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The Golden Bachelor
The Golden Bachelor premiere captured viewers’ hearts, drew record ratings for the franchise, and helped restore hope amongst viewers that it’s never too late to fall in love. But that was only the beginning…
Now that he’s shed his Night 1 nerves, Gerry Turner — the 72-year-old father, grandfather, and pickle ball player searching for a senior to spend his golden years with — can fully embrace his once-in-a-lifetime journey.
With a surprise guest (Jimmy Kimmel’s Aunt Chippy), a fabulous first impression rose, an unexpected elimination, and a touching tribute card, The Golden Bachelor‘s premiere seemed incredibly hard to top. But Episode 2 saw Gerry embark on his first one-on-one and group date, celebrate his birthday in style, have deep heart-to-hearts, get his flirt on, and take another crucial step closer to his late-in-life love story.
Wondering who Gerry invited on his first one-on-one date? How The Golden Bachelor‘s first group date went? And who went home during Episode 2? Decider’s Golden Bachelor recap breaks down all the kisses, tears, and romantic gestures in Episode 2.
“We Have Arrived!”
Before Jesse Palmer showed up with The Golden Bachelor‘s first date card, the Golden Girls had to settle into the mansion. “We have arrived!” the gorgeous group of seniors screamed as they rushed to explore their new temporary home. In a rare peek upstairs, we got a glimpse at the franchise-famous digs, and let me just say I think it’s absolutely appalling that producers made some of these women — aged 60 to 75 — sleep in THE TOP BUNK OF BUNK BEDS. Think of the knee replacements!
After charting out the most efficient routes for nighttime bathroom breaks, rescuing a spider from a gorgeous bathtub, and breaking a bar in the shower, the women toasted mimosas to Gerry (and Social Security). The first date card of the series arrived, and birthday girl Theresa Nist got ready for a memorable night.
Gerry Turner And Theresa Nist‘s One-On-One Recap: Don’t Stop Believin’
Ahead of their date, Theresa told cameras she married the love of her life when she was 18 years old, and before he died, he said he hoped she would find someone else to love and marry again. (Sobbing!) At Date O’Clock, Gerry rolled up to the mansion in an old-school convertible with the top down. He was “wild with anticipation,” but once he started driving to the mystery location, all he could focus on was the road. Why? Because his headlights WEREN’T WORKING, it was his first time driving on THE CALIFORNIA FREEWAY, and he could BARELY SEE the highway signs or markings. What the heck, producers?!
My heart was racing for Gerry, because, uh…PROTECT THIS MAN AT ALL COSTS! And though he was admittedly nervous as well, Theresa’s calm, encouraging words and thoughtful gestures — like a comforting hand on his shoulder — helped our golden guy make it to Cadillac Jacks 50s/60s themed diner, where the the two ordered fries and a chocolate shake TO SHARE!
Out of all the elaborate dates I’ve watched on The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, and Bachelor in Paradise, this one shot up to my Top 10. It was wholesome. It was nostalgic. And it gave Gerry and Theresa a chance to sit and talk at length like they would on any normal dinner date. Theresa opened up to Gerry, sharing that she was married to her high school sweetheart for 42 years before he passed away from kidney failure. The similarity in their stories struck a chord with Gerry, who felt understood on a deeper level. After making plans to learn Italian and travel to Italy together, “Don’t Stop Believin'” started blasting, and the diner burst into a flash mob before taking the dance party out to the parking lot. The poodle skirts, neon lights, roller skates, and music were corny as hell, and yet, my face was wet with tears! Theresa accepted Gerry’s rose and told the cameras, “I just turned 70, and to think that there could be a future with a man…is simply amazing.” 😭
Gerry’s Golden Group Date Recap: A Romance Novel Cover Shoot
In sunny Malibu, California, a perfectly precious Gerry gave his best “Blue Steel” and “James Bond” for a photographer named Franco as 12 women arrived for The Golden Bachelor‘s first group date: a romance novel cover shoot.
“Today’s overall concept is at any age you can be sexy and attractive and do whatever you want,” Gerry said. The ladies chose outfits, and after Natascha snagged the 70s fit Leslie had her eye on I briefly feared the date’s main focus would be a petty feud between the two. (The franchise pulls this stuff frequently.) Much to my delight, the women used their wisdom to squash the beef before it even started. Icons.
Gerry, a good sport, whipped on a long blonde wig and posed for an “Island of Desire” theme with April, Jeanie, and Kathy. “I look like I’ve got a raccoon on my head,” he said before switching to a “Summer of Love” 70s theme and mounting a motorcycle for his “Road to Passion” shoot. When it came time for the final group of ladies in wedding dresses to pose, Nancy broke down in tears because it was her first time in a wedding dress since she married her late husband Mark. Gerry noticed Nancy wasn’t herself and went to chat after the shoot. She explained why the experience was overwhelming, and he related, recalling similar flashbacks to his wife over something as small as the smell of cinnamon. The two talked about hope, shared a huge hug, and took new smiling photos. Then Gerry spent the day chatting about Woodstock, getting to know the ladies, and even calling Leslie “a really sexy woman.”
At the end of the date, Nancy got the rose. And instead of badmouthing her or exuding jealousy, the women lifted her up. Again, I’m sobbing.
Gerry’s Golden Birthday Bash
Next on the agenda? Gerry’s birthday! He rolled up to the mansion in a yellow Bronco, yellow shirt, and sunglasses looking GOLDEN, and though the house was mysteriously empty, he walked out back to find the ladies had thrown him a surprise party. Susan (who spent the morning cooking for everyone) even popped out of a giant cake!
Gerry got a lap dance, a game of mini golf, a hug, and more meaningful conversations from the ladies. But even on his special day, he took the time to gift Ellen a framed photo from their shoot, leaving her smitten and sobbing to cameras, “I haven’t felt special in a very long time.”
Who Went Home On The Golden Bachelor Episode 2: Rose Ceremony Recap
“You’re all my friends, which makes a night like this very difficult for me,” Gerry told the room full of women. “But I know this process is working.” His first rose went to Leslie. His last rose went to Kathy. And the following three women went home in Episode 2:
- Natascha, a 60-year-old pro-aging coach and midlife speaker from New York, NY
- Jeanie, a 65-year-old retired project manager from Estill Springs, TN
- Peggy, a 69-year-old dental hygienist from East Haven, CT
Gerry and his remaining women toasted to the journey ahead. Meanwhile, when Natascha left the mansion she took a moment to tell producers to switch to rose ceremonies in chairs for seniors. And you know what? She’s right! See you next week for another Golden Bachelor recap — hopefully with a seated rose ceremony.
New episodes of The Golden Bachelor air on Thursdays from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET on ABC. Next-day streaming is available on Hulu. And be sure to read our interview with Gerry Turner for more Golden Bachelor tidbits.
