TV & Movies

Twitter Is Thrilled About Grandpa John’s Bachelorette Return

He’s back, Bachelor Nation!

Gabby and Erich's 'Bachelorette' date was crashed by Grandpa John. Photo via ABC
ABC/Craig Sjodin

During Week 3 of The Bachelorette, Gabby Windey wasn’t totally feeling the romantic vibes from her suitors. While Rachel Recchia went on perhaps the most romantic date ever with Zach Shallcross, Gabby hung out with the men at home — and, well, none of them seemed to make much of an attempt to spend time with her. “It’s kind of frustrating, the men aren’t being super forward with me ... the lack of effort is a decision at this point,” she said. “Like, it just doesn’t show initiative. It doesn’t show that you’re ready.”

While the experience left Gabby feeling a bit discouraged, she knew exactly who to call for support: the man, the myth, the legend, Grandpa John himself. As you’ll remember, we were first introduced to Grandpa John during Clayton Echard’s Bachelor hometown visit — and the hilarious elder won viewers over with his charm and humor.

This time around, Grandpa John accompanied Gabby and Erich Schwer on their one-on-one date. Erich didn’t mind the company too much, even inviting Grandpa John to hang out with him in Santa Monica sometime. Grandpa John wondered if there might be “good-looking chicks” there — to which Gabby responded in shock. “Grandpa, you’re a pervert!”

After falling asleep during the sound bath portion of their date, Grandpa John went on to meet a fellow bowler named Julie at the bowling alley — turning the three-wheel outing into a legit double-date situation. Twitter, of course, loved every moment of Grandpa John’s Bachelorette return.

Of course, Gabby couldn’t go on her Bachelorette journey without some guidance from Grandpa John. Last season, the man wasn’t afraid to warn Gabby that Clayton was “full of crap” — and OK, he was just kidding at the time, but still! His signature blend of honesty and humor works.

While Grandpa John is always there to support his granddaughter, he isn’t one to tell her what to do — as Gabby recently explained to Bustle. “My grandpa is so supportive and honestly such a rock that I don’t think he would ever truly give real advice — just, ‘Follow your heart and be happy. If you’re happy, I trust you and I’m gonna be happy for you,’” she said. “But knowing that he has my back no matter what is the best feeling from a family member.”