Bachelor Nation
9 Fan Favorite Contestants on ‘The Golden Bachelorette,’ Ranked
The Golden Bachelorette is the latest installment in The Bachelor franchise, and the series has opened up a whole new world to Bachelor Nation. Getting into the minds of older gentlemen, the fanbase got to see how many of the men coped with loss, loneliness, and the chance to find love again. Quick to support each other, there was less toxic masculinity in the sunset age spinoff than in its younger predecessors.
Over the course of the season, many men jumped out and stole our hearts. Which men cheered you up each time you watched the show? Was it a guy who could make you laugh, touch your heartstrings so much that it made you cry, or both? Swooon has ranked the 9 most beloved men of The Golden Bachelorette Season 1. (Note: We did not include Joan Vassos‘ top two men.)
Check out our ranking below, and let us know if you agree in the comments.
The Golden Bachelorette, Season 1, Wednesdays, 8/7c, ABC
9. Jonathan Rone
Disclosing so much hurt from his past, Jonathan deserved a good edit! His small-town living in Iowa hadn’t prepared him to ride a horse, although Joan assumed he would know, but it did teach him how to become a gentleman.
Getting sent away right before hometowns must have hurt, so let’s just hope that he’s found a nice lady to get cozy with since then.
8. Bob Kilroy
Can I please be invited to Dr. Bob’s Thanksgiving dinner with all the lesbians?
Whenever he talked about his child, Bob’s face would light up, and he’d carry the conversation away. If you take a glimpse at his social media presence, you’ll see that he is just like that in real life, too. Sampling martinis together, what a classy daddy-and-me tradition to pass on! It’s a shame that he didn’t make it much further because his pure spirit came through in every interaction he had with Joan on the show.
7. Jordan Heller
Seeing Jordan on The Golden Bachelorette get all the way to hometowns was such a treat. With a zest for life and a youthful spirit, Jordan’s smile could really whisk you away.
However, it was unclear whether he was really ready for an engagement at the end of the experience. Not having told anyone that he loved them since he and his ex-wife separated over a decade ago is quite a long time. Would Joan have been the one to break that curse? Probably not. They did have great chemistry, though!
6. Dan Roemer
Dan had the kindest face that lit up every time he mentioned his daughters. Saying goodbye to Dan was kind of a hard pill to swallow, especially when he sadly mentioned that he wasn’t ready to be alone again.
Finding friends was not what he signed up for, but he sure got them in the process. Combating his loneliness, Dan became a fan favorite even though he was timid and reserved at times. His talent show act will go down in Bachelor Nation history.
5. Jack Lencioni
Was he there for Joan or the Bachelor Mansion’s pool is a good question? No one will ever know the answer, but Jack was a lot of fun. Does anyone else miss his cannonballs?
Jack was the life of the party. The first few segments of him and Charles L. exploring their new living accommodations were extremely comforting. If only he would’ve had more time on the show. Can you imagine the great food he would’ve cooked up?
4. Gary Levingston
No, he’s not just on the list because he’s Tina Turner’s godson, but that’s just too cool not to mention again!
His soft spoken ways and gentle mannerisms always allowed Joan to feel comforted, and even though a romantic relationship didn’t pan out between the two of them, that doesn’t mean there wasn’t real love shared between them. Gary and Joan really did enjoy each other’s company. Hopefully, they stayed in touch.
3. Keith Gordon
Anyone who describes themselves as a “Girl Dad” is a certified awesome guy in our book. And, boy, did Keith Gordon prove that he is an amazing person!
Taking care of his three daughters as a single dad must have been tough, but he always made sure to keep a smile on everyone’s face. At times awkward, that only added to his charm.
Besides his Hopper-from-Stranger-Things-like-charm, Keith was just a downright cool guy. He went to see Chappell Roan. What a way to keep up with the zeitgeist.
2. Mark Anderson
Will he be the next Golden Bachelor. or is he dating One Tree Hill alum Barbara Alyn Woods? No one knows. Mark Anderson has emerged as one of the most beloved characters to come out of this batch of Golden Bachelorette suitors.
Dubbed as Kelsey Anderson “hot dad,” the Army veteran has been capturing the hearts of many people watching since his brief appearance on The Bachelor. Hopefully this isn’t the last time we see him on a Bachelor Nation show.
1. Charles Ling
What’s not to love about Charles Ling? With his heart on his sleeve and dad jokes intact, he charmed all of Bachelor Nation, making him deserving of the first spot.
The 66-year-old father of two might not have found romantic love, but he sure got a whole new set of buddies.
Only a soulless person wouldn’t like this man. We are, for one, so happy that while in the Bachelor Mansion, he was able to get some closure about his wife’s passing.
