'The Golden Bachelor' season 2 casting: How to audition for reality dating show on ABC

The inaugural “Golden Bachelor” Gerry Turner picked his bride-to-be. And like most successful endeavors, this calls for a sequel.

Think you have what it takes to appear on a reality TV dating competition? Consider “The Golden Bachelor,” season two. Here’s what we know.

After Gerry Turner, world's first 'Golden Bachelor,' made his pick, ABC producers are casting for season 2

The wildly successful reality TV show followed Gerry Turner of Hudson, Indiana, Bachelor Nation’s first silver fox, as he whittled down a group of 22 women in their "golden years" to The One.

Two of the contestants vying for Turner's heart were from Florida: April Kirkwood of Port St. Lucie and Ellen Goltzer of Delray Beach. But the two finalists who competed for Turner's heart and hand in marriage were:

• Theresa Nist, 70, a financial services professional from Shrewsbury, New Jersey

• Leslie Fhima, 64, a fitness instructor from Minneapolis, Minnesota

The "Golden Bachelor" finale was filmed in Costa Rica. Turner proposed to Theresa.

Bachelor Nation fans know the two Floridians made a huge splash on season one of the "Golden Bachelor." #TeamEllen and #TeamApril fans made their wishes known on social media who could lead a spin-off. Kirkwood was eliminated on week four of the show, with Goltzer leaving the following week before the "hometown visit" episode.

In an exclusive interview with TCPalm, a USA TODAY Network newspaper, April described what she'll do after "The Golden Bachelor." And in an interview with the Palm Beach Post, another USA TODAY Network newspaper, Ellen described what dating life is like now post-"Golden Bachelor."

On the Nov. 30 "Golden Bachelor" finale, scenes from the next "Bachelor" season with Joey Graziadei show April Kirkwood giving him advice on love. So while there was no announcement for a "Golden Bachelorette" spin-off, at least one of the Florida contestants from "The Golden Bachelor" hasn't officially left the franchise.

Season one episodes aired at 8 p.m. Thursdays from the season premiere to the season finale from Sept. 28 to Nov. 30, 2023, on ABC. Episodes were available for streaming on ABC's app and Hulu a day later.

Bachelor Nation fans know to expect an announcement of the next season's lead role for "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette," typically during the "tell-all" episode or in the season finale. "Golden Bachelor" fans expressed their surprise on social media when ABC producers did not name a successor and rather encouraged fans to audition for season two of "The Golden Bachelor."

When is 'Golden Bachelor' wedding with Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist?

"The Golden Bachelor” wedding is set for Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, on ABC. Bachelor Nation fans may see some previous "Golden Bachelor" contestants on the TV special.

What is the age range for 'The Golden Bachelor?'

ABC's new reality dating competition takes the format from the popular "Bachelor" and "Bachelorette" series, with the new show focused on finding love for one "golden-aged" bachelor with 60- to 75-year-old contestants.

"The Bachelor" premiered in 2002, "The Bachelorette" began airing in 2003 and "Bachelor in Paradise" made its debut in 2014. "The Golden Bachelor" premiered Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, on ABC.

How do you audition for 'Golden Bachelor,' season 2?

Are you a senior looking for love? Are you ready to get married if you met the next love of your life today?

Those were the top two questions in the 2023 and 2024 casting call for potential “Golden Bachelor” contestants, according to seniordatingshow2023.castingcrane.com. The online form is available on that site. Be prepared to answer a lot of questions and upload photos.

Those interested in auditioning for "The Golden Bachelor," season two, can apply online at goldenbachelorcasting.com. The application has more than 70 questions and requests at least two recent photos (one that shows your face, it can be taken by someone else or a selfie, and a full-body picture). Applicants must live in the U.S. or Canada (excluding Quebec), the rules state. Though the application says "production is scheduled July to August 2023," an online check on Dec. 4, 2023, shows the application site was still valid. One question asks whether you have a passport that is valid until August 2024.

You can also nominate someone to be on the next season of "The Golden Bachelor" on ABC via the casting form online.

What's on the application form for 'Golden Bachelor' casting call?

Along with basic details such as age and weight, producers want to know salary/net worth, highest level of education, siblings, whether you have tattoos and a bucket list. Since this is a reality TV dating competition, producers are interested in your love life, too. The application includes questions like:

• If you have been married in the past, why are you no longer together?

• Are you genuinely looking for love and why?

• Why would you want to find love on TV?

• What age range do you prefer to date?

• What are your relationship dealbreakers?

What dating topics will come up on the 'Golden Bachelor?'

Remember, "The Bachelor," "The Bachelorette," "Bachelor in Paradise" and "The Golden Bachelor" are matchmaking TV shows. Part of finding The One includes talking about politics, ideal traits, physical attraction, race/ethnicity and religion. These are what some may consider to be the "tough" questions on the "Golden Bachelor" application form:

• Describe your ideal mate in terms of physical attraction and personality attraction. What is most important, physical attraction or personality when first meeting someone?

• How important is race/ethnicity when looking for a romantic partner, and if you think that may have an impact on your relationship, explain what would and wouldn't work for you and why.

• How important are a romantic partner's political views, and if their views may have an impact on your relationship, explain what would and wouldn't work for you and why.

• How important is a romantic partner's religion, and if their religious beliefs may have an impact on your relationship, explain what would and wouldn't work for you and why.

Who is Gerry Turner, (the original) 'Golden Bachelor?'

Who is the "Golden Bachelor" Gerry Turner?

"A retired restaurateur and doting father and grandfather, Gerry Turner lives in his dream house on a beautiful lake in Indiana," ABC wrote online about the 71-year-old. "He's often busy hosting barbecues, playing pickleball, cheering on his favorite Chicago sports teams, four-wheeling and spending time with friends and family at restaurants and local haunts."

For 43 years, Turner was married to his high school sweetheart, Toni. The couple had two daughters, Angie and Jenny, and two granddaughters, Charlee and Payton. Toni died in 2017. Six years later, and with the support of his family, Turner said he's ready to "find a love that will stand the test of time in his golden years."

After two months of reality TV courtship, Turner picked Theresa Nist, a fitness instructor from New Jersey. Their wedding will be broadcast in one month on an ABC TV special.

Is Jesse Palmer returning to host 'The Golden Bachelor?'

Jesse Palmer, the former Florida Gators football player and Bachelor alumni is fresh from hosting "The Golden Bachelor" and will return for Joey Graziadei's season of "The Bachelor" in January 2024.

Palmer became the permanent host of the Bachelor Nation franchise in 2021, replacing Chris Harrison after he was fired from the show. The Canada native previously held the title role as the bachelor on the fifth season of the reality television series in 2004.

Besides hosting the hit reality franchise, Palmer has spawned a successful sports commentary career for FOX, ESPN and the NFL Network. The former professional football player also is a contributor to ABC's "Good Morning America" and hosts the "Holiday Baking Championship" on Food Network.

When will 'The Golden Bachelor' 2024 premiere?

ABC producers have not mentioned a date for season two of "The Golden Bachelor." For more information, visit abc.com/shows/the-golden-bachelor.

Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network-Florida. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Open casting call, how to nominate someone for 2024 'Golden Bachelor'