From The Golden Bachelor to Golden Bachelorette? Producers hint at new spinoffs

The television landscape witnessed a notable shift with The Golden Bachelor, a reality TV show that broke the mold by featuring older contestants in a quest for love. This series, led by 72-year-old Gerry Turner, not only captivated a significant viewership but also set a new precedent in the Bachelor franchise.

The show's finale episode alone attracted over 6 million viewers, marking a high point in recent franchise history. The success of The Golden Bachelor has led to discussions among producers about a potential spinoff, The Golden Bachelorette, which has garnered widespread attention and anticipation.

---

The Golden Bachelorette is in the works

The Golden Bachelor emerged as a groundbreaking addition to the Bachelor franchise, showcasing a unique focus on romance among older individuals. The series finale, featuring Turner's choice of Theresa Nist as his partner, drew an audience of over 6 million viewers, a significant achievement for the franchise.

The show's authentic portrayal of romance and its focus on an often-overlooked age group in mainstream dating shows brought a fresh perspective to the reality TV landscape.

Following the success of the show, producers Bennett Graebner, Claire Freeland, and Jason Ehrlich have hinted at the possibility of a Golden Bachelorette spinoff. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Jason stated:

“People are really liking the stories that we’re telling, and so I’m really interested to see. It will be different; it will be almost like doing it for the first time all over again with The Golden Bachelorette…What is it going to be like with 20-some older men living in the Bachelor Mansion? We don’t know, but I’m pretty sure it will be different and interesting. And that’s what makes me want to watch.”

Speculation about potential leads for this spinoff has centered on contestants from Gerry Turner's season, with names like Leslie Fhima, Faith Martin, and Ellen Goltzer being popular among fans. The concept of a Golden Bachelorette has been met with positive reactions, reflecting a strong audience interest in continuing to explore mature love stories.

The discussions around The Golden Bachelorette are part of a broader strategy by ABC and Warner Horizon to diversify the age range of contestants in the Bachelor franchise. This move, seen as a response to the positive reception of The Golden Bachelor, indicates a shift in the franchise's approach, aiming to appeal to a wider audience demographic.

By including contestants of various ages, the franchise is poised to offer a more inclusive and representative view of romance and relationships, a departure from its traditional focus on younger participants.

In reflection of the success of The Golden Bachelor, ABC has announced a special event titled The Golden Wedding, which will feature the wedding of Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist. This event, scheduled for broadcast, is expected to draw significant viewership, further cementing the show's impact on the franchise.

The potential for a Golden Bachelorette spinoff has elicited various reactions from industry insiders. Contestants from The Golden Bachelor, along with the show's host and producers, have shared their excitement and support for the idea.

Cary Fetman, the stylist for the Bachelor franchise, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to style a Golden Bachelorette, highlighting the unique charm and elegance of styling older contestants.

---

The success of the show and the discussions surrounding a potential Golden Bachelorette spinoff mark a significant moment in the evolution of the Bachelor franchise.

As viewers and industry professionals alike await further developments, the anticipation for The Golden Bachelorette continues to grow, signaling a new chapter in the franchise's history.