The Golden Bachelor Season 1 Finale: Unraveling Gerry Turner's Journey and ABC's Revelations
Discover the thrilling conclusion of 'The Golden Bachelor' season 1 as Gerry Turner, Jesse Palmer, and Bachelor Nation producers leave us captivated Experience the rollercoaster of emotions, heartwarming proposals, and unexpected twists that will keep you hooked until the very end Don't miss the dramatic finale that will leave you breathless
Gerry Turner. ABC/John Fleenor
Gerry Turner, the renowned Golden Bachelor, is nearing the end of his quest for love, with just one pivotal choice left to make. After heartfelt visits to their hometowns, Gerry, aged 72, has narrowed down his options to Theresa Nist and Leslie Fhima as his two remaining contenders.
"I have the desire to be engaged, but there is a potential for me to make an incorrect decision," he expressed in a preview for the episode airing on Thursday, November 16. "No matter what, someone will experience immense pain from this situation, surpassing my imagination."
Gerry's ultimate decision seems to have a significant impact on him, as he tearfully confides in host Jesse Palmer, "This is not worth all of the turmoil. I have hurt a genuinely good person deeply. The only time I have ever felt worse was when my wife passed away, and this comes extremely close."
The Golden Bachelor airs on ABC Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET. Scroll below to see everything the show’s cast and crew have teased about season 1’s ending:
Dropping the L-Bomb
Gerry admitted in September that he made a mistake when he believed he wouldn't confess his love to more than one woman. He confessed that during his journey, he developed strong feelings for multiple women, although he clarified that he was not fully in love with all of them.
Upon reflection, he realized that in that specific moment, it was effortless to express love towards someone due to the circumstances. However, looking back, he understood that there is truly only one person who consistently meets all the standards he desires in every situation.
Having ‘No Regrets’
Reflecting on his connections, Gerry expressed no regrets about his approach to the physical aspects of their relationship. He clarified that as one grows older, the priorities in such situations become more intellectual and emotional rather than physical. This perspective proved accurate in Gerry's case, and he was pleased with the outcome. He emphasized the importance of having off-camera conversations as they played a critical role in his overall experience.
Disney/John Fleenor
Happily Ever After
“I’m extremely pleased with the outcome of the season. It was filled with excitement, joy, memorable dates, and numerous thrilling adventures," Gerry enthusiastically expressed during an interview on The View in September. "If I wasn't happy, you wouldn't see this big smile on my face right now."
Getting Down on One Knee
Gerry has hinted that he proposed.
"I was seeking a lifelong partner, regardless of any titles, while I was dating [before the show]," Gerry revealed to Us in October. "But as I progressed further into the show's process, I began to truly understand that I genuinely desired marriage, that mutual commitment. So as I immersed myself in the show, that became my goal."
He went on to note that his late wife, Toni, would be happy about the season’s “good conclusion.”
Staying Open-Minded
“I will tell you, one thing that truly stood out about Gerry was his unwavering openness, up until the point where he recognized otherwise. When he was engaged with someone, that connection became his sole focus,” shared executive producer Jason Ehrlich with The Hollywood Reporter in November. “As we approach the conclusion, the intensity, challenges, and emotions reach unprecedented levels, leading to unexpected developments. This is a result of Gerry's commitment to remaining receptive and ensuring that he thoroughly explored every aspect before making his final decision. He refused to shut himself off. His resilience is truly remarkable.”
Processing Feelings
During a November episode of the Tamron Hall Show, Gerry revealed his deep feelings for the final three women he had met. He described them as unique and genuine individuals. However, as his journey came to a close, he realized that only one of them was the woman he couldn't imagine living without. Gerry explained that although there was a certain level of affection, it wasn't enough to make him choose that person as his life partner.
Nothing But Smiles
In response to George Pennacchio's inquiry about the culmination of his Golden Bachelor journey during the 2023 CMAs red carpet, Gerry expressed his perpetual contentment, stating, "I now wear a constant smile as I am extremely pleased with the outcome."
A Dramatic Finale
As Gerry's journey progresses in the upcoming weeks, the pressing question arises: Will he discover true love once again? Jesse playfully hinted at this during the Women Tell All episode of the show. "I will refrain from revealing the answer, but what I can assure you is that the subsequent events will be deeply moving to the extent that it will bring tears to the eyes of the entire American audience."
The host noted that the “emotional ending” is going to be one “no one’s gonna want to miss.”
Keeping an Open Mind
Gerry told The Hollywood Reporter in November that there were two significant turning points in those fantasy suites, one for each of them. He emphasized that remaining open-minded was crucial, as it potentially prevented a mistake and altered the outcome.
