The Bachelor franchise has been a reality television mainstay since its debut in 2002. Each season, a roster of young suitors vie for the attention of an equally young single … and America eats it up. However, most of the contestants are in their 20s and 30s. Only season 6 Bachelor Byron Velvick was 40, and he chose a woman in her 30s to give his final rose. For people in their 50s, 60s and up, the series may not be as inclusive as it should or could be. That’s why the new Bachelor spin-off show could be a ratings hit. Producer Lindsay Liles posted the notice to her Instagram page Monday. It highlights very exciting opportunities for people in their golden years.
The notice reads: “Are you entering your golden years and looking for romance? The producers of The Bachelor are looking for active and outgoing single men and women age 65 and up for a new exciting dating show!” The casting call continues, “Those interested are encouraged to head to SeniorDatingShow.CastingCrane.com.“
As of 2016, baby boomers outnumbered millennials 74.1 million to 71 million, according to Pew Research. That means while most of us are breathless watching young, fit guys in their 20s like Colton Underwood and Peter Weber canoodle in hot tubs, boomers are being left out of the conversation. That’s a large portion of television ratings and sponsorship dollars going unclaimed each year. Dating sites like OurTime.com and SilverSingles have capitalized on the market by creating a safe space for mature users to find love among a sea of 18-49 year-old subscribers. Now it’s television’s turn to get in on the action. As for the new senior Bachelor series, there’s no word whether Chris Harrison will host. However, the show joins the ranks of other spin-offs including The Bachelorette, Bachelor Pad, Bachelor in Paradise and Bachelor Winter Games.
This idea is so dope. There’s just no other way to put it. For people who love their parents or grandparents and quietly lament over their inability to connect romantically, there’s finally hope. Not only that, but think of all the attractive parents of Bachelor and Bachelorette contestants who are single or widowed and cry about wanting their children to find love. Now, that can happen for them too. There are so many outdated mores in society ranging from “age-appropriate dressing” to making seniors feel invisible just because they’re a little older than the rest of us. It’s about time reality programming delved into the topic of ageism. Hopefully this new addition to The Bachelor franchise will do just that.
Source: Pew Research, People
