When The Golden Bachelor premiered on Sept. 28, 2023, it became a surprise hit and a refreshing spin on reality dating shows. The senior-focused spin-off of the long-running Bachelor franchise first introduced audiences to Gerry Turner, a 72-year-old widower and retired restaurateur from Indiana. He became the first-ever “Golden Bachelor.” The show’s premise followed the seasoned gentleman as he searched for love among women aged 60 and older. He ultimately chose Theresa Nist, who was 70 when they wed on Jan. 4, 2024.
This romantic journey attracted millions of viewers who were intrigued by the maturity of its cast. However, as the novelty began to fade heading into season two, which premiered on Sept. 24, 2025, with lead Mel Owens, ratings became a concern. This has left many to wonder if the spin-off can hold the public’s attention the way the original Bachelor and Bachelorette franchise has. As rumors about whether or not The Golden Bachelor is cancelled continue to swirl, let’s explore what we know so far.
How Much Does ‘The Golden Bachelor’ Get Paid?
The show’s home network ABC has never released official numbers. However, previous Bachelor Nation standouts have been open about the offers they received. When the series was on the prowl for the season 23 lead in 2019, Jason Tartick, Colton Underwood, and Blake Horstmann revealed they were each offered $100,000. Underwood ultimately became the show’s lead for that season. It’s safe to assume that Turner and Owens earned at least $100,000 for their seasons of The Golden Bachelor.
The contestants on the show aren’t paid. However, couples who choose to marry receive a six-figure payout. When Jason Mesnick and Molly Malaney wed in season 13 of The Bachelor, they were reportedly paid $250,000 for their televised ceremony.
What Really Happened With Gerry and Theresa?
Turner’s love story with Nist were one of the most talked-about reality TV romances of 2023. After weeks of emotional moments, the couple chose each other and tied the knot on live television on Jan. 4, 2024.
Sadly, their fairytale, which gave hope to senior singles, ended abruptly. Three months later, the former couple announced their decision to get a divorce during a joint interview with Good Morning America.
“Theresa and I have had a number of heart-to-heart conversations, and we’ve looked closely at our situation, our living situation, and so forth, and we’ve kind of come to the conclusion mutually that it’s probably time for us to dissolve our marriage,” Turner stated during the April 2024 appearance.
At the time, the couple cited long-distance struggles as a key factor for their split. Turner lived in Indiana, while Nist remained in New Jersey. However, in his memoir, Golden Years: What I’ve Learned from Love, Loss, and Reality TV, which will be released in November 2025, Turner shared his concerns about Nist. He claimed she never wanted love, but instead wanted to beat out the competition.
“Several women shared a seemingly small detail that loomed large in my mind,” Turner writes in the book, which was obtained early by USA Today. “While at the mansion, Theresa was reading ‘How to Win The Bachelor.'”
Turner wrote that the image made him “sick to my stomach.” He continued that Nist’s alleged strategizing suggested “her goal was never to find the next love of her life; it was to win.” Additionally, a bone marrow cancer diagnosis in March 2024 also made their situation more complicated.
Despite their quick and public end, both Turner and Nist have moved on. Turner is now engaged to a retired teacher, Lana Sutton. Nist revealed during a June 2025 interview on the Almost Famous podcast that she was dating someone she met on a dating site.
Who Was the Winner of ‘The Golden Bachelor’ in 2025?
After Turner’s season, ABC renewed The Golden Bachelor for a second installment. This time the series starred retired NFL player-turned-lawyer Mel Owens. As of October 2025, the season is ongoing, with the finale expected to air later in the fall. Mel is currently getting closer to the finish line and choosing between his final two women.
During hometowns, Owens admitted to both of his finalist’s loved ones in love with either of the women yet. This leaves the door open for Owens to leave alone, which isn’t the network’s only possible concern.
Has ‘The Golden Bachelor’ Been Cancelled?
In October 2025, an ABC insider told The U.S. Sun that producers were “embarrassed” not by Owens’ indecisiveness, but by the season two ratings. According to Nielsen ratings, the premiere brought in just 2.5 million viewers, a sharp decrease from Turner’s introduction, which netted 4.4 million viewers. Owen’s second episode saw an even greater dip. It only brought in 1.9 million viewers, which is much less than the 4.3 million who watched Turner’s sophomore episode.
The source told the outlet that the “decline of interest” is beginning to trouble the execs. There may also be concerns about “miscasting” Owens. The insider noted Owens is much more “outspoken” with his “demands,” which is a stark contrast from the “easy-going” Turner.
“He wasn’t the right pick and they see that now, but didn’t see it until it was too late,” they explained. “That, mixed with overall interest in the franchise dropping, and you have the dismal numbers that the show is left with.”
There haven’t been any official plans to cancel The Golden Bachelor. For now, fans of this mature comfort show can continue enjoying the ride, even if it is a bumpy one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Theresa and Gerry have a prenup?
Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist did have a prenuptial agreement. According to Turner’s memoir, Nist waited until the last minute to sign the document, writing, “I began to worry she was going to run out the clock.”
Do women on The Bachelor pay for their own clothes?
Contestants across The Bachelor franchise are responsible for purchasing their own wardrobe, hair, and makeup. Jillian Harris, who appeared on season 13 of The Bachelor and went on to become the Bachelorette, revealed in a 2016 blog that the women received goodie bags with garments that did not fit. “I had remortgaged my house, and I spent something like $8,000 on clothing,” she wrote.
Where do Bachelor contestants go after they are eliminated?
After contestants are eliminated, they are immediately sent home by production. They usually return to their normal lives. Some choose to stay involved in the Bachelor Nation community, appearing at fan events or on related shows, such as Bachelor in Paradise.