Guilty pleasures. We all have them. The special snacks we like to eat late at night, the silly games we play in our free time and even books we crave to read when we’re bored. Society tells us to be sophisticated, to read memoirs and classics rather than silly romances or science fiction novels. Well, I’ll be the first to say that I am done feeling ashamed for the things that make me happy, and I’m ready to admit that I have recently become a hardcore fan of the new show, “The Golden Bachelor.” 

As I am only an occasional watcher of the original “The Bachelor,” I never expected to love this show so much. The premise of the show is all there in the title – “Golden Girls” meets “The Bachelor.” 72-year-old Gerry Turner lost his wife Toni six years ago and is ready to find a new woman to love. A group of eligible elderly women are put together in a house to get to know Gerry so he can choose one to eventually get engaged to. Every week, Gerry presents a certain number of them roses to keep them in the house while all others are sent home. 

I’ve watched a fair amount of cheesy dating shows and none of them quite seem to hit the spot. Turns out all they needed were some old people. It’s so sweet to see old ladies- most often widows- taking a leap of faith and looking for a second chance at love, rather than 20 somethings just looking for their chance at fame. Granted, some of these ladies are clearly on the show for attention, but for the most part, the women are looking for real, genuine connections with Gerry. 

The seniors are generally more mature than the contestants on the original “The Bachelor” but are just spunky enough to stir up some drama to keep us interested. They’re so funny and so refreshingly real. I love how well they all get along and how civil they act towards each other and Gerry, and while I of course have my favorites, I would be pleased to see any of these women end up with Gerry. Except for one. 

Another selling point for the show is Gerry himself. He’s just a sweet and nerdy old man. He’s honest with the women and interested in their lives. It’s so refreshing to see a bachelor who is empathetic and accepts all the women for all of their different quirks and personalities. 

Honestly, I think this show is for everyone. If you are a regular watcher of “The Bachelor” then you will be happy with the fun new take on the show. If not, “The Golden Bachelor” just might eliminate everything you hate about “The Bachelor” and only keep the sweet, funny and genuine aspects that everyone who loves love would enjoy.