After making history with its first season, The Golden Bachelor is back, and fans are buzzing with excitement. The ABC and Hulu series, which celebrates love later in life, will return this fall with a new leading man ready to open his heart: Mel Owens.
At 66, Owens is no stranger to the spotlight. He made his name as a star NFL linebacker before turning to a career in law, and now, he’s stepping into a different kind of arena—one where love, companionship, and life’s simple joys take center stage. Born and raised in Detroit, Owens grew up in a tight-knit Midwestern family where dedication and hard work were instilled early. Sports became his first passion, and his natural talent on the football field eventually led him to the University of Michigan. From there, he entered the NFL, drafted ninth overall in 1981 by the Los Angeles Rams, making an immediate impact in a league full of legends.
But life after football wasn’t just about fame or accolades. Owens transitioned into law, moving to Orange County, California, and dedicating himself to helping others, particularly those affected by sports-related injuries. During this chapter of his life, he also found love and started a family, welcoming two sons. Yet life, with its unpredictable turns, tested him. The passing of his father and the end of his marriage could have left him adrift, but Owens chose to focus on fatherhood, becoming deeply involved in his sons’ lives and coaching their sports teams.
Now, after years devoted to family and career, he’s ready for a new beginning. The Golden Bachelor gives Owens the chance to rediscover love, not in the grand gestures of youth, but in the quiet moments of life—the shared laughter over dinner, weekend adventures, or simply being there for each other. At this stage, he’s looking for a partner who shares his vision of companionship, someone who will be a true teammate as they navigate life’s golden years together.
Record-Breaking Debut Season Sets the Stage
The first season of The Golden Bachelor proved there’s a huge appetite for stories of love beyond the usual age range seen on reality TV. In just 35 days across platforms, the show drew an impressive 10.4 million viewers. It became the strongest-performing ABC unscripted series since The Bachelor’s 2019-2020 season and scored a 2.88 rating among adults 18-49, marking the highest rating for any ABC unscripted show since The Bachelorette in fall 2020.
Produced by Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in collaboration with Warner Horizon, the series has been praised for bringing a refreshing perspective to dating television. It demonstrates that love doesn’t have an expiration date, and that the stories of older adults can be just as compelling—and emotional—as those of younger contestants.
The upcoming season promises even more drama, romance, and heartfelt moments. Fans will have the chance to watch Mel Owens navigate the delicate balance of dating and deciding who might be his perfect match.
Meet the 23 Women Competing for Mel’s Heart
ABC recently unveiled the women competing for Owens’ affection, and the cast is as diverse as it is inspiring. Ranging in age from 58 to 77, the 23 contestants bring unique life experiences, talents, and personalities to the competition. