Why ‘The Golden Bachelor’ is the must-see TV America needs now

Let the charming smile fool you — ‘Golden Bachelor’ Gerry Turner has become America’s late-in-life sweetheart. Let’s see if he can maintain his good image as the ABC hit comes to an end this week. ABC

Kindness and good manners reigned on ABC’s “The Golden Bachelor,” making it Must See TV for viewers fed up with the toxic drama happening on other reality TV franchises like the Real Housewives, “Vanderpump Rules” and even the original “Bachelor.” And perhaps, across society as a whole.

The premise? Gerry Turner, 72, a perma-tanned widower in his golden years, gets a second chance at love in this senior citizen version of “The Bachelor.”

So far, fans have been lapping up the “wholesome” concept. The premiere of “The Golden Bachelor” came out with a bang, earning the show its highest ratings in over two years.

The fact that Turner’s fit, tan and, well, a bit of a corn dog doesn’t hurt either. He’s also a pickleball enthusiast, you know, just like your grandpa.

Plus, the widower was married to his high school sweetheart of 43 years, Toni, before she passed away from a sudden illness in 2017. He hasn’t dated since.

This schmaltzy storyline pulls at the heartstrings.

While we’ll have to wait for next week’s fnale to see if the retired restaurateur picks Theresa Nist, 70, or Leslie Fhima, 64 (or even proposes at all), it was a relatively drama-free season, with viewers tuning in to root for the grandfather of two.

Better yet, no one threw martinis or tables. There were no physical fights. No hair pulling. No overt racism. No one waking up in their own urine, à la “The Real Housewives of New York.”

The Golden Girls were mainly on their best behavior.

It probably helped that ABC handpicked age-appropriate women for the show. The 22 contestants vying for a place in Turner’s heart are between 60 and 75 years old.

“We were a mature group — all of us — and we held each other in respect and accountable,” Turner told Glamour. “We all loved each other.”

In fact, the women have all pledged to attend Turner’s wedding — if one happens — in a sweet pact.

When one of the contestants did get out of line, Turner — with typical Midwest integrity — sent her packing.

While the “Golden” format is pretty much the same as its predecessor — group dates, rose ceremonies, exotic destinations and fantasy suites — the general civility is what sets it apart.

Of course, there has been drama on the show—otherwise why would we watch? Several contestants exited early due to family emergencies — including fan favorite Joan — and one woman even missed her daughter’s wedding to woo Turner.

The biggest scandal so far? A catfight between Kathy and Theresa, the latter accused of being boastful by oversharing her connection with Gerry. Kathy told Theresa to “zip it” and the showdown ended in tears and roses for both ladies. However, one episode later, Kathy was axed by Turner.

Pretty tame compared to “Scandoval” and the like.

It’s refreshing. Especially when former RHONY star and podcaster Bethenny Frankel is vociferously waging a war against her former network — and reality TV genre in general — alongside fellow aggrieved Bravolebrities like Leah McSweeney, Eboni K. Williams and Raquel Leviss.

A recent Vanity Fair article exposed this reality-TV reckoning, including accounts of McSweeney being pressured to drink/relapse, Ramona Singer’s alleged racism and use of the “N-word” and Brandi Glanville kissing and groping Caroline Manzo without her consent.

Is “The Golden Bachelor” perfect? Of course not.

There’s still the general ick of a man courting two women on consecutive nights.

In the show’s penultimate episode, which aired last Thursday, Turner jetted off to Costa Rica with his final two picks — and spent a night with each in the Fantasy Suite. He also told both ladies he loved them.

It feels a little tone deaf for a show that prides itself on being authentic and sensitive.

Turner is also becoming a shill for ABC. He was a presenter for the network’s Country Music Awards ceremony in early November, rubbing shoulders with Paula Abdul, Jelly Roll and “Bachelorette” Kaitlyn Bristowe.

The father of two even created an Instagram account, @goldengerryturner, to chronicle his reality tv journey and ABC connections. The account has more than 90,000 followers. Next up? Sponsored posts, one presumes.

But self-promotion aside, “The Golden Bachelor” has restored my faith in reality TV and love in general. This group of genuine 60- and 70-somethings is proof that we can all get along, or at least respect each other without resorting to name calling and violence.

Which begs the question: Will ABC unveil a “Golden Bachelorette” version next week?

If so, I’ll be tuning in!