Where Are the Golden Bachelor Contestants on Bachelor in Paradise?

First and foremost, I am thrilled Bachelor in Paradise is back. It’s the beachy escape we need right now, and given that (1) The Bachelorette is on hiatus this summer, (2) the new season of The Bachelor won’t premiere until early 2026, and (3) who knows what’s happening with Mel Owens’s season of The Golden Bachelor, it’s nice to have something grace our screens for the next couple months.

Of course, Bachelor in Paradise is never without its share of drama. And based on the preview that airs at the end of the first episode, the premiere was just a light appetizer for what’s to come. Remember Clayton’s ex, Susie, who then went on to date Justin? Yep, she’s coming! Also, who can forget Faith, the radio host and animal lover from Washington State who was in Gerry Turner’s top three? She’ll be there too, even though she wasn’t part of the initial cast list released for the Goldens.

Speaking of The Goldens, where the heck are they? I’m not saying it was a waste of my time to watch two hours of Bachelor in Paradise without them (okay, maybe a little). But for a show that’s been constantly promoting their arrival, you’d think they’d be on the property if nothing else. So, where are they? And when are they coming? I tried to get to the bottom of that, plus eight more burning questions about Bachelor in Paradise that need to have answered immediately.

Entertainment news Celebrity gossip Movie and TV show updates Latest celebrity news Trending entertainment stories Where are the Golden Bachelor contestants?

Listen, I was all in on this season of Paradise before it was even announced that Kathy and April—one half of the ASKN ladies—would be reuniting. If you’ll recall, they were super close on The Golden Bachelor and seemed to do everything with fellow Goldens Susan and Nancy, but then April fell out of favor—we think?—with the group. Bachelor in Paradise is supposed to be where we’ll finally start to get answers about what happened, or didn’t.

Anyway, it turns out we’re going to have to wait a little bit longer to find out because neither Kathy nor April turned up in the premiere episode. Nor did Keith, Gary, Leslie, Kim, Natascha, or anyone else from the Golden seasons. So what gives?

Well, as much as ABC has been promoting their arrival this season, it turns out the Goldens won’t arrive until episode three. The “good” news is that episode three will actually air in week two, since it’s a double-episode week next week (Monday and Tuesday). ABC actually announced this in a sly Instagram post—but unless you were paying close attention, it was super easy to miss.

What gives? My guess is that the producers know what a huge draw the Goldens on Paradise will be and want to suck you in first with the requisite Bachelor/ette contestants. Dangle the carrot, so to speak. Will I still watch? Of course. Would it have been nice to have them there earlier, though? You better believe it.

Entertainment news Celebrity gossip Movie and TV show updates Latest celebrity news Trending entertainment stories We’re all just here for Spencer, right?

I don’t want to say I told you so, but I was never sold on Grant as the Bachelor when he was first announced last summer. (My two picks were Jonathon and Spencer, who had so much charisma. Grant is hot and supersweet, but I was bored most of the season.) My instincts were right as evident in Spencer’s debut (or at least his edit) in the premiere of Bachelor in Paradise. Fun, funny, self-aware, sweet, down-to-earth, self-deprecating…I could go on and on. I know he’s been compared to a golden retriever, but what’s the harm in that? Have you tried to date in 2025? It’s awful. More guys like Spencer, please. He also has a great backstory, having been previously engaged and gone through the requisite Bachelor heartbreak that makes for such a compelling story. I’m telling you right now—if he doesn’t end up with Jess or anyone else on Paradise, please make him the new Bachelor. Or give him a show with Jonathon. He’s earned it.

Entertainment news Celebrity gossip Movie and TV show updates Latest celebrity news Trending entertainment stories Why can no one give a proper hug on this show?

As much as people obsess over the perfect kiss, can we talk about the perfect hug? Or at least a decent hug? And the fact that somehow, 90% of the contestants on this show don’t know how to give one? I get that it’s hot and humid in Costa Rica, but even couples that profess to like each other look uncomfortable. There are weird side hugs, odd embraces, and no eye contact. It’s not just a Bachelor in Paradise thing. I’ve noticed for years that even some friends of mine can’t give a proper hug. If you aren’t a hugger, that’s totally fine! Give a fist bump, or do nothing. But if you truly don’t mind exchanging hugs with someone, then at least try to learn how to act like you know what you’re doing.

Entertainment news Celebrity gossip Movie and TV show updates Latest celebrity news Trending entertainment stories Where’s the beachy feel?

