Welcome to The Golden Bachelorette! After the emotional rollercoaster of The Golden Bachelor, we’re diving into a brand-new journey of love, this time with Joan Vassos at the helm. Joan, a widow who lost her husband John after 33 years of marriage, is ready to find love again in her golden years. With a house full of men aged 50 and older, the series promises to shine a light on a demographic often overlooked in the world of dating shows.

As the premiere episode begins, Joan thoughtfully selects her jewelry while Kacey Musgraves’s “Rainbow” plays in the background, setting the tone for her quest for love. We learn that Joan values fun and visibility in a relationship, qualities that she cherished in her late husband John. Now, Joan is searching for a partner who can live up to those high standards.

Meet the Men of The Golden Bachelorette

Joan starts her journey in a dazzling, sparkly dress, meeting 24 eligible bachelors, with the goal of narrowing them down to 18 by the end of the night. First out of the limo is Pascal, a French salon owner from Chicago, who immediately makes an impression. Though his salon is technically located in the affluent suburb of Glencoe, Pascal brings a unique flair that has us hoping he’ll stick around.

We also meet Chock, an insurance executive from Wichita, who surprises Joan with chicken-noodle soup during their introduction. Bob, a chiropractor who survived being struck by lightning, adds intrigue to the group, while Gary, a retired finance executive, brings a sweet charm that endears him to Joan.

Other notable men include Charles L., who touches hearts by sharing that he lost his wife after 36 years of marriage. His vulnerability brings the first tears of the episode. Then there’s Jonathan, a handsome Iowan who connects with Joan over the feeling of invisibility, despite his good looks. Keith, a single dad who’s been raising his daughters alone for over a decade, arrives in a station wagon, which may remind viewers of some past Bachelor cast members and their memorable cars.

The Chaos of Jack and the Sincere Connection of Mark

Jack, a caterer from Chicago, provides much of the episode’s humor and chaos. From singing Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” to delivering memorable one-liners like “Did someone say bourbon?” Jack brings a fun energy that contrasts with the more serious contenders. His drunken tour of the mansion, including a candle count and remarks about the pool, is one of the episode’s highlights.

On the other hand, Mark, who Joan seems to have immediate chemistry with, takes a more sincere approach. Described as a rugged, lumberjack type, Mark wins Joan over with his charm and straightforward demeanor. Although his analogy of talking to Joan being like “putting on a fresh pair of sweats” earns him some side-eye, his connection with Joan seems strong, and he’s clearly a frontrunner.

First-Impression Rose and Emotional Moments

Joan makes her way through one-on-one conversations, highlighting “adventure” as a key quality she’s looking for in a partner. Dan from Naples, Florida, makes a good impression, as does Gary, who shares a heartfelt conversation using two phones to simulate a long-distance chat.

In a touching moment, the men watch videos sent by their families, bringing tears to Joan’s eyes and making Gary especially emotional when he talks about his daughter and grandson.

Joan ultimately gives the first-impression rose to Keith, telling him that he made her feel safe, something she hasn’t experienced since her husband John passed away. This heartfelt moment solidifies Keith as a strong contender moving forward.

Rose Ceremony Recap: Who Stays and Who Goes?

As dawn breaks, the men gather for the season’s first rose ceremony. Joan hands out roses to Dan, Jonathan, Mark, Guy, Charles K., Gil, Gary, Pascal, Chock, Kim, Christopher, Gregg, Charles L., Jordan, Bob, and finally, Jack. The episode closes with a dramatic preview of the season, teasing romantic moments, Vegas dates, and declarations of love.

The Best Moments from the Premiere

• 10 Points: Charles K., for his smooth entrance reminiscent of the Willy Wonka cane trick.

• Gold Star: Jack, for hilariously estimating the number of candles in the mansion.

• Thumbs-Up: The horse that made a brief, but memorable escape during David’s introduction.

• Pushed into a Chocolate River: Mark, for his awkward “sweatpants” analogy, which didn’t quite land.

As we look ahead, The Golden Bachelorette is shaping up to be a season full of heart, humor, and the genuine pursuit of love. With Joan at the center, these golden years are sure to sparkle.