ABC is planning a spinoff of The Bachelor for people aged 65 and older, reports Women’s Health. The network has already produced numerous spinoffs of the hit reality series, including The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise, but this will be the first iteration of the show to feature older contestants.
Neither the premiere date nor the cast for the senior Bachelor spinoff has been set as of yet. Casting is still open, and you can nominate people here.
The casting page on ABC’s website reads: “Now casting Seniors Looking for Love! 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 IN THEIR GOLDEN YEARS for new exciting dating show!” Lindsay Liles, supervising producer for the Bachelor franchise, clarified on Instagram that “golden years” refers specifically to people aged 65 and up.
Robert Mills, ABC’s head of reality TV, also promoted the Bachelor spinoff on social media. Referencing a film and a TV show that feature older protagonists, he tweeted: “#Bachelornation give us your Grumpiest Old Men, give us your Goldenest Girls.”
A dating show for contestants 65 and older has the potential to both expand The Bachelor’s audience and challenge society’s preconceived notions about age. Older audiences who watch the senior Bachelor may become interested in the original series. Additionally, the reality series’ new spinoff will expose a national audience to single senior citizens and show that people can stay romantically active as they age.
The Bachelor is currently in its 24th season.