The Golden Bachelor Season-Premiere Recap: Kiss Now And Kiss Later

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Well, we’re back! After a confusing season of reality TV, both I and the world of Bachelor-style shows have returned to normal. I’m a writer – and an Emmy winner, no less – with some free time, and *The Golden Bachelor* is here to offer a sweet and charming look at second chances in love, even with a slightly clumsy leading man. Things are pretty chaotic right now, but thankfully, *The Golden Bachelor* is still a bright spot!

This season of The Golden Bachelor is already proving to be dramatic! Gerry, the Bachelor, quickly found himself in hot water after making some questionable comments on a podcast. He stated his preference for women aged 45-60, but added he didn’t want anyone with artificial hips or wigs. It was a shocking statement, especially considering the show’s premise! The clip of him saying this is presented like a serious offense. If it turns out he’s been sending inappropriate texts, many viewers, including myself, will stop watching. The big question this season is whether Gerry can regain the trust of the women after essentially expressing ageist preferences.

As you’d expect from a network TV show, all the women are conventionally attractive, and only one is younger than sixty. While the character Spirit isn’t defined by age, it’s clear the casting choices were made with a specific goal in mind!

Let’s get to it!

Let me introduce you to Mel – a fascinating person with a remarkable background. His father was a baseball player in the Negro Leagues who later became a professor, and Mel himself grew up in Detroit and played football at the University of Michigan under the legendary Bo Schembechler. He even won a Rose Bowl, played professionally for the Los Angeles Rams, and is a true icon to me as a fellow Michigan fan – my family has been attending games for generations! Seeing him on screen wearing Michigan colors instantly made me feel positive towards him. He’s one of my Wolverine heroes and deserves our respect. My dad and I have been excitedly discussing his football stats and wondering if their paths ever crossed when they were kids in Detroit. We’re all thrilled for him as he starts this new chapter. Mel is a father to two sons and recently divorced; he simply says his ex-wife found someone else, and I’m very curious about the details. Now that his sons are growing up, he’s open to finding love again.

The women are shown wondering if Mel is worth getting to know. They question his intentions and brace themselves for potentially awkward moments. Mel, meanwhile, is anxious about judging them, while the women worry he might eliminate them based on age. Despite the tension, Mel seems optimistic and is prepared to meet everyone, even sporting some comfortable, casual shoes.

First to arrive is Cindy, a 60-year-old who jokingly asks Mel to call her Cinderella and says she’s searching for her Prince Charming. Throughout the show, she makes strong and consistent eye contact. Next is Carol, 63, who throws Mel a baseball. It’s a bit unclear what Carol does – she seems to be involved with her nephew, a major league baseball player, possibly as a manager or nanny. She’s wearing a customized jean jacket made from his jersey and enthusiastically proclaims her love for the Dodgers. Then comes Diane, 71, a hockey player from Wasilla, Alaska – the name instantly reminded me of the 2008 election! Diane wants Mel to know she’s genuine and proves that attractiveness and energy don’t fade with age. I immediately became a fan of Diane.

Terri introduced a puppet that playfully ‘slapped’ the host, representing the vibrant energy of women over 60. Carla, a former model, confidently declared they were there to challenge assumptions about older women and their active sex lives. Debbie, also a contestant, received a special introduction; she’s described as resembling a more down-to-earth version of Countess Luann, and was known for starring in the fitness video series *Slim in 6*. She dedicated her life to her career and never married.

Then Peg shows up wearing a bomb disposal suit and places a bomb that produces a very small, harmless explosion. A crew member resets the prop, but it malfunctions the same way each time – it doesn’t do what it’s intended to. But that’s okay, because Peg is strikingly attractive and Mel is clearly interested in her. Other contestants include Gerri, a nurse; Lisa, who seems uncomfortable; Maia, who’s under sixty; Alexandra, full of energy; Nicolle, a yoga teacher; Monica P, a dentist; and Robin, who owns a vineyard.

Now, here’s Sandra, a past Golden Babe, and she’s brought her twin sister, Andra! I love that their names are so similar, and Andra is absolutely stunning. Mel and Andra greet everyone, with Sandra playfully finishing her sister’s thoughts. The two sisters look like they could be on *The Bachelor*, and they’re there to introduce their mom, Amy, who isn’t exactly known for her strength. Susie then gives Mel a compass as a gift.

Tracy likes hats!

I adore all my friends: Monica, a flight attendant; Roxane, who loves her cowboy boots; Lily, who always gives lilies; and Mylene, who has Mel pop champagne. The latest to arrive is Cheryl, a cool, adventurous woman from Colorado who rides a dirt bike. She’s looking for a close connection with someone – a best friend and a romantic partner – and Mel is really taken with her. She’s destined for great things.

Mel arrives and greets the women, signaling the start of the evening. He begins by praising their performances and apologizing for any harsh or unfair remarks he made earlier. Throughout the night, Mel repeatedly echoes lines the women say, presenting them as his own ideas. For example, when Diane originally asked him, “What the puck were you thinking?” Mel later told the group, “I thought ‘what the puck!’” Diane quickly pointed out that the line was hers, playfully urging Mel to be more original with his jokes.