The fun thing about watching Bachelor in Paradise in years past is the kaleidoscope of bold, beach-inspired colors at Playa Escondida in Sayulita. A lot of that was because of the Bachelor in Paradise set decorators’ work, as well as the traditional kaleidoscope of colors you often see in Mexico itself. It made for beautiful television and set the mood for a summer vacation.

This season of Bachelor in Paradise is not set in Saluyita; it’s in Costa Rica’s Samara Beach, at Hotel Azura, which by all accounts is a gorgeous adults-only resort. Still, it feels as if I’m watching an infomercial for a hotel instead of being transported to the beach. I’m someone who has been to Costa Rica and seen how lush and gorgeous—and green—everything is, and this just doesn’t feel like it. I know we’re only one episode in, but I’m hoping we get to really see more of the landscape.

To play devil’s advocate to myself, though, this time around the contestants have air conditioning, which might have been a deal-breaker in order to get any contestants from The Golden Bachelor/ette there. (I would have needed it to no matter my age.) Also, none of us know the politics that go into securing a location that requires a property to basically shut itself off to other guests and businesses for a nearly two-month period. So, keeping that in mind, it’s great. It’s just that, one episode in, I miss the feeling of actually feeling like I’m on a beach.

Entertainment news Celebrity gossip Movie and TV show updates Latest celebrity news Trending entertainment stories What about the cheesy, retro-inspired introductions?

If you haven’t noticed by now, this year’s Bachelor in Paradise is going for a sleeker look, from the camera angles to the montages. (I couldn’t help but think Paradise was taking a page from the Love Is Blind or Love Island look book.) Bachelor in Paradise has purposely set itself apart by leaning into its tongue-and-cheek, retro-inspired introductions with “Almost Paradise” as the theme song. And usually, those intros are not part of the premiere episode, as was the case here. But given the sleeker direction, I’ll be curious—and sad—if that’s lost come episode two.

Entertainment news Celebrity gossip Movie and TV show updates Latest celebrity news Trending entertainment stories Why aren’t we getting more Wells?

The show’s unofficial bartender has been a Paradise staple for years, and although we see him fairly early on in the premiere episode, we don’t really get him in all his glory until the last 30 minutes, when he offers up his hilarious (and spot-on) insight into what’s happening with all the contestants. This is only the first episode, and it’s important to establish the contestants first and foremost, but I would gladly listen to his interpretation of the events far more than half of what these contestants are talking about.

Entertainment news Celebrity gossip Movie and TV show updates Latest celebrity news Trending entertainment stories Who is Kyle?

I watched Katie Thurston’s season of The Bachelorette. I enjoyed Katie Thurston’s season of The Bachelorette. And yet I have no recollection of who Kyle is from her season. Kyle himself understands that, even writing, “Surprisingly, I was actually on The Bachelorette (contrary to popular belief)” on his bio page. This isn’t the first time that’s happened, when I don’t remember someone, but based on his Paradise edit, this guy is not the least bit forgettable. With lines like, “I don’t want a summer fling, I want the real thing,” I wish he was sticking around just for the cheesiness factor alone.

Entertainment news Celebrity gossip Movie and TV show updates Latest celebrity news Trending entertainment stories Why didn’t Jess talk to Spencer before her date with Sam?

Technically Jess doesn’t owe Spencer anything at this point (they’re not exclusive; they just met), but given how much Jess and Spencer bonded romantically in the first few days of Paradise, I was surprised that Jess didn’t at least tell Spencer that she was going to go out with Sam when he got a date card. Personally, I think it would have been the right thing to do, to at least soften what’s already an awkward situation (or is it? maybe I’m too proper for Paradise), especially given how open Spencer had been with Jess. Maybe she did have a conversation and we didn’t see it in the final edit of the show, but if that did happen, why not show it to us?

Entertainment news Celebrity gossip Movie and TV show updates Latest celebrity news Trending entertainment stories What does Jesse Palmer mean when he says everything is about to change?

I know to take teases on this show with a grain of salt, but when he announces to the cast that everything will change going into the second rose ceremony, which will air next Monday, I’m a bit skeptical. For one, the Goldens won’t arrive until episode three (but the regular contestants knew the Goldens were coming before they even left for Costa Rica). Also, everyone—by now—should know to expect that new contestants will arrive each episode, shifting the dynamic. On the other hand, there is a new showrunner this season. I wouldn’t be surprised by a major shake-up. My guess? The format will change, either with eliminations or coupling up. And of course, I’ll be watching.

Bachelor in Paradise is now streaming on Hulu. A new episode airs next Monday, July 14, and Tuesday, July 15, on ABC, and will stream the next day on Hulu.