Golden Bachelorette host Jesse Palmer was 'surprised' about Joan's post-hometowns confusion

Golden Bachelorette host Jesse Palmer was 'surprised' about Joan's post-hometowns confusion
"We’re used to seeing connections grow by leaps and bounds after hometown dates," he says.

Published on October 24, 2024 08:00AM EDT
Each week during The Golden Bachelorette, host Jesse Palmer will answer a few questions about Joan's "journey" to find "love." Today, Jesse shares his thoughts via email about Joan's four hometown dates — and whether deep-dish pizza is really pizza.

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Now that we've seen our second round of Golden hometown dates, who do you think are tougher family interrogators — parents and siblings on the regular franchise, or kids and grandkids on Golden?

JESSE PALMER: Kids and grandchildren, because they have zero filter. They ask the necessary questions but in such a direct and unfiltered way that it puts people on the spot! Plus, kids always seem to know whether you’re telling the truth or not. 

Pascal's grandson Pryce has a question for Joan on 'The Golden Bachelorette'.ABC
Guy got pretty emotional on his date and even said he's ready to propose. He generally seems so smooth and put together — what did you think about seeing this side of him?

I think Guy is naturally an emotional person, but seeing Joan’s interaction with his family really solidified his feelings for her. 

On the flip side, Chock had a hard time admitting to his dad how he feels about Joan — which was surprising since he's usually so effusive with her. What was your reaction to Chock's conversation with his dad?

I certainly don’t want to speak on behalf of Chock, but I think as men, we have a harder time opening up to our fathers when it comes to love and our own intimate feelings. 

Chock and his dad share a dude hug on 'The Golden Bachelorette'.ABC
How surprised were you when Joan told you that after her dates with Pascal and Jordan, she felt "less confident" about her connections than she did before hometowns?

I was very surprised, since hometowns generally give you more clarity and answers that you need to progress relationships. We’re used to seeing connections grow by leaps and bounds after hometown dates.

Jordan and Joan eat deep dish pizza on 'The Golden Bachelorette'.ABC
Finally, on her date with Jordan in Chicago, he took her for deep-dish pizza. Please settle a debate: Is deep-dish pizza actually pizza, or is it (as Jon Stewart says) just a "casserole" in pizza form?

Of course it’s pizza! No matter what you want to call it, Chicago Deep Dish is one of my favorite things in the world! 

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

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The Golden Bachelorette airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.