The cocktail party was lively and enjoyable. Mel chatted with Cindy, who revealed her daughter is getting married, but she’s only allowed to bring a guest if she’s engaged. He then spoke with Carol, and was surprised to learn she’s not just a fan of Freddy Freeman – she’s his aunt! Gerri shared that her husband passed away 18 years ago, and she’s been raising their children on her own ever since, hoping to finally do something nice for herself. Carla playfully kissed him on the cheek, and everyone joined in a game of limbo! Cheryl brought a game of “Would You Rather” cards and asked Mel to read them aloud. The final card asked, “Kiss now or Kiss later?” and both Mel and Cheryl chose “Kiss Now.” What a clever woman!

This party is wild – it’s still going as the sun rises! Mel and Diane are even playing hockey in the daylight. It’s gotten so late that McDonald’s are stopping breakfast service. Mel eventually gives the first impression rose to Gerri, and they share a quick kiss. I’ve started to think that the Bachelor picks the most outwardly impressive woman for that first rose, rather than someone he immediately connects with.

The sun is shining brightly, and it feels like midday. It’s time for the first Rose Ceremony, where Peg, Carla, Terri, Cheryl, Nicolle, Cindy, Amy, Alexandra, Monica P, Mylene, Carol, Roxane, Monica B, Robin, Diane, and Debbie all receive a rose.

We don’t have time to dwell on past connections – a week full of dates is about to begin! The women have all moved into the mansion, and I’m excited for them to get to know each other and live together. Peg is a little worried about how much everyone is talking, while the others are mostly concerned about sharing the bathrooms.

This week features both a one-on-one date and a group date. As expected, Cheryl receives the first individual date. It turns out to be a “Princess” date – she’s led to a room filled with beautiful gowns! Cheryl, who says she grew up as a tomboy, gets to experience a fairytale moment, trying on dresses with the other women and ultimately choosing a stunning rose-red gown. Overwhelmed with emotion, she tears up, feeling truly like a woman ready for love. She and Mel then head to the Queen Mary for a romantic dinner. During the date, Cheryl opens up about caring for her mother, her love of adventure, and her son, Tyson. She then shares a shocking story about Tyson’s father: he was absent from the hospital during Tyson’s birth and didn’t reappear for an entire year. He later briefly took their son and disappeared again for a week! It’s one of the most unbelievable stories ever heard on *The Bachelor*. Mel is deeply touched by Cheryl’s resilience and honesty, and Cheryl receives the rose. They share a kiss, and I think Cheryl has a real chance of going far in the competition. The date ends with fireworks!

The group date takes the women to the L.A. Coliseum for a fun, athletic competition: a cheerleading battle judged by none other than Paula Abdul! It’s a real celebrity surprise for the ladies. They’re divided into two teams, and it quickly becomes clear who has dance training and who just has a lot of energy. Mel’s Angels perform first, with Peg being the only one who seems to know the routine. Then it’s Mel’s GB Squad’s turn, and Cindy doesn’t stop cheering Mel on! Mel even unveils a new catchphrase: “No age to spirit!” Mel’s GB Squad wins the competition, earning a private afterparty. However, there’s a catch – they have to wear their cheerleading outfits to the party!

Monica P. talked about the recent loss of her second husband. Terri expressed relief that her sex life with Mel doesn’t require extreme measures, and Mel showed everyone a video of Cindy’s daughter preparing to perform with Diana Ross. As Cindy and Mel left the stadium, they were very affectionate with each other. Ultimately, Cindy received the rose on the group date.

Before the next rose ceremony, the contestants enjoy a pool party. It seems Mel wanted to see how the women looked in swimsuits before any strong connections formed. The women show off their suits, and Mel joins them shirtless, even jumping in the pool with his sneakers on. He shares some private moments with Peg and Diane. The only real drama comes when Nicolle aggressively pursues Mel, kissing him in the pool – a pattern she’s repeated throughout the show, and she’s really going for it this time. Terri, known for her strong personality, watches with a competitive glare, clearly ready to confront Nicolle. Even Mel realizes things are getting too heated, and Carla playfully interrupts with a water gun to break them up.

The Rose Ceremony is here, and I’m already really rooting for these women! Mel gave roses to Roxane, Debbie, Gerri, Monica P, Monica B, Carol, Peg, Nicolle, Robin, Amy, and Terri. Sadly, Carla, Diane, Mylene, and Alexandra didn’t receive one. Mel knows it’s tough to eliminate contestants, but he feels connected to the woman he’ll eventually marry. Carla seems unfazed, mentioning she’s open to messages on social media.

This season on The Golden Bachelor, expect plenty of romance! We’ll see kisses with Amy, Peg, and Cheryl, and Nicolle continuing her public displays of affection with Mel. Get ready for emotional moments and heartfelt confessions, like Mel admitting he’s ready for a relationship, even if he’s not sure if the other person is!

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2025-09-25 07:57