Kindness and good manners reigned supreme on ABC’s “The Golden Bachelor,” making it must-watch television for viewers fed up with the toxic drama that occurs on other reality TV franchises like Real Housewives, “Vanderpump Rules” and even the Original “Bachelor.” And perhaps throughout society.
The premise? Gerry Turner, 72, a permanently tanned widower in his golden years, gets a second chance at love in this R-rated version of “The Bachelor.”
So far, fans have enthusiastically embraced the concept of “healthy.” The premiere of “The Golden Bachelor” came out with a bang, earning the program its highest ratings in more than two years.
The fact that Turner is fit, tanned and, well, a little corn dog doesn’t hurt either. He’s also a pickleball enthusiast, you know, just like your grandfather.
Additionally, the widower was married to his high school sweetheart of 43 years, Toni, before she passed away from a sudden illness in 2017. He hasn’t dated since.
This maudlin story strikes a chord.
While we’ll have to wait until the end of next week to see if the retired restaurateur chooses Theresa Nist, 70, or Leslie Fhima, 64 (or even proposes), it was a relatively drama-free season, with viewers tuning root for the grandpa of two.
Better yet, no one knocked over martinis or tables. There were no physical fights. No hair pulling. No overt racism. No one wakes up in their own urine, “The Real Housewives of New York” style.
The Golden Girls were mostly on their best behavior.
It probably helped that ABC carefully selected age-appropriate women for the show. The 22 contestants vying for a place in Turner’s heart are between 60 and 75 years old.
“We were a mature group, all of us, and we held each other accountable,” Turner told Glamor. “We all loved each other.”
In fact, women have all promised to attend Turner’s wedding – if it happens – in a sweet pact.
When one of the contestants crossed a line, Turner, with typical Midwestern integrity, fired her.
While the “Golden” format is largely the same as its predecessor (group dates, rose ceremonies, exotic destinations and fantasy suites), the general civility is what sets it apart.
Of course, there has been drama on the show; otherwise why would we watch it? Several contestants dropped out early due to family emergencies, including fan favorite Joan, and one woman even missed her daughter’s wedding to court Turner.
The biggest scandal so far? A catfight between Kathy and Theresa, the latter accused of being boastful by oversharing her connection to Gerry. Kathy told Theresa to “zip it up” and the confrontation ended in tears and roses for both women. However, one episode later, Kathy was fired by Turner.
Quite tame compared to “Scandoval” and the like.
It’s refreshing. Especially when former RHONY star and podcast host Bethenny Frankel is waging a vocal war against her former network, and the reality TV genre in general, along with other aggrieved Bravolebrities like Leah McSweeney, Eboni K. Williams, and Raquel Leviss.
A recent Vanity Fair article exposed this reality TV reckoning, including accounts of McSweeney being pressured to drink/relapse, Ramona Singer’s alleged racism and use of the “N-word,” and Brandi Glanville kissing and groping Caroline Manzo without her consent.
Is “The Golden Bachelor” perfect? Of course not.
There is still the general discomfort of a man courting two women on consecutive nights.
In the show’s penultimate episode, which aired last Thursday, Turner flew to Costa Rica with her two final picks and spent a night with each in the Fantasy Suite. He also told both women that he loved them.
It feels a little tone deaf for a show that prides itself on being authentic and sensitive.
Turner is also becoming an ABC shill. He hosted the network’s Country Music Awards ceremony in early November, rubbing shoulders with Paula Abdul, Jelly Roll and “Bachelorette” Kaitlyn Bristowe.
The father of two even created an Instagram account, @goldengerryturner, to chronicle his reality TV journey and his connections to ABC. The account has more than 90,000 followers. The next step? Sponsored posts, I assume.
But self-promotion aside, “The Golden Bachelor” has restored my faith in reality TV and love in general. This group of genuine people in their 60s and 70s is proof that we can all get along, or at least respect each other without resorting to name-calling and violence.
Which begs the question: Will ABC host a version of “Golden Bachelorette” next week?
If so, I’ll be tuned in!
