ABC’s Bachelor Nation franchise is the OG in reality TV dating. They debuted a senior version with Gerry Turner, 71, in 2023. Now, a political talk show host made a surprising bid to star as the next Golden Bachelor on the popular dating franchise. Keep reading to find out the host’s shocking demand if he were asked to join the show.

ABC Revamps Bachelor Nation Franchise In 2026

The flagship show from Bachelor Nation, The Bachelor, usually premieres in late January. But not in 2026. While the show was renewed for Season 30, it won’t air until later this year. Instead, ABC is trying something new. They tapped Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul as the next Bachelorette.

But Season 22 of the spinoff won’t air in January either. Instead, the show has been pushed back a few months. It premieres on Sunday, March 22, another big change. The show typically airs on Mondays.
Mel Owens and his ‘Golden Bachelor’ contestants/Credit: YouTube
Fans hope to see another Golden Bachelorette season this year, as well. Season 2 of The Golden Bachelor wrapped up in November, and ABC typically alternates airing the spinoffs. But one surprising political talk show host has thrown his hat in as the next Golden Bachelor already.

Political Talk Show Host Wants To Be Next Golden Bachelor

ABC usually chooses its lead from within the franchise. But now that they changed up with Taylor Frankie Paul, anything goes. Joan Vassos recently predicted a Bravolebrity as the next Golden Bachelorette. In an unexpected move, a political talk show host revealed that he wants to be the next Golden Bachelor.

Bill Maher welcomed Full House alum John Stamos to his Club Random podcast, which he films in his home in Los Angeles, California. The two talked about their dating lives, with Bill Maher saying that he’s handed out “a lot of roses.”
Bill Maher/Credit: YouTube
John Stamos immediately picked up on The Bachelor reference and revealed his friend and director with the dating show, Ken Fuchs, was in the studio with him.

That prompted the political talk show host to nominate himself as the next Golden Bachelor, but with a twist. “I want to be the Golden Bachelor… but none of this age-appropriate bulls**t,” Bill Maher said. He went on to call the franchise a “great f**king show.”

He predicted that if he were the next Golden Bachelor, a lot of women would leave crying. “Now, some of these girls will leave crying because I’m going to be real with them. Not mean, just real. I’m going to f**king straighten out their lives, as I have so many 20-year-old-ish girls in my real life. I’m very good at it.”

“I was never meant to be Sir Lancelot. I’m the king. I’m the old dude,” he added.

Fans React To Idea

Bill Maher thinks he has what it takes to be the next Golden Bachelor. However, fans of the show didn’t agree at all. They called him out for his “gross” comments about dating much younger women.

“The fact that he thinks he’s the king of “real” anything is hilarious”
“I used to like bill, not anymore”
“Can’t men handle real, mature women? Geez!”
“20 yearish olds, ew.”
“Gross”
“Bill, you’re delusional”
“Ewww old guys being disgustingly. Hope the girls know how to say no to this disturbing behaviour”
“Creep”
“the fact that he called “age-appropriate”, BS is terrifying. He’s literally admitting to being a predator.”

Tell us in the comments if you would watch a Bill Maher Golden Bachelor season.