ABC Unveils Gerry Turner as the Star of The Golden Bachelor

After years of anticipation, the senior citizen spinoff of the beloved reality dating show, “The Bachelor,” is finally becoming a reality.

ABC recently announced that Gerry Turner, a 71-year-old gentleman, will be the first mature star of “The Bachelor” franchise in its remarkable two-decade history on television.

From the released key art of “The Golden Bachelor,” it is evident that the leading man breaks away from the typical age range of contestants seen in the franchise. The promotional materials for the upcoming season, set to premiere in the fall, reveal a glimpse of the mystery man’s head, showcasing his salt-and-pepper hair and beard.

When news broke about “The Golden Bachelor,” social media users were curious about the age range of the star.

Would he only be slightly older than the usual 20-something or 30-something contestants, or would this be an opportunity for Bachelor Nation to witness a season centered around senior citizens? ABC did not disappoint, delivering a show that caters to senior citizens and casting Gerry Turner as the star.

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“The Golden Bachelor” promises to showcase a “whole new kind of love story—one for the golden years.” According to the network’s synopsis, the show follows a hopeless romantic as he embarks on a second chance at love, searching for a partner to share the sunset years of life.

For years, casting calls for a senior citizen version of “The Bachelor” had been aired during the regular “Bachelor” shows, leaving viewers in anticipation of whether the show would ever come to fruition.

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In the first trailer for “The Golden Bachelor,” Turner is introduced to America. He stands before a mirror, donning a suit and hearing aids, exuding charm and charisma.

The voiceover in the trailer playfully describes him, saying, “He posts his thirst traps in a leather-bound album. His DMs have postage. He gets the early bird special any time he wants. If you call him, he’ll answer the phone. He doesn’t have gray hair—he has wisdom highlights. Florida wants to retire and move to him. He’s Gerry.”

Rob Mills, Disney’s top unscripted TV executive, expressed his excitement about the series in an interview with Variety. He highlighted the unique aspect of “The Golden Bachelor,” as the contestants are at a completely different stage in their lives.

Mills stated, “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.”

“The Golden Bachelor” represents the latest expansion in “The Bachelor” franchise, which has captivated audiences with 60 seasons since its debut in 2002. The franchise includes the flagship series “The Bachelor,” “The Bachelorette,” and “Bachelor in Paradise.”

While ratings for the franchise have experienced a decline over the years, as is the case with many long-running network shows, “The Golden Bachelor” has generated substantial discussion and renewed interest among fans who eagerly anticipate this refreshing twist on the beloved show.