The Golden Bachelor Season 2 is set to premiere on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. The show will also be available for streaming on Hulu the next day. This season introduces Mel Owens, a 66-year-old former NFL player and lawyer, as the new lead.
Who Is the New Golden Bachelor?
Mel Owens is a retired NFL linebacker who played for the Los Angeles Rams from 1977 to 1980. After his football career, he became a sports injury lawyer based in Orange County, California. He is divorced and has two sons.
Mel faced controversy after saying on a podcast that he preferred women aged 45 to 60 and would “cut” contestants over 60. He later apologized, and ABC confirmed he would still be the lead.
“I just said, ’45 to 60.’ Just being honest, right? And then the process went and I was selected. Then we had lunch with the executive producer. I said, ‘If they’re over 60, I’m cutting them.’”
Despite backlash, ABC moved forward with Mel as the lead, and the show will feature women mostly over 60.
Meet the Potential Contestants
ABC has released a list of 25 potential contestants for Season 2. While the final cast isn’t confirmed, most of these women are expected to appear. Their ages range from 58 to 77.
Here are some of the women who may compete for Mel’s heart:
- Alexandra, 67, from Miami, FL
- Amy, 63, from Springfield, NJ
- Andra, 77, from San Francisco, CA (the oldest contestant)
- Carla, 62, from Los Angeles, CA
- Maia, 58, from Malibu, CA (the youngest contestant)
- Diane, 71, from Wasilla, AK
- Lily, 72, from Pacific Palisades, CA
Only three contestants are under 60, despite Mel’s earlier comments. The average age of the women is 64.68.
What Happened in Season 1?
The first season of The Golden Bachelor starred Gerry Turner, a 72-year-old retired restaurateur. He proposed to Theresa Nist, but they divorced just three months after their televised wedding.
Another contestant, Joan Vassos, later became the first Golden Bachelorette. She got engaged to Chock Chapple, but their current relationship status is unclear.
How to Watch Season 2
- Premiere Date: September 24, 2025
- Time: 8 p.m. ET (two-hour premiere), then moves to 9:02 p.m. ET starting October 1
- Channel: ABC
- Streaming: Next-day on Hulu
Will There Be More Drama?
Mel’s controversial statements have already caused tension. Fans criticized him for his age-related remarks, but ABC has not replaced him.
Some viewers have threatened to boycott the season, while others are curious to see how Mel interacts with the women, most of whom are over 60.
What’s Next for the Franchise?
ABC has expanded the Golden Bachelor series with The Golden Bachelorette, which aired its first season in 2024. The franchise remains popular, especially among older audiences.
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Credits: Bachelor Nation, Cosmopolitan, TV Insider
