The Bachelor 's first love story ended in divorce, with Gerry Turner and Theresa Nestor announcing they were going their separate ways in April - just three months after they said at their televised wedding "I do".
Gerry told "Good Morning America" that it's not a matter of falling out of love. Instead, blending life proved too difficult, especially with his and Teresa's families spread out in different states. "I still love the guy," Gerry said. "There's no doubt that I still love her. I support her every day."
The news left Bachelor Nation heartbroken and wondering if the upcoming season of The Bachelorette will fare any better. Luckily, there are a few changes that could make the next Bachelor Nation spinoff even more successful.
Cast list by location
Location is always a potential obstacle on reality dating shows, but on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette , it's even trickier. These shows revolve around people who have lived full, complex lives for 60, 70 or more years. Children and grandchildren are often part of it, but even if they are not, it requires many people to leave the community they love.
Luckily, this Bachelor Prime problem isn't too difficult to solve, but it will require rejigging the show so that the next frontrunner has a group of contestants who live in the same area as her. Many fans suggested regional casting along the lines of Love Is Blind to give couples a better chance of long-term success. Of course, there's no guarantee, but at least contestants will be able to make realistic decisions about their futures without having to contemplate life-changing moves.
Get families more involved
Suitors from the same area may make hometowns look a little different. But why do Gold Medal contestants have to wait until their hometowns to meet their future lovers' families? Several contestants on Gerry's Season abruptly quit to raise families, and his last few women made it clear that their children and grandchildren were an important part of their lives. It makes sense to involve loved ones in multiple stages of the process so they can better understand each other and their world.
Take different date methods
Retro restaurant pop-ups and yacht hot tubs are amazing dates, but they're not a good predictor of what real-world relationships might look like. (This isn't an issue unique to the prime branch of Bachelor Nation.) This stage of marriage is a unique commitment, and it's important for couples to truly understand issues like losses, estate planning, and the financial impact of life. Want to be together. It’s crazy that Teresa’s career has only been in one season of Gerry’s Fantasy Suite!
While The Bachelorette should retain the fun dates, it should also allow more time and space to discuss the logistics that get lost in the whirlwind of rose ceremonies and mansion dramas. Maybe there could be a group date where the next front-runner to present their five-year financial plan. Romantic? Not so much. But is it important? extremely.
No more bunk beds
The women of The Golden Bachelor got a real look at the real-life effects of bunk beds, bladders and knee replacements - simply put, the Bachelor Mansion's sleeping arrangements aren't the most comfortable. For The Bachelorette, it's time to provide this season's suitors with a restorative environment where they can truly thrive.
Chair please!
As Natascha Hardee said of Gerry Season: "There are people here who are 60, 70 and older. Have a rose ceremony in a chair." Like a proper bed. , this simple furniture change can make Golden Bachelorette a better experience for everyone.
Thorough casting process
Gerry is open about the background checks, STD tests and psychological evaluations he had to undergo before appearing on "The Bachelor." However, he also admitted to a series of "dating failures" after an article in The Hollywood Reporter made controversial claims about his relationship history.
Thorough research into contestants' relationship histories can help a show avoid unnecessary surprises. During the Golden Bachelor divorce, Teresa said Gerry's dating history had nothing to do with their breakup, but having more insight would still allow contestants to make informed choices about their futures.
Seek help from real-life “golden” couples
Golden Bachelor welcomes past leaders such as Caitlin Bristow and Trista Sutter to join some of its events. While it's fun to see their familiar faces, it can be even more impactful to feature real-life examples of other couples of the same age! After all, in a series of Bachelor Nation questionnaires, several of Gerry's contestants pointed out that the likes of Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell or Denzel and Pauletta Washington Matchmaking is a “relationship goal.”
Of course, "The Bachelorette" probably won't be able to book A-list couples for group dates. But it could certainly strive to find ways to celebrate the show's unique romantic era .
Do not worry
Between the fast pace of filming and January's release of "The Golden Wedding," Gerry and Teresa's love story is moving quickly. Teresa even told Bustle that they had planned to get married in "six to nine months" but didn't want to give up on ABC's offer to host their wedding.
That's not to say Gerry and Teresa would still be together if they had waited, but the slower filming schedule and canceled televised wedding may have helped potential pairs approach their connection in a more organic way.
Please interact with more contestants
At the end of the day, only one person can "win" the Golden Bachelor award, but as Gerry's season proved, the best things to come out of the experience are friendships and hilarious behind-the-scenes memories. Instead of relegating water aerobics and meatball drama to brief scenes, "Bachelorette" could rely on friendships and give viewers a chance to get to know the cast better.
