'Golden Bachelor,' the reality TV spinoff show from 'The Bachelor' franchise, will make its debut Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, on ABC.
Gianna Montesano,Samantha Neely,Jennifer SangalangTreasure Coast Newspapers
With 22 women vying for a chance at love, will one Port St. Lucie lady get lucky and get the final rose? Only time will tell.
April Kirkwood is one of 22 women competing on ABC's latest dating reality show "The Golden Bachelor," a spinoff of the popular "Bachelor" and "Bachelorette" series.
Set to make her debut Thursday evening when she steps out of the limo to "The Golden Bachelor" pad, here's everything to know about Kirkwood, the contestants and how to watch the show.
Who is April Kirkwood from 'The Golden Bachelor?'
Kirkwood, 65, has lived in Port St. Lucie for at least 15 years and was a guidance counselor at West Gate K-8 in St. Lucie County, according to Marina Beck, a Warner Bros. spokesperson.
She was born in Youngstown, Ohio, and holds master's degrees in school and community counseling from Youngstown State University.
In 2015, she released her memoir"Big Girls Do Cry,"chronicling growing up as a fan of The Four Seasons and beginning an on-again, off-again affair with then 39-year-old Frankie Valli when she was 16 years old, according toThe New York Post.
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Kirkwood has had difficulty venturing out into the dating world following the loss of her partner, but she is looking forward to the opportunity to find love, according to her "Golden Bachelor" biography. Some of her interests include dancing to Taylor Swift, watching "Bridgerton" and playing with her dogs.
ABC's fun fact:April has a discreetly hidden tattoo of her nickname 'Presh.'.
Producers told TCPalm contestants are not permitted to give interviews until they're off the show.
Who is 'Golden Bachelor' Gerry Turner?
The Golden Bachelor’s leading man is widower Gerry Turner,ABC announcedon July 17.
"A retired restaurateur and doting father and grandfather, Gerry Turner lives in his dream house on a beautiful lake in Indiana,"ABC wrote online about the 71-year-old. "He's often busy hosting barbecues, playing pickleball, cheering on his favorite Chicago sports teams, four-wheeling and spending time with friends and family at restaurants and local haunts."
In several promos for the show, Turner spoke about his former wife and high school sweetheart, Toni. They were together for 43 years with their two daughters, Angie and Jenny, and later two granddaughters, Charlee and Payton. Toni suddenly fell ill and died in 2017.
Six years after Toni's passing and with the support of his family, Turner says he is ready to put himself out there and "find a love that will stand the test of time in his golden years."
What is the age range for 'The Golden Bachelor?'
ABC's new reality dating competition takes the format from the popular "Bachelor" and "Bachelorette" series, with the new show focused on finding love for one "golden-aged" bachelor with 60- to 75-year-old contestants.
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Who are the contestants of 'Golden Bachelor,' season 1?
From the West Coast to the East Coast, these are the 22 ladies looking for a second chance at love:
- Anna, 61
- April, 65
- Christina, 73
- Edith, 60
- Ellen, 71
- Faith, 60
- Jeanie, 65
- Joan, 60
- Kathy, 70
- Leslie, 64
- Maria, 60
- Marina, 60
- Nancy, 60
- Natascha, 60
- Pamela, 75
- Patty, 70
- Peggy, 69
- Renee, 67
- Sandra, 75
- Susan, 66
- Sylvia, 64
- Theresa, 70
When will 'Golden Bachelor' reality TV show premiere on ABC?
The "Golden Bachelor" will premiere Thursday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. and air weekly hourlong episodes at 7 p.m. CT/8 p.m. EST on ABC.
How to watch 'Golden Bachelor' if you don't have cable?
You can watch "The Golden Bachelor" liveon theofficial ABC application.It does require you to provide your TV provider details.
New episodes of "The Golden Bachelor" will be made available the next day to stream onHulu'swebsite or mobile app. You can also watch it onYouTube TV,fuboTVandSling TV.
For more information, visitabc.com/shows/the-golden-bachelor.
Do the 'Golden Bachelor' contestants get paid?
While the leads of the franchises allegedly make quite a bit of cash, contestants do not get paid to go on "The Bachelor" or "The Bachelorette." In fact, they actually lose money from appearing on the show from having to quit their day jobs and purchase some new outfits.
Is Jesse Palmer returning to host 'The Golden Bachelor?'
The formerFlorida Gators football playerand Bachelor alumni is returning to host "The Golden Bachelor."
Palmerbecame the permanent hostof the franchise in 2021, replacing Chris Harrison after he was fired from the show. The Canadian native previously held the title role asthe bacheloron thefifth seasonof the reality television series in 2004.
Besides hosting the hit reality franchise,Palmerhas spawned a successful sports commentary career for FOX, ESPN and the NFL Network. The former professional football player also is a contributor to ABC'sGood Morning America and hosts theHoliday Baking ChampionshiponFood Network.
Where was 'Golden Bachelor' filmed?
Like most seasons of the flagship show, it started off at the "Bachelor Mansion" in Los Angeles before setting off around the world. Filming reportedly concluded in Costa Rica.
How to make a "The Golden Bachelor"fantasy league bracket
Ever heard of “Fantasy Football?” It’s exactly like that; however, instead of downing mountains of hot wings and beer, and watching athletes fighting to reach playoffs and the Super Bowl championship, a “Bachelor” bracket consists of wine nights watching contestants looking for love.
A “Bachelor Bracket” allows you to literally bet on love by having players earn points to correctly choose which contestants will advance each week. Some brackets might have players pick their top contestants the first week and stick with them until the finale, while others will allow those to choose new contestants each week.
Depending on your own rules, players can earn additional points on other factors, such as receiving the first impression rose, getting the first date, kissing or having the most dramatic exit.
What websites offer a 'Bachelor bracket'?
To make it easier before the Sept. 28, 2023, premiere date, here are some free websites for you to set up a team and make your own individual brackets:
When signing up, each website has its own system and set of rules. Read through the rules and make sure your “Golden Bachelor” squad knows how it works before starting your own bracket.
How to make your own paper bracket for 'Golden Bachelor' reality TV show on ABC
Rather have a physical bracket? Create your own to hand out at your weekly “bachelor” viewing parties. Some Etsy sellers sell print templates for under $10, such as these:
- This template for $4
- This template for $3.22
- This template for $4.65
- This template for $6
- This template for $4
What does someone win from 'Golden Bachelor?' Do you win money from 'Golden Bachelor?'
The lead can win a soulmate for life and a Neil Lane engagement ring that's worth anywhere from$45,000 to upwards of $100,000.
Otherwise, there is no other prize at the end of the "Golden Bachelor" or any other Bachelor franchise show.
Gianna Montesanois TCPalm’s trending reporter. You can contact her atgianna.montesano@tcpalm.com, 772-409-1429, or follow her on Twitter@gonthescene.
