In a significant milestone for the Bachelor franchise, Joan Vassos will embark on a new journey as the first-ever lead on "The Golden Bachelorette," which premieres on ABC on September 18th at 8 p.m. ET. The show will feature 24 eligible bachelors vying for Vassos' heart. One notable contestant among them is Mark Anderson, who happens to be the father of Kelsey Anderson, the winner of Joey Graziadei's heart on Season 28 of "The Bachelor."

Vassos, a school administrator aged 61, was previously introduced during Gerry Turner's season of "The Golden Bachelor" last year. After being widowed following 32 years of marriage, she expressed her desire to find a partner who could blend harmoniously with her family. Her interests include cooking, spending time with her dog and family, and listening to Elton John's music. During "The Golden Bachelor," she bonded early on with Turner but had to leave temporarily due to a medical emergency involving her daughter.

"The Golden Bachelor" achieved remarkable success on Hulu, becoming ABC's No. 1 unscripted premiere ever. It also ranked as the No. 1 new reality series in its demo and reached an impressive 43.5 million viewers. The season was filmed over four weeks last summer, culminating in a finale that attracted 6.1 million viewers - the largest audience in nearly three years within Bachelor Nation. The finale was followed by a live wedding special in January, where Turner and Theresa Nist exchanged vows. However, their union lasted only three months.

Produced by Warner Bros. Unscripted Television and Warner Horizon, both "The Bachelorette" and "The Golden Bachelorette" share the same production team. Currently, Season 21 of "The Bachelorette," led by Jennifer Tran, is airing on ABC.

Among the cast of suitors on "The Golden Bachelorette" is Bill, a charismatic and outgoing retired video producer who describes himself as a hopeless romantic. He has tried various dating sites and local singles' scenes without success. Bill shares two daughters with his ex-wife and is eager to find a partner to enjoy his golden years with. He enjoys playing guitar, public speaking, and listening to the Beatles. Bill hopes that meeting Joan will mark the end of his search for a future wife.

Bob, a chiropractor and avid surfer, also joins the competition. After going through a divorce, he seeks a kind, patient, and compassionate partner. Bob is dedicated to his profession and finds joy in helping people. In his free time, he enjoys ocean swims, watching Pixar movies, and indulging in dark chocolate. Bob is determined to find true love and eagerly anticipates his journey with Joan.

Charles K., a portfolio manager and proud father of five, brings a vibrant personality and a strong sense of family values to the show. He considers his children his greatest achievement and takes his fashion seriously, aiming to prove that men above 60 still possess charm and swagger. Charles K. has traveled extensively in search of love and looks forward to meeting Joan and forming a connection.

Charles L., a retired data analyst and father of two, is ready for a second chance at love. Having grown up in rural China and moved to the United States with minimal funds, Charles L. embodies resilience and a willingness to take risks. He hopes to find a kind-hearted and intelligent woman who shares his sense of humor and sweet soul. If given the opportunity, Charles L. would love to see Britney Spears perform live during his golden years.

As Joan embarks on this exciting new chapter in her life, audiences are eagerly anticipating the premiere of "The Golden Bachelorette" and the potential love stories that will unfold.