Format

Just ahead of the U.S. premiere of The Golden Bachelorette on ABC, scheduled for Tuesday, September 17, 2024, Warner Bros. International Television Production announced that four European broadcasters have quickly embraced its predecessor, The Golden Bachelor, securing format rights for exclusive broadcasts in their regions.

Hailed as “the TV event of 2023” and “the best Bachelor yet,” The Golden Bachelor became ABC’s most successful unscripted series in nearly four years upon its debut. It consistently ranked as the top show of the night across all networks during its run, receiving critical acclaim, widespread media attention, and generating extensive social media buzz. The series reached more than 43 million multiplatform viewers.

The show’s overwhelming success has sparked significant international interest. The first international version, produced by WBITVP France, will premiere tomorrow, September 18, on M6 in France. Additionally, The Golden Bachelor has been commissioned by Discovery Real Time in Italy, where Fremantle will handle production, and by RTL in Germany and Videoland in the Netherlands, both produced by local WBITVP teams. Several other deals are also in the works.

Demonstrating that love knows no age, The Golden Bachelor offers a senior-focused twist on the popular dating franchise. The original Bachelor series, which has been produced in 37 territories over multiple seasons, is part of a global brand that also includes The Bachelorette, Bachelor in Paradise, The Bachelor Games, and The Bachelor: Listen to Your Heart. This new format introduces viewers to a charming, single man in his golden years, seeking a second chance at love with a woman who shares his dreams and outlook on life. The Golden Bachelor was created by Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Warner Horizon.

Andrew Zein, SVP of Creative, Format Development, and Sales at WBITVP, commented: “The Golden Bachelor has been a massive hit, reinvigorating the entire franchise and expanding its reach to new and older audiences alike. By focusing on mature singles with rich life experiences, it brings a refreshing and heartwarming perspective to reality dating. We are thrilled to see leading international broadcasters adapt the format, and we look forward to many more successful partnerships, especially with The Golden Bachelorette following suit.”