If you think ABC’s longest-running TV dating show “The Bachelor” (currently on season 24) is just for 20- and 30-somethings, well … you’re probably right. Season 6 star Byron Velvick was 40 — and he was definitely the exception, not the rule.
We don’t expect to see any 40-plus contestants on “The Bachelor” or “The Bachelorette” any time soon, but that’s less of a bugbear now that the network has announced an exciting new dating show premise. During the Feb. 24 episode of “The Bachelor,” a casting call went out over Twitter for people age 65 and over.
ABC producer Lindsay Liles gave more information on Instagram, sharing a post that asked, “Are you entering your golden years and looking for romance?”
The post confirmed that 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!”
It’s great news, primarily because the TV world needs to acknowledge what the rest of the world already knows — many people are looking for love and age has nothing to do with it. But, as several Instagram users pointed out, there’s still a huge gap in representation here.
“55 and over would be much better,” wrote @klpeterson2016, while @moodiegloria commented, “I love this idea, but I wish the age was 60 and over.”
ABC reality show head Rob Mills stressed on Twitter that the lower age limit is strict. “To be clear, this is 65+,” he wrote. He also gave an indication of the types of people they’re looking for: “give us your Grumpiest Old Men, give us your Goldenest Girls.”
To be clear, this is 65+ https://t.co/gg5qroqGXm
— Robert Mills (@Millsy11374) February 25, 2020
Again, many expressed disappointment over the age limit. “Us Gen Xers are left out again…” wrote @VickiCain. And @DeviSafir said, “There are many 40-60 who would give adventure and depth to a show.”
Hopefully, producers will pay attention and add another show to the #BachelorNation family to fill the gap. In the meantime, interested people aged 65 plus who are in the mood for love and genuinely seeking a committed relationship can apply for the show by filling out a 69-question form at seniordatingshow.castingcrane.com. Additional ABC casting info is here.
Would you or someone you know be perfect for this opportunity? Now’s your chance!
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for other great tips and ideas to make the most out of life.
