More than a year after it was first announced, Channel 9’s highly anticipated reality series The Golden Bachelor premiered on Monday night.
The Australian version of the hit US franchise follows 61-year-old widower Barry “Bear” Myrden as he dates 20 mature-aged women in the hopes of finding love again.
The series is hosted by Samantha Armytage, who recently told Yahoo Lifestyle that she believes the program is “absolutely going to resonate with Australians” on an emotional level.
While many viewers praised the women and their heartfelt backstories, others questioned the decision to cast a Canadian in the leading role.
“Why is the Australian Golden Bachelor NOT AUSTRALIAN?” one viewer asked
“I actually thought the same thing. They couldn’t find an Aussie?”. Another agreed.
“Look, love him. I’m sure he’s a great man… but why have we got a Canadian as the Aussie Golden Bachelor?” a third commented.
“Clearly the producers think we don’t have any polished suave Australian men in Australia.” Another user said.
“Golden Bachelor Australia, so they have an American/Canadian speaking guy,” one user added, referencing Bear’s accent.
Others, however, defended the casting choice, noting that Bear has lived in Australia for over 20 years and raised his three sons here.
Many viewers expressed empathy for his story, as his wife passed away from cancer 14 years ago.
Speaking to Yahoo Lifestyle at the show’s launch event, Bear revealed the only “dealbreaker” he gave producers before filming began.
“The only thing pre-shoot we talked about was I said that I’m active and I like sport and I like skiing and sailing, so it would have to be someone who can keep up with me, and I think the producers did a great job,” he said.
“I said other than that, you get beautiful women all shapes and sizes -you’ve just got to put yourself out there, it’s not too late.”
When asked about his current relationship status, Bear remained tight-lipped but shared that he took on the advice given by former Bachelor Matty “J” Johnson at the 2025 Logies.
“He just said ‘Follow your heart’, and that’s what I did and I made the right decision,” he teased.
Images: Nine/Instagram
