This fall, the writer’s strike ruined any chance of good new television. With low hopes, I resorted to religiously watching pre-financial crisis HGTV. That was before The Golden Bachelor aired. Joining the rest of the “Bach Nation”, the show follows the same simple premise but with one twist – the cast members are all senior citizens. The ridiculous antics that take place on the show can no longer be blamed on ignorant youth! 

The season begins with a bang, per usual bachelor fashion. One candidate pulls up in a motorcycle, another in their birthday suit. From the start, there are clear favorites and clear enemies. Teresa’s first date creates lasting memories for her and Gerry.

The other women do not like this obvious natural connection and quickly feel threatened. I will not spoil any more for those who have not yet seen the show, but one thing is clearly different this season. While other Bachelor Nation shows are plagued with toxic people and ideas, this season seems to have a more progressive side. Viewers who are used to watching shallow influencers fight over a ‘Jake’ might find themselves asking: “What is this worldly coven of Talbots models who will clearly be happy regardless of Gerry’s decision?” All the women are comfortable in their skin and are there to find both love and friendship. They also have lived full lives before the show with relationships and hardships. 

One contestant self-eliminates after realizing that Gerry is not the right person for her. Two others leave the show due to family obligations. This gave the otherwise unrealistic show a dose of reality. Other shows in the genre seem to have followed suit when it comes to The Golden Bachelor’s “keeping it real” attitude. Keeping Up With the Kardashians, which is known to be the epitome of reality TV, has rebranded to the Kardashians, to show a more unscripted side of the family. While none of this eliminates the problematic aspects of the show (lack of diversity, forced intimacy, etc.), a brighter future seems to be on the horizon. Whether or not Gerry finds love, he seems to have created a new Golden age in reality television.