While Mark had a taste of the franchise during his short appearance on The Bachelor season 28, his life had been preparing him for the chance to meet someone like Joan for quite some time. After losing his own wife to cancer years prior, Mark had been operating as a single dad to five children of varying ages, but he’d been open to finding love if it appeared. When Bachelor Nation began rallying behind Mark to appear on The Golden Bachelorette, he was open to the opportunity, especially after seeing his own daughter find love on the long-running dating show.
The Golden Bachelorette’s Mark Anderson Was A Bachelor Nation Favorite
Viewers Were Hopeful To See Him On The Golden Bachelorette
Mark’s Connection With Joan Vasos Wasn’t As Strong As Others
The Pair Didn’t Feel Sparks
Although it seemed like Joan and Mark had a ton in common from the jump on The Golden Bachelorette, the pair wasn’t quick to find a connection outside of the surface things they had shared. While Joan and Mark had similar family structures and had lost their long-term partners in similar ways, it was tough for them to find any chemistry beyond that deep connection. The pair were always able to talk to each other and found it easy to make conversation, but they weren’t finding a romantic connection throughout their time together on The Golden Bachelorette, which was surprising.
Although Mark and Joan appeared to have a lot in common, the lack of spark started being a lot more noticeable as the competition continued on. By the time Mark and Joan called their relationship quits, it was clear that her connections with the other guys left in the season were a lot more serious. Regardless, Mark was able to find a deep connection with Joan as a friend, and made friends with a bunch of the rest of the guys in The Golden Bachelorette cast. Mark shared the time on the show was well worth the bit of heartbreak.
Leading The Golden Bachelor Wouldn’t Suit Mark’s Personality
He’s Too Diplomatic To Lead A Season
Although after The Golden Bachelorette, there was a push from Bachelor Nation to see Mark as the lead of the next season of The Golden Bachelor, I’m not convinced he’d be a good lead. While I enjoy Mark and think he has a sweet personality, I don’t think he’d be able to take charge of a situation where he was at the helm, choosing women to stay and go. I think a lot of the reasons that Joan found herself not clicking with Mark would actually make him a bad Golden Bachelor, though it’d be fun to see him try.
Mark’s New Relationship Proves He Never Needed To Lead The Series
He’s Found Love Outside The Franchise
Although many were hopeful that Mark would be the next Golden Bachelor to see him find love with someone new, he’s already crossed that bridge on his own. After The Golden Bachelorette, Mark found love with an unlikely partner. Though he hasn’t shared much about the relationship, Mark and One Tree Hill actor Barbara Alyn Woods are in a relationship, both featuring one another on their social media frequently through the last few months. While many wanted to see Mark search for love, he did it out of the spotlight and allowed his relationship to form before sharing it publcly.