A Global Love Story Begins
After the American version of The Golden Bachelor captured hearts across the U.S., the franchise did something few expected: it went international. In spring 2025, ABC partnered with Dutch network RTL to debut De Gouden Vrijgezel (The Golden Bachelor Netherlands), and with it came a breath of fresh European air. Leading the series was Gerard van der Meer, a 74-year-old retired botanist and widowed grandfather from Utrecht with twinkling eyes and a poetic soul.
From its very first episode, the show signaled a dramatic tonal shift. Set in the breathtaking Tuscan countryside, Gerard’s journey unfolded among vineyards, lavender fields, and historic villas — a setting that evoked romance in every frame. It wasn’t just a backdrop, it was a mood.
Meet Gerard: The Plant-Loving Poet of Love
Gerard quickly became a sensation. With his gentle voice, encyclopedic plant knowledge, and surprisingly witty sense of humor, he won over both contestants and audiences. Unlike his American counterpart, Gerry Turner, Gerard wasn’t defined by grief — but by a slow, contemplative journey toward rediscovery.
“Love is like a tulip,” he told one contestant over espresso in Florence. “It opens slowly. But when it does, it’s magnificent.”
He journaled each day. He painted watercolors of his dates. And yes, he wrote poetry — lots of it. One went viral across European social media:
“You came not to complete me,
But to remind me I was never finished.”
Fans adored him for his emotional depth, his softness, and his refusal to rush anything.
A Cast of Elegant, Empowered Women
The women on the Dutch spin-off matched Gerard’s energy. They were professors, museum curators, yoga instructors — each with stories of love lost and life well-lived. The show spotlighted cultural differences too: conversations about euthanasia, independence in aging, and even spirituality added intellectual weight rarely seen in reality TV.
Contestant Marijke, 68, stood out as a widowed novelist who challenged Gerard in deep philosophical talks. Meanwhile, Anika, 70, a retired chocolatier, charmed the audience with her warmth and laughter. Drama existed, but it was often respectful, quietly layered, and resolved over tea rather than shouting matches.
Europe Reacts
Critics praised the Dutch version for its pace, elegance, and emotional realism. A review in De Volkskrant called it “a meditation on late-life connection.” Meanwhile, viewers across the continent tuned in weekly — including many younger fans who watched with their parents or grandparents.
Social media became a hub of commentary. A viral TikTok showed a granddaughter and her oma (grandmother) watching the show together, crying during a slow dance scene between Gerard and his final pick, Helena, a widowed piano teacher. The caption: “Love has no age.”
What Comes Next
Following the finale, ABC confirmed that the format would expand to Australia, Germany, and even South Korea. Gerard and Helena remain together, often posting pictures of weekend bike rides and home-cooked dinners on Instagram.
The message is clear: The Golden Bachelor isn’t just an American experiment anymore. It’s a movement — one that proves vulnerability, romance, and dignity belong in every decade of life.
