When Bachelor in Paradise premiered its first season in 2014, it was marketed as the fun, flirtatious, and often chaotic spin-off of the more traditional Bachelor and Bachelorette series. But now, ten seasons in, the show is undergoing its most unexpected — and welcome — transformation yet.
For the first time, Bachelor in Paradise is embracing the golden generation. Ten alums from The Golden Bachelor and the upcoming Golden Bachelorette are heading to Costa Rica for a sun-soaked second chance at love. And if early clips are any indication, they’re not just joining the show — they’re reinventing it.
A Beach Full of Legends
The newly announced Golden cast members include fan favorites Leslie Fhima, Gary Levingston, Kathy Swarts, Keith Gordon, Natascha Hardee, and April Kirkwood. Rounding out the group are newcomers from Joan Vassos’s Golden Bachelorette season: Charles “CK” King, Ralph “RJ” Johnson, Jack Lencioni, and Kim Buike.
For Bachelor Nation, this casting is a big deal. The inclusion of older contestants in a setting traditionally dominated by 20- and 30-somethings sends a clear message: love, lust, and drama don’t have an expiration date.
It also raises the question — what happens when you mix golden wisdom with the younger, often impulsive energy of Paradise regulars?
Champagne and Connection
In the first teaser released by ABC, Kathy Swarts, wearing a bold red swimsuit and sunglasses, struts onto the beach and declares, “I’m here for love — at least once. Maybe twice. Possibly three times.”
She pops a bottle of champagne while a younger man, identified as Jonathon from Jenn Tran’s upcoming Bachelorette season, watches her from a hot tub. That single frame captures everything that makes this new Paradise era exciting: the unpredictability, the flirtation, the possibility of age-gap romance.
And yes — it’s working.
Beyond the Gimmick
While some viewers initially questioned whether this move was just a ratings grab, early fan reactions suggest something deeper is happening. These Golden alums bring not just experience, but emotional depth, storytelling prowess, and a refreshing sense of humor to a format that was beginning to feel formulaic.
Leslie and Captain Kim are seen swimming together in a gentle ocean scene, both laughing with the carefree energy of two people who’ve weathered life’s storms and still believe in magic. Natascha and Gary share a quiet moment on the shore, reflecting on their journeys — and why they still want to try.
It’s clear: these contestants aren’t here to play games. They’re here to live fully.
Intergenerational Intrigue
One of the most intriguing dynamics heading into the season is how the older and younger contestants will interact — romantically, socially, and competitively. April Kirkwood is seen getting emotional during a conversation with Jonathon, and fans are already speculating that a cross-generational romance might blossom.
Could Bachelor in Paradise become the first mainstream dating show to normalize mature women dating younger men in a way that doesn’t feel like a punchline? It’s very possible — and it’s long overdue.
As Kathy Swarts quips in the teaser, “They say age is just a number… and mine’s unlisted.”
Why This Moment Matters
The inclusion of Golden alums in Bachelor in Paradise is more than a casting experiment — it’s a cultural correction.
For years, reality dating shows have perpetuated the idea that love stories are only interesting when they involve people in their 20s. But The Golden Bachelor proved that audiences are hungry for stories of resilience, rediscovery, and romance that come after decades of life experience.
Now, Paradise is offering a stage where those stories can unfold in real time — under palm trees, with cocktails in hand, and with the same level of drama, humor, and heart that makes the franchise work.
Looking Ahead
As Bachelor in Paradise Season 10 gears up for its July 7 premiere, expectations are high. Will sparks fly between Leslie and a new suitor? Will CK and RJ bring gentlemanly charm to a new generation of contestants? Will Kim Buike or Jack Lencioni steal the spotlight?
One thing is certain: the Golden alums aren’t side characters. They are the heart of this new chapter. And if they’ve taught us anything, it’s that the best love stories are the ones you least expect — especially when they begin later in life.
So grab your sunscreen, pour a mimosa, and get ready. Bachelor in Paradise is about to become golden — in more ways than one.
