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'The Golden Bachelor': Viewers blast producers for trimming Gerry Turner's hometown visits as front runners get booted close to finale

As the season undergoes historic upheaval, 'The Golden Bachelor' fans accuse producers of robbing Gerry Turner and his contestants

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Fans of 'The Golden Bachelor' have lambasted producers after seeing some extraordinary alterations in the first season. Gerry Turner was forced to make significant cutbacks ahead of hometown dates during the October 26 episode of the ABC dating competition series.

Viewers were surprised to find that the 72-year-old Golden Bachelor star would meet the families of his suitors next week. Gerry was forced to reduce the cast from six remaining suitors to three.

Furthermore, people noted that Gerry and the contestants have yet to visit any place this season. By this time in the season, the star and their potential suitors have usually taken at least one local or overseas trip.

Only Tayshia Adams and Clare Crawley's seasons have had no travel in the past. However, this was due to Covid restrictions.

Viewers on X were outraged by the change. One user wrote, "Only 3 hometown visits?!!! omg." Another angry fan tweeted, "3 hometown dates? Not 4?"

A viewer also asked, "Why are there going to be only three hometown dates??"

Another viewer wrote, "Perhaps ABC wanted to ensure a hot mess of hometowns and the final rose episode, so that's why those three were chosen? I think Sandra, Susan and Ellen would be entirely too dignified."

One viewer further asked, "I know that being more mature and established probably makes it easier to gauge compatibility but how is hometowns next week when Gerry has had like three one-on-ones? For why did they rush this show so much?"

Another person added, "Having only 3 hometowns feels strange."

Who went home on 'The Golden Bachelor' Week 5?

Gerry Turner was suit-clad and determined for the mansion rose ceremony as promised despite admitting to having a restless night. "I know I have the responsibility of holding your hearts in my hands," Gerry remarked solemnly before continuing.

Leslie Fhima accepted Flower Number 2, with Faith Martin already clutching her rose. Gerry presented Rose Number 3 to Theresa Nist after a dramatic eternity of music.

Sandra Mason, a retired executive assistant who skipped her daughter's wedding to play pickleball for Gerry, and Kris Jenner lookalike Susan Noles both left.

The worst blow was losing pickleball aficionado and retired teacher Ellen Goltzer, with whom Gerry had a genuine bond and a romantic balloon journey.

Ellen was led by Gerry to the dreaded SUV. "Yours, obviously, was the most difficult decision," Gerry said after a sad bench debriefing.

Ellen was devastated, but she gave Gerry one last embrace before saying, "OK, I gotta go."

Ellen brushed away tears as the darkened SUV window passed Gerry's sorrowful face, still optimistic about finding love and Gerry.

"He's really a special guy. He deserves to be happy," Ellen said, adding, "He's been through a lot."

'The Golden Bachelor' fans speculate on Gerry Turner's final rose

Viewers of 'The Golden Bachelor' believe they know which of the remaining ladies will win Gerry's heart. The TV personality had a lengthy interview with Us Weekly from a faraway location.

The camera was set on the 'The Golden Bachelor' contestant displaying a mirror tile hanging in the backdrop. Fans with keen eyes noticed a woman sitting on a white bed in the mirror.

Viewers speculated in an internet forum that they saw Leslie Fhima in the mirror. Leslie confessed to Gerry on Thursday's episode that she was falling in love with him.

One viewer commented, "Looks like Leslie." While another chimed in, "I think it’s Leslie, not Theresa."

One confused fan wrote, "I can’t tell-it kind of looks like Leslie or Faith I think?" A fourth user asked, "I see the person but I can’t make it out. Is it Leslie?"

'The Golden Bachelor' airs on ABC every Thursday at 8 pm ET.