Following a drama-filled premiere season of “The Golden Bachelor,” “The Golden Bachelorette” is coming!
On Feb. 10, ABC confirmed that the highly anticipated spinoff will drop this fall on the network and Hulu.
The show "will highlight one radiant woman’s second chance at love in her golden years," the network said in a statement.
Details surrounding a specific release date and casting, among others, will be revealed at a later time, per ABC.
The announcement comes after the inaugural season of “The Golden Bachelor” wrapped in November 2023, where 22 women between the ages of 60 and 75 hoped for a second chance at love with Gerry Turner, a former restaurateur and widower from Indiana.
During the two-hour finale Nov. 30, Gerry wound up torn between two women: Theresa, a financial services professional from Shrewsbury, New Jersey, and Leslie, a fitness instructor from Minneapolis, Minnesota.
In the end, Theresa snagged the engagement ring, leaving Leslie heartbroken.
Fans already have a potential 'Golden Bachelorette' star in mind
As the finale unfolded, fans on social media expressed excitement over a potential “Golden Bachelorette” announcement.
Followers formed attachments to contestants over the course of “Golden Bachelor.” Some wanted Joan, who left the show in Episode Three, to have another shot at love, perhaps to repair their own heartbreak at her early departure.
Gerry and Joan formed a deeply powerful connection after commiserating about losing their respective spouses and discussing the challenges of raising their adult children.
“We had the initial connection of that we both lost our spouses, and I can see a glimmer of what a life would look like with him. Tonight is finally my chance to make an impression,” Joan said.
“When I talk to Joan, I feel like it’s the first step to a really strong connection. And knowing how much she sacrificed to be here. That is a strong signal that she does have feelings for me. I mean, that’s thrilling,” Gerry said in a passionate confessional interview.
The following morning, Joan sadly announced that she had to depart the show immediately to care for her daughter, who had recently experienced a challenging labor and delivery, leaving Gerry and viewers heartbroken.
“My family will always be first. Once you become a mom, you’re always a mom even when your kids are older. Nothing is more important,” Joan said.
In a show that’s about a generation of women putting themselves first in order to find love — and empowering older viewers to do the same — Joan’s decision was especially devastating.
“For the first time in my life, I thought ‘I am really going to do something for myself because I think I’m ready and this is an opportunity that I just can’t let go,’” Joan said to Turner during their date.
Since Joan returned home, she started connecting with her fans on TikTok, where she shares funny videos about her experience on the reality show, as well as home décor ideas and recipes. The comments sections of her TikToks are flooded with adoring messages from fans who want to see more of Joan and learn about her skincare and haircare routine, her cooking tips and whether or not her “cute son” is single.
“I’m so sad you left, but I love your commitment to your family!” one person wrote.
“Very classy exit. Being a Mama is first priority always. It was fun to watch your fun adventure!”
“U did the right thing congratulations to u and ur daughter,” another wrote, to which Vassos replied, “Thank you for your sweet message.”
And while fans can appreciate that Vassos put her family first, they’re not giving up on her just yet.
“Keep the videos coming! We all love you, Joan!! Joan for first Golden Bachelorette!” one user wrote.
“Team joan as the first golden bachelorette!!!!!!”
“ABC needs to make you the next golden bachelorette!”
“Team Joan forever!"
