While The Golden Bachelor and The Golden Bachelorette have undeniably brought a refreshing twist to the The Bachelor franchise, it may be time for the series to take a step back after their initial seasons. The relationship between Theresa Nist and Gerry Turner concluded in divorce, highlighting the challenges faced by couples formed in this unique setting. Additionally, the show has seen numerous instances where contestants’ pasts were unearthed by curious fans of Bachelor Nation, raising ethical concerns about the impact of reality television on its participants. The emotional toll and scrutiny faced by these seniors can overshadow the potential for love, making renewal an unwise decision.

Another significant issue lies in the geographical challenges faced by contestants. While the heartwarming moments of the spin-offs have captivated audiences, the reality is that the show creates turmoil in the lives of mature individuals whose histories and personal lives are thrust into the public eye. Contestants on this senior spin-off often encounter pre-existing disadvantages, compounded by the difficulty of making substantial changes to their well-established lives after forming a couple. With many contestants having spent decades building their lives, the implications of such a format raise serious questions about the sustainability of their relationships.

Understanding Geographical Challenges in The Golden Bachelor

During an insightful interview with Glamour in October, Pascal Ibgui, a contestant from Season 1 of The Golden Bachelorette, articulated a critical perspective on the show’s logistical challenges. He pointed out the impracticality of bringing eligible singles from various locations across the country and then expecting them to uproot their lives should they find love. As a salon owner, Ibgui emphasized the need for the franchise to rethink its structure to better accommodate the full lives, families, and businesses that senior contestants cannot simply ignore. The contrast is stark when considering younger contestants on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, who often have more flexibility to consider relocation.

As someone who frequently travels, I can attest to the strain that distance can impose on relationships, especially for those in their golden years. This concern was poignantly illustrated by the first season couple, Nist and Turner, whose relationship ended partly due to distance, leading to a divorce just three months after their wedding. In a similar vein, recent Bachelor Nation couple Joan Vassos and Chock Chapple faced their own geographical hurdles, having to settle in New York as a compromise. Fortunately, they have recently secured an apartment together. However, Nist’s experience of Turner suggesting a split arrangement—alternating their time between their homes every six weeks—highlights a persistent fear that geographical constraints will always pose a challenge for senior couples navigating the complexities of love in the reality TV landscape.

The Distastefulness of Revealing Contestants’ Pasts on Reality TV

The scrutiny that contestants face in Bachelor Nation is no secret, and the senior spin-off participants have not been spared. A revealing article by PEOPLE on September 19, 2024, uncovered court documents detailing a contestant, Gil Ramirez, who had previously been subjected to a temporary restraining order from an ex-girlfriend due to allegations of “emotional harassment.” This revelation not only affected Ramirez’s reputation but also resulted in his screen time being significantly edited on the show, showcasing the harsh realities of reality television.

In another instance, in October 2024, the past of Guy Gansert, a prominent contestant and eventual runner-up, was brought to light when a restraining order filed by his wife, Heidi O’Gara, surfaced. Despite Gansert’s efforts to clarify the situation through social media, the damage to his public image was substantial. This highlights a critical point: contestants in the senior spin-off come with extensive life histories. It’s both unfair and emotionally taxing for individuals who have lived for decades without the thought of being part of a reality show to suddenly find their pasts scrutinized under the spotlight, often leading to distressing outcomes.

The Case for Limiting The Golden Spin-Offs to One Season

The inaugural seasons of The Golden Bachelor and The Golden Bachelorette have served as refreshing palate cleansers, offering viewers a glimpse into the notion that love can blossom at any age. While the concept was commendable and the episodes provided wholesome entertainment, it may be prudent for the franchise to consider concluding the senior spin-offs after just one season. Historically, the success rate of lasting couples from the The Bachelor franchise has been quite low, with Chock Chapple and Joan Vassos being one of the few exceptions.

Furthermore, the reality TV spotlight can lead to reputational risks for contestants, given that everyone has a past that may not always be favorable. Despite my enjoyment of the The Golden Bachelor and The Golden Bachelorette, I believe that the potential drawbacks to contestant well-being and the feasibility of long-term relationships outweigh the benefits. Thus, it is essential for The Bachelor franchise to refrain from investing in another season of The Golden Bachelor and The Golden Bachelorette.

Currently, there has been no official announcement regarding a second season, yet the Bachelor Nation website recently released a casting call for women interested in participating in The Golden Bachelor Season 2. In the meantime, fans can stream all episodes of The Golden Bachelor on Hulu. Watch on Hulu