The Bachelor Producers Are Casting a Dating Show for Seniors
The Bachelor, a show in which women over the age of 27 are considered “cougars,” has been accused of having an ageism problem before. Whether or not that’s true, I’d argue that age is one reason why so few final couples last. The show’s premise revolves around a man ostensibly looking for his future wife, and yet the Bachelor so often gives his final rose to a woman in a completely different life stage. (Looking at you, Peter.) The average Bachelor is 31, while the majority of female contestants are in their early to mid 20s. Those women are way more likely to be concerned with building a post-collegiate career and/or growing their Instagram following than settling down with some dude they’ve known six to eight weeks. Or just me?
So it’s surprising—encouraging, even?—that the long-running ABC dating franchise is casting for a new show entirely devoted to seniors looking for a “committed relationship.”
“Are you entering your golden years and looking for romance?” a casting notice on ABC.com reads. “The Producers of The Bachelor are looking for active and outgoing single men and women IN THEIR GOLDEN YEARS for a new exciting dating show!”
It continues, “If you are A SENIOR CITIZEN ready for a committed relationship apply today at: http://seniordatingshow.castingcrane.com.“
You’re reading that correctly: A Bachelor-like dating show for seniors is coming to ABC. Over on Twitter, a Bachelor producer confirmed that they’re only casting seniors 65 years old and up.
Details beyond that are slim, but Bachelor Nation is on board anyway. I’ve never seen so many all-caps hit Twitter before. “I CANNOT WAIT GBYE ALL OTHER BACHELOR FRANCHIZESS,” one Twitter fan wrote. “SENIOR CITIZEN BACHELOR GET ON MY TELEVISION!!!!!!!!!!” BachelorBob said.
Some speculated about potential plot lines, while others wondered how they could apply despite the age restriction. “What would the drama be?” one fan asked. “How many husbands someone has had? Who’s the worst bingo player?”
Best of all, though, were the Golden Girls references. You know Blanche would have been first in line to apply.
Obviously we’ll keep you posted as we learn more because this is one we can’t wait to watch.