viewers a genuine, mature, and deeply personal search for love that promises to be both entertaining and profoundly moving.

The Golden Bachelor not only offers a refreshing twist on a beloved format but also celebrates the timeless pursuit of love and companionship. By focusing on Gerry Turner and the accomplished women in his age group, the show underscores the idea that passion, excitement, and the desire for a soulmate are not exclusive to youth. It’s an inspiring testament to resilience, hope, and the belief that a new chapter of love can begin at any age.