Charles Ling was a fan favorite on The Golden Bachelorette, and while he may not have made it to the final two, I believe he’s the best choice for the next Golden Bachelor lead. Unfortunately, I’m not confident that the franchise producers will see it the same way, as their history of picking leads doesn’t always follow the obvious choice.
Joan Vassos was a perfect lead for The Golden Bachelorette, especially after her heart was broken by The Golden Bachelor star Gerry Turner. Joan’s journey to find love on her own terms culminated in her choosing Chock Chapple, and it was a beautiful conclusion. Charles, while never a front-runner, stood out for his warm personality, charm, and authenticity. His time on the show was brief, but he left a lasting impression on fans who appreciated his genuine approach to life and love.
Why Charles Ling Is the Perfect Choice
Charles’s background and demeanor make him an ideal candidate to be The Golden Bachelor. Originally from China, Charles moved to the U.S. with just $20 and built a successful life here. He was married for 36 years until his wife tragically passed away from a brain aneurysm six years ago. Despite the profound grief that still lingers from his loss, Charles has shown an openness to finding love again, especially on The Golden Bachelorette.
What makes Charles so likable is his authenticity. A retired data analyst and proud father of two, Charles comes across as humble, adventurous, and deeply family-oriented. His sense of humor was also apparent during his time on the show when he joked, “I’m 66 years old, but I look like 36.” His positive outlook, combined with his life experience and deep affection for his daughters, makes him a man many viewers could root for. Despite not winning Joan’s heart, he’s clearly someone who deserves a second chance at love.
Why Charles Won’t Be Chosen
Unfortunately, I don’t think producers will pick Charles as the next Golden Bachelor—even though he’s the best choice. One reason is that he hasn’t fully processed his grief from losing his wife. While Joan also experienced the loss of a spouse, she displayed a readiness to move on romantically that Charles hasn’t quite reached yet. This isn’t a criticism of Charles; it’s a recognition that he may need more time to heal before diving into another serious relationship.
Moreover, Charles didn’t have much screen time on The Golden Bachelorette. He was eliminated relatively early, and while he was endearing, producers are more likely to choose someone who made it further into the show. They’ll probably favor a contestant who proved they can handle the pressures of a lead role, and Charles simply didn’t get enough time to show what he’s capable of in that environment.
Who Could Be The Next Golden Bachelor?
With no clear front-runner yet, there are several men who could potentially step into the role of Golden Bachelor. Guy Gansert was a fan favorite, but recent revelations about his past have complicated his chances. Mark Anderson has also been mentioned, though his authenticity comes into question compared to someone like Charles, who was beloved for his genuine nature. Pascal Ibgui, another possibility, has raised eyebrows with his controversial demands, including wanting to lower the women’s ages.
Despite these options, I still believe Charles would be the best choice for The Golden Bachelor. He’s relatable, charming, and brings a level of maturity and wisdom that would make for a compelling season. Unfortunately, I’m not convinced that the producers will take a chance on someone who wasn’t a front-runner. I hope they surprise us, though—because Charles deserves a real shot at love.
