ABC’s The Golden Bachelor and its spinoff, The Golden Bachelorette, promised a refreshing twist on the classic dating show format by showcasing older contestants looking for love. While the concept initially drew in audiences for its novelty, both series have faced repeated controversies that have damaged their reputation and overshadowed their content. With troubling revelations about contestants and questionable choices in production, it may be time for ABC to reconsider these shows’ future.
Gerry Turner’s Fall from Grace
When The Golden Bachelor premiered, Gerry Turner’s story captured viewers’ hearts. The retired restauranteur’s quest for love after losing his wife was both touching and rare on reality TV, attracting attention for being a show about love in the later stages of life. However, before the season finale, The Hollywood Reporter exposed that Turner’s backstory wasn’t as authentic as it seemed—he was in a relationship before filming, and his career as a “retired” restauranteur had inconsistencies.
This exposure, combined with his quick marriage and divorce to Golden Bachelor winner Theresa Nist, significantly damaged his reputation. Turner’s appearance in The Golden Bachelorette also stirred controversy when he gave Joan Vassos advice and asked if her chosen partner was truly the right one. This moment, considering Turner’s own questionable path, felt particularly hypocritical, reinforcing the idea that his association with the franchise has become problematic.
Scandals and Background Checks on The Golden Bachelorette
The Golden Bachelorette also struggled with controversies that painted the show in a negative light. Days before filming, contestant Gil Ramirez was found to have a restraining order filed against him by an ex-girlfriend, and Guy Gansert had a protective order filed against him by his ex-wife. These revelations, coming on the heels of a previous scandal involving The Bachelorette contestant Devin Strader, underscored major flaws in the franchise’s background checks. Despite Turner’s assurances of a rigorous vetting process, the incidents raised questions about ABC’s commitment to thorough screening.
The drama didn’t stop there. Contestant Pascal Igbui, who was a competitor to Chock Chapple for Vassos’ heart, called Chapple “a stalker” in a Glamour interview and claimed his behavior was excessive. Though Igbui later apologized, he left the show, stating he wasn’t in love with Vassos. Chapple, for his part, defended his actions, attributing them to jealousy among other contestants. This additional layer of tension and interpersonal conflict further tainted the show’s image.
Should ABC Move On?
The controversies surrounding The Golden Bachelor and The Golden Bachelorette are more than just hiccups; they’ve become a trend. While the shows brought a fresh idea to reality TV by focusing on older singles, it hasn’t been enough to outweigh the drama that follows. The spotlight has shifted from a celebration of love to a stage for contestant scandals, making it hard to see these series as the feel-good programs they were meant to be.
Though there’s chatter of international versions and even Kathy Griffin hinting at becoming The Golden Bachelorette, these shows must address the fundamental issue: contestants whose pasts overshadow the show itself. If ABC wants to avoid another cycle of drama that detracts from the heart of the show, it might be wise to put an end to both series. Reality TV can be compelling and full of heart—when done right. But when it devolves into endless controversies, it’s time to walk away.
