When The Golden Bachelor premiered, many wondered if there was really an appetite for dating shows starring people in their 60s and 70s. One season later — and with a historic wedding, breakout stars, and a devoted fanbase — the answer is clear: absolutely yes.
But now that Gerry Turner’s season is over and The Golden Bachelorette with Joan Vassos is on the horizon, fans are asking a bigger question: what comes next?
The franchise has opened a door. Now, audiences are hoping it doesn’t close. Here’s a look at what’s likely ahead for The Golden franchise — and why this cultural phenomenon is just getting started.
The Golden Bachelorette: A Make-or-Break Moment
ABC has already confirmed The Golden Bachelorette, and fans were thrilled to learn Joan Vassos would be the first woman to lead the spinoff. Her emotional exit from Gerry’s season, coupled with her dignity and grace, made her a fan favorite. Now, she’s stepping into the spotlight.
All eyes are on Joan’s season to see if it can recapture the magic. While The Golden Bachelor had novelty on its side, The Golden Bachelorette must prove that the concept has staying power — and emotional depth.
If the format works in reverse, it opens the door for more diverse storytelling: women making the choices, men showing vulnerability, and older daters finally getting nuanced representation.
A Spinoff for the Ladies?
Viewers were vocal about their love for the women of Season 1 — especially Faith, Susan, Ellen, Leslie, and Sandra. Their stories, personalities, and friendships stole the show, and many fans feel they deserve a second chance at love, too.
Could a Golden Bachelor: Second Chances series be in the works? Or perhaps a full cast reunion spinoff, where the women are reintroduced to eligible men who were never on the show?
There’s even been speculation about a Golden Paradise — a seniors-only version of Bachelor in Paradise, where former contestants live together and explore multiple romantic connections in a more relaxed beach setting.
It may sound playful, but audiences are hungry for it. In fact, many fans have said they watched The Golden Bachelor not just for romance — but to see how older people laugh, cry, flirt, and support one another in real time.
New Storytelling Opportunities
One reason The Golden franchise has struck a chord is its emotional authenticity. When contestants share stories of grief, divorce, late-in-life loneliness, or long-forgotten passions, it feels real — because it is.
Producers now have a chance to take that further.
Future seasons could include:
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Divorced men and women who are still healing.
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LGBTQ+ seniors who haven’t seen themselves represented.
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Older contestants from more diverse cultural and racial backgrounds.
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Cast members with different abilities, living in different kinds of families.
By leaning into complexity — rather than trying to replicate traditional Bachelor tropes — the franchise could become something much more impactful: a platform for redefining aging itself.
Merchandise, Media, and the “Golden” Brand
The success of The Golden Bachelor has gone far beyond TV ratings. The cast has become social media icons. There are memes, fan accounts, and even calls for branded “Golden” wine, calendars, and self-help books.
Susan Noles, in particular, has become a breakout personality, officiating Gerry and Theresa’s wedding and hosting podcasts. Faith and Ellen have also embraced public life, connecting with fans around themes of empowerment, grief, and starting over.
ABC would be smart to build on this momentum with digital content, podcasts, and merchandise that celebrates the cast — not just as contestants, but as full-fledged personalities with something to say.
What the Fans Are Asking For
Across Twitter, Reddit, and Facebook, fan requests have been surprisingly consistent:
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More older leads. Not just one-off seasons — but a rotating, reliable part of the Bachelor franchise.
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More realism. Longer filming periods. Deeper conversations. Less editing-for-drama.
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More friendship. Everyone loved the sisterhood. Lean into that dynamic.
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More diversity. Not just in age, but race, body type, background, and sexual orientation.
In short: fans don’t want the Golden franchise to just mimic the younger Bachelor shows. They want it to evolve into something more honest, tender, and lasting.
Why It Matters
The Golden Bachelor didn’t just entertain. It filled a void.
For too long, older adults have been portrayed in media as background players — the wise grandma, the cranky neighbor, the forgettable side character. But this show made them leads.
It said, clearly: You are still worthy of love. You are still the center of a story. You are still becoming.
And that message resonated not just with seniors, but with everyone watching.
The Future Is Bright — and Golden
The next few seasons will determine whether The Golden franchise becomes a staple or a beautiful experiment. But with the enthusiasm of its audience, the strength of its cast, and the emotion at its core, the path forward looks promising.
What started as a gentle gamble on late-life love has turned into something rare and profound: a franchise that reminds us it’s never too late to dream, desire, and begin again.
So what’s next?
Hopefully, more roses. More laughter. More chances.
And a lot more gold.
