The Golden Bachelor has been one of the best parts of fall TV as we got to meet 22 awesome ladies in their senior years looking for love. Whether the contestants lost their partners, got divorced, or just hadn’t found the one yet, each woman brought so much fun energy and wholesomeness to every episode. As lead Gerry Turner sent women home episode after episode, the process became more and more difficult. He fell for multiple ladies and had a life-changing decision to make in the end.
In tonight’s finale, Gerry sent home Leslie Fhima and proposed to Theresa Nist, a 70-year-old grandmother from New Jersey who works as a Financial Services Professional. We could totally sense their connection all season long, though many viewers found this revelation surprising considering eagle-eyed fans found clues that led them to believe Leslie was the winner!
Gerry chooses Theresa, devastates Leslie on The Golden Bachelor
No matter the outcome of The Golden Bachelor finale, you already knew Bachelor Nation would be weighing in on social media. After reading through tweets tonight, it seems like while fans are happy for Theresa, they’re questioning how authentic Gerry is after that recent report from The Hollywood Reporter came out, exposing him for allegedly lying about his past.
I’m not gonna lie watching this is really hard after reading the Hollywood Reporter piece #TheGoldenBachelor #goldenbachelor pic.twitter.com/kam3x9KsZV
— Katlynn Hauber (@hauber_katlynn) December 1, 2023
About 30 minutes into the finale, Theresa opened up during a confessional and wondered if Gerry said “I love you” to anyone else. Of course, we know he had.
“He said I love you to me, did he say I love you to her?”
— AP (@APsomaras) December 1, 2023
All of us watching at home: #TheGoldenBachelor pic.twitter.com/zdxipEZIhi
Despite telling both women he was falling for them, it was apparent Gerry made up his mind during the finale and felt stronger about Theresa. And Leslie could tell the vibes were very, very off.
“Gerry wasn’t acting normal”
— Shelby (@Shelby_Delaine) December 1, 2023
Me @ my tv: “well Gerry better get it TOGETHER” #goldenbachelor #TheGoldenBachelor pic.twitter.com/IBS6WSy8G6
Gerry when he’s not feeling one of the ladies #goldenbachelor #TheGoldenBachelor pic.twitter.com/czyIw7rLEV
— wine mom yor forger🍷 (@autumnvelvets) December 1, 2023
Gerry’s conversation with Leslie after she met his family was incredibly uncomfortable as Gerry acted like everything was fine when it wasn’t. He made it pretty obvious that he was going to choose Theresa over Leslie without actually saying it at first, and he didn’t handle the situation well.
i am not afraid to fight an old man, gerry. HOW COULD YOU DO THAT TO LESLIE. #TheGoldenBachelor pic.twitter.com/4jmWrzW8vr
— mary ⎊🎄 (@kurtslimabean) December 1, 2023
Gerry decided to come back to see Leslie and finally come clean with his feelings, and Leslie didn’t hold back with her reaction, rightfully so. She was angry and upset that he made it seem like she was the one for him, leading her on to believe they would get engaged at the end of the season. Viewers at home were happy to see Leslie defend herself and were very frustrated with Gerry’s actions.
It’s easy to criticize Gerry’s behavior this season.
so gerry told faith he loved her and sent her home. told leslie she was the one and broke up with her... he truly did lead these women on#TheGoldenBachelor #GoldenBachelor pic.twitter.com/RzHI24uHBo
— bach memes (@thebachelwhore) December 1, 2023
Given the way he went about his conversation with Leslie tonight, many viewers are finding it hard to sympathize with Gerry right now.
Blah blah blah Gerry making it all about how bad he feels boo tomato tomato #TheGoldenBachelor pic.twitter.com/H3BE3X4uIS
— annemarie✨ (@annienavar) December 1, 2023
Although that recent report sheds light on Gerry’s not-so-great true colors (shame on you, Gerry, if it’s true!) we’re still a little bit excited to see where this new spinoff goes. Can we get a season of The Golden Bachelorette, ABC? That’s definitely what the people want! This season has given us so many great options for a senior woman lead.
Catch up on The Golden Bachelor on ABC or Hulu, and we’ll keep you updated here at Accept This Rose on the future of the franchise! Up next, Bachelor in Paradise season 9 comes to a close next week on Thursday, Nov. 30, and The Bachelor season 28 starring Joey Graziadei premieres on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024.