Everything to know about 'Golden Bachelor' Gerry Turner, contestants, Florida ties, Jesse Palmer

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Get your wine glasses and golden roses ready: ABC's senior-focused dating show spinoff is almost here.

The brand-new "The Golden Bachelor" is set to premiere later this month on Sept. 28, with fans eager to watch widower Gerry Turner find his second chance at love.

Turner, the world's first "Golden Bachelor," has 22 roses to give out. Almost two dozen women in their "golden years" will compete for his heart, including two contestants from Florida.

Here's everything to about this new Bachelor Nation show:

Want to be on the next season? 'Golden Bachelor' casting call: About that audition for reality TV spinoff on ABC

Who is 'Golden Bachelor' Gerry Turner?

The Golden Bachelor’s leading man is widower Gerry Turner, ABC announced on July 17.

"A retired restaurateur and doting father and grandfather, Gerry Turner lives in his dream house on a beautiful lake in Indiana," ABC wrote online about the 71-year-old. "He's often busy hosting barbecues, playing pickleball, cheering on his favorite Chicago sports teams, four-wheeling and spending time with friends and family at restaurants and local haunts."

In several promos for the show, Turner spoke about his former wife and high school sweetheart, Toni. They were together for 43 years with their two daughters, Angie and Jenny, and later two granddaughters, Charlee and Payton. Toni suddenly fell ill and died in 2017.

Six years after Toni's passing and with the support of his family, Turner says he is ready to put himself out there and "find a love that will stand the test of time in his golden years."

What is the age range for 'The Golden Bachelor?'

ABC's new reality dating competition takes the format from the popular "Bachelor" and "Bachelorette" series, with the new show focused on finding love for one "golden-aged" bachelor with 60- to 75-year-old contestants.

Who are the contestants of 'Golden Bachelor,' season 1?

From Los Angeles to New York City, here are all 22 women fighting for Turner's golden rose:

  • Anna, 61

  • April, 65

  • Christina, 73

  • Edith, 60

  • Ellen, 71

  • Faith, 60

  • Jeanie, 65

  • Joan, 60

  • Kathy, 70

  • Leslie, 64

  • Maria, 60

  • Nancy, 60

  • Natascha, 60

  • Pamela, 75

  • Patty, 70

  • Peggy, 69

  • Renee, 67

  • Sandra, 75

  • Susan, 66

  • Sylvia, 64

  • Theresa, 69

How to watch 'Golden Bachelor' if you don't have cable?

You can watch "The Golden Bachelor" live on the official ABC application. It does require you to provide your TV provider details.

New episodes of "The Golden Bachelor" will be made available the next day to stream on Hulu's website or mobile app. You can also watch it on YouTube TVfuboTV and Sling TV.

For more information, visit abc.com/shows/the-golden-bachelor.

Do the 'Golden Bachelor' contestants get paid?

While the leads of the franchises allegedly make quite a bit of cash, contestants do not get paid to go on "The Bachelor" or "The Bachelorette." In fact, they actually lose money from appearing on the show from having to quit their day jobs and purchase some new outfits.

Is Jesse Palmer returning to host 'The Golden Bachelor?'

The former Florida Gators football player and Bachelor alumni is returning to host "The Golden Bachelor."

Palmer became the permanent host of the franchise in 2021, replacing Chris Harrison after he was fired from the show. The Canadian native previously held the title role as the bachelor on the fifth season of the reality television series in 2004.

Jesse Palmer arrives for the 2017 ESPYs at Microsoft Theater.
Jesse Palmer arrives for the 2017 ESPYs at Microsoft Theater.

Besides hosting the hit reality franchise, Palmer has spawned a successful sports commentary career for FOX, ESPN and the NFL Network. The former professional football player also is a contributor to ABC's Good Morning America and hosts the Holiday Baking Championship on Food Network.

How much does 'Golden Bachelor' host Jesse Palmer make?

It is unknown how much Jesse Palmer makes for his multiple Bachelor Nation hosting gigs. However, many theorize it's somewhere in the $1 to $2 million range based on former host Chris Harrison's salary after hosting for over two decades.

According toParade, Harrison allegedly made about $8 million per year hosting "The Bachelor", "The Bachelorette", and "Bachelor in Paradise."

Is the 'Golden Bachelor' from Florida?

No, he is not. Turner has lived on a lakeside property in Hudson, Indiana for the last six years, but is originally from Iowa.

Are there 'Golden Bachelor' contestants from Florida?

Ellen Goltzer from Delray Beach

"Ellen is a retired teacher from Delray Beach. She spends her time playing pickleball, golf, and card games with her two sons. Ellen also reads the newspaper, watches television and plays bocce ball with her girlfriends in her free time," according to ABC.

ABC's Fun fact: Ellen’s dream vacation is an African safari.

More on Florida ladies vying for Turner: 'Golden Bachelor' contestants: Therapist, retired teacher from Florida on reality TV show

April Kirkwood from Port St. Lucie

"April is a therapist from Port St. Lucie. She speaks with her family every day. April has had difficulty venturing out into the dating pool after losing her partner but looks forward to the opportunity the show will give her to find love. When she is not spending time with her family, April is dancing to Taylor Swift, playing with her dogs and watching “Bridgerton," according to ABC.

ABC's Fun fact: April has a discreetly hidden tattoo of her nickname 'Presh.'.

When was 'Golden Bachelor' filmed?

Filming for the "Golden Bachelor" began in August of this year and concluded in September. It hasn't been released how long filming was for the show.

Where was 'Golden Bachelor' filmed?

Like most seasons of the flagship show, it started off at the "Bachelor Mansion" in Los Angeles before setting off around the world. Filming reportedly concluded in Costa Rica.

What does someone win from 'Golden Bachelor?' Do you win money from 'Golden Bachelor?'

The lead obviously wins a soulmate for life … and a Neil Lane engagement ring that's worth anywhere from $45,000 to upwards of $100,000.

Otherwise, there is no other prize at the end of the "Golden Bachelor" or any other Bachelor franchise show.

I want to apply for the following season. Where do I go?

Producers have already started casting for season two of the new dating show.

Those interested in auditioning for "The Golden Bachelor," season two, can apply online at goldenbachelorcasting.com. The application has more than 70 questions and requests at least two recent photos (one that shows your face, it can be taken by someone else or a selfie, and a full-body picture).

Applicants must live in the U.S. or Canada (excluding Quebec), the rules state. Though the application says "production is scheduled July to August 2023," an online check on Sept. 10 shows the application site was still valid. One question asks whether you have a passport that is valid until August 2024.

What other shows can Bachelor Nation look out for?

For those willing to stay up an extra hour on Monday nights for the next few weeks, “Bachelor in Paradise” will premier right after the "Golden Bachelor."

Meet Florida contestants: Watch two Florida singles find love on 'Bachelor in Paradise' 2023, Where to stream

The spinoff takes contestants from previous seasons of “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” and gives them another chance at finding love on the small screen. Contestants, a lot of them “Bachelor” nation fan-favorites, are invited to a beachfront villa in Mexico, where they spend about three weeks dating each other in search of their perfect matches.

“Bachelor in Paradise” will air at 9 p.m. ET and be available to stream on Hulu the next day. The first episode of “The Golden Bachelor” will air at 8 p.m. ET and also be available to stream on Hulu on Friday, September 29.

When does the next season of 'The Bachelor' come on?

"The Bachelor" season 28 will come out in early 2024, with Hawaii tennis professional Joey Graziadei set to take over.

A new release from ABC following the news of his casting shared Graziadei's personality and what he's looking for in a wife.

"As the Bachelor, Graziadei is looking for a life partner who is outgoing, caring, and shares his love for adventure and exploring the outdoors," the release read. "He loves hiking, surfing and ending his days watching the sunset but knows he has much more love to give, and the only thing missing is someone with whom to share his life."

How to make a "The Golden Bachelor" fantasy league bracket

Ever heard of “Fantasy Football?” It’s exactly like that; however, instead of downing mountains of hot wings and beer, and watching athletes fighting to reach playoffs and the Super Bowl championship, a “Bachelor” bracket consists of wine nights watching contestants looking for love.

A “Bachelor Bracket” allows you to literally bet on love by having players earn points to correctly choose which contestants will advance each week. Some brackets might have players pick their top contestants the first week and stick with them until the finale, while others will allow those to choose new contestants each week.

Depending on your own rules, players can earn additional points on other factors, such as receiving the first impression rose, getting the first date, kissing or having the most dramatic exit.

What websites offer a 'Bachelor bracket'?

To make it easier before the Sept. 28, 2023, premiere date, here are some free websites for you to set up a team and make your own individual brackets:

When signing up, each website has its own system and set of rules. Read through the rules and make sure your “Golden Bachelor” squad knows how it works before starting your own bracket.

How to make your own paper bracket for 'Golden Bachelor' reality TV show on ABC

Rather have a physical bracket? Create your own to hand out at your weekly “bachelor” viewing parties. Some Etsy sellers sell print templates for under $10, such as these:

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: 'Golden Bachelor' guide: All about Gerry Turner, women, where to watch