EW takes you behind the scenes of this week’s group date on The Golden Bachelor.

(Darn that 60-minute runtime!)

(“That was pretty gutsy!

THE GOLDEN BACHELOR

Jesse Palmer, Kaitlyn Bristowe, and Gerry Turner on ‘The Golden Bachelor’.ABC/John Fleenor

I’m liking it a lot.")

During a break in rehearsals, Ellen stepped outside to speak with mefor EW’s story.

Because it read ‘Concentrate’!").

The Golden Bachelor grab

Sandra does stand-up on ‘The Golden Bachelor’.ABC

“Jesse, I understand you were part of the practice squad your entire career,” she said.

The host feigned offense and teased her back: “That’s the meanest joke you’ve told!”

But the show never stopped for the audience, thanks to the ongoing patter between Gerry and Jesse.

The crowd responded with a sympathetic “Awwww!”

and the kindhearted Golden Bachelor immediately took it back.

“Did I go over the line?

Sorry, Jesse.”

But it wasn’t all about trading (lighthearted) barbs.

Even if Gerry doesn’t find his person, he’s developed a true bromance with Jesse Palmer.

The Golden Bachelorairs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.