Missing the fun, carefree vibes of the recent long weekend? You might be back at work or home from vacation, but you’ll soon be mentally transported to the beach, with lots of sun, sand, and excitement, because Bachelor in Paradise kicks off July 7 at 8 p.m. We know the hosts say this every season, but this one really is gearing up to be the most dramatic yet. That’s because some of our favorites from The Golden Bachelor and Golden Bachelorette are hitting the beach and turning the series on its head. They’ll be bringing an energized thirst for love, a completely different (and, dare we say, more mature) outlook on finding it, and obviously, a generous age gap. (If you need a refresher, here’s who will be competing in Paradise.) Plus, this season will introduce challenges for the first time.
Ahead of the premiere, Katie Couric Media caught up with the people who make Bachelor in Paradise what it is: host Jesse Palmer, bartender Wells Adams, and new director of paradise relations Hannah Brown. (And we know you’re wondering: the former Bachelorette described her role to us as “the concierge in White Lotus,” there to help the contestants with whatever they need and give advice — and champagne in her dedicated champagne lounge.) Read on for what it was like having the Goldens in paradise and the unique vibe they bring to the show.
Katie Couric Media: What was the response from the younger cast to the arrival of the Goldens?
Jesse Palmer: I think at first they were surprised by the energy, but then they saw a lot of value there. The Goldens were a shoulder to lean on and a listening ear for our younger cast, offering them advice throughout the process.
Wells Adams: I’ll be honest, I was a little apprehensive of the Goldens coming. I didn’t know what to expect, but the second they got there, they brought so much energy and fun that was desperately needed. Thank God they came. I remember, right before they got there, I had everyone come around the bar, and I was like, “Guys, you’re living in paradise for free. Why is everyone in the doldrums?” And then the Goldens came, and all of a sudden ignited the mood. It was awesome.
Hannah Brown: The Goldens have a beautiful outlook on life and second chances because there aren’t many opportunities like this for them. They really take it and run with it without fear. It was exactly what the younger contestants needed because, in this day and age, with social media and knowing the aftermath of being on this show, it’s really hard for many of the younger cast members. The Goldens reminded them that this is such a unique experience and to have fun with it.
Who do you think brought more of a party vibe, the Goldens or the younger cast?
JP: The Goldens brought the most energy, and they did it the moment they showed up on the beach. They arrived, probably around 10:15 a.m., and surprised the cast. And literally, by 10:19 a.m., they were doing body shots off each other in the pool in front of everybody. They really set the tone and absolutely took it to a whole different level.
WA: Not even close; the Goldens partied so much harder. One of the Youngs would be like, “Well, I don’t want to do something crazy because my grandma’s watching.” The Goldens don’t have that problem. A couple of people said, “My kids are watching,” but their kids are in their 30s. They don’t care.
Do you think they had a different approach to dating?
JP: One of the things I really appreciate and love about the Golden cast is that they’re just so comfortable in their own skin. They have so much experience. They’ve lived, they’ve loved, sometimes they’ve lost. I hope their emotional maturity acted as a great example for our younger cast. One thing I told our younger cast a lot throughout filming was to hang out with the Goldens and pick their brains because they have a lot of knowledge and wisdom, and can lead by example.
Will we see any age gap relationships?
WA: You gotta watch the show.
JP: We’re obviously going to see two different generations on the beach together. I can’t tell anybody who they can or can’t love. I encouraged everyone to stay in their generational lane and just not make it weird. But that’s not to say it won’t happen. People will have to tune in and find out.
