‘Golden Bachelor’ Finds New Showrunner After Resignations

ABC renewed Golden Bachelor for another season with a new lead. But that isn’t the only new thing happening to the spinoff. The network found a new showrunner after multiple resignations. Keep reading for the latest news in the popular franchise.

Bachelor Franchise Faces Shakeups

The Bachelor was groundbreaking when it premiered in 2002. TV is oversaturated with dating shows now, but back then, it was a relatively new idea. The first season was so popular that it was spun off into a female-led version. Later came Bachelor Pad (RIP) and Bachelor In Paradise.

By 2020, though, fans were begging for major changes in the franchise. Their demand for diversity was met when Matt James was named the first Black Bachelor for Season 25. But fans wanted more. They were clamoring for the reality dating show to feature senior citizens.

ABC listened and debuted the first Golden Bachelor season in 2023. They cast widower Gerry Turner as the lead. He eventually found love with Theresa Nist. However, the relationship was short-lived. They divorced after three months of marriage. He recently revealed he has a new girlfriend.

The failure of the first Golden Bachelor season put the show in doubt of getting renewed. But the senior spinoff isn’t the only show in the franchise struggling.

Bachelor In Paradise returns this summer after being put on pause in 2024. ABC announced that The Bachelorette won’t air this year after the controversy of Jenn Tran’s season.

Golden Bachelor Finds New Showrunner After Resignations

The Bachelor Nation franchise also underwent a series of backstage drama in the last few years. Mike Fleiss, who created the show, left the franchise in 2023. And, of course, who can forget the racism scandal that cost Chris Harrison his job?

Several crew members left the reality show earlier this year amid allegations of a toxic workplace. The allegations were made public around the time Bachelor producers Claire Freeland and Bennett Graebner resigned.

According to Deadline, ABC brought in new blood to helm the second Golden Bachelor season.  The outlet reported that Jessica Castro is the new showrunner for the senior spinoff.

When To Expect Season 2 Premiere

The Golden Bachelor has a new lead from outside the franchise and a new showrunner. So, when can fans expect it to air on television? ABC hasn’t revealed when exactly Season 2 will premiere. However, it will most likely air on the fall schedule.

Bachelor In Paradise premieres on July 7th. The new season will feature contestants from The Bachelor and The Bachelorette as usual. However, in a new twist, former contestants from the first Golden Bachelor and Golden Bachelorette seasons will be there, too. How exactly that will work isn’t clear yet. Will the younger contestant mingle with – and possibly date – the older contestants?

While Mel Owens was announced as the next Golden Bachelor, filming hasn’t started yet.  Deadline reported that the show will start filming soon. It will likely air on Wednesdays in the fall, like Joan Vassos’ Golden Bachelorette season did in 2024. Mondays are reserved for football.  Dancing With The Stars will probably stay in the Tuesday time slot.

Are you excited for the new Golden Bachelor season?