The premiere of Channel 9’s reality show, The Golden Bachelor, aired on Monday night, attracting significant attention from viewers. This series, which follows 61-year-old Barry ‘Bear’ Myrden as he seeks love among a group of 20 mature-aged women, has already sparked discussion across social media platforms.
Originally popular in the United States, The Golden Bachelor has made its way to Australia over a year after its announcement. Hosted by Samantha Armytage, the show aims to resonate emotionally with Australian audiences. Armytage expressed her confidence in the show’s local appeal in a recent interview with Yahoo Lifestyle.
Despite the positive reception of the women’s stories on the show, some viewers found it peculiar that the series features a Canadian bachelor. Comments on social media reflected this sentiment, with one user questioning, “Why is the Australian Golden Bachelor NOT AUSTRALIAN?” Another echoed the sentiment, asking, “Couldn’t they find an Aussie?”
The reactions continued, with viewers noting Bear’s strong accent as a departure from the expected Australian persona. Yet, many defended him, highlighting that he has lived in Australia for over two decades and has raised his three sons there. Bear’s journey of finding love, particularly after losing his wife to cancer 14 years ago, was also acknowledged.
Bear’s Perspective on Love and Compatibility
During the show’s launch event, Bear elaborated on the qualities he values in a partner. He mentioned that he only specified one dealbreaker to the producers: potential partners must be active and enjoy sports such as skiing and sailing. Bear remarked, “The only thing pre-shoot we talked about was I said that I’m active… and I think the producers did a great job.”
He emphasized the importance of being open to diverse experiences, stating, “You’ve just got to put yourself out there, it’s not too late.” This perspective aligns with the show’s broader theme of love and connection at any age.
When asked about his current relationship status, Bear remained discreet, teasing viewers with a reference to advice he received from former Bachelor Matty ‘J’ Johnson. “He just said ‘Follow your heart,’ and that’s what I did and I made the right decision,” he shared, leaving audiences curious about the outcomes of his romantic journey on the show.
The Golden Bachelor airs on Mondays and Tuesdays at 19:30 on Channel 9 and can also be viewed on 9Now. The show promises to explore the complexities of love, companionship, and the human experience, engaging viewers from diverse backgrounds.
As the series continues, it remains to be seen how Bear’s story unfolds and whether he will find the lasting connection he seeks.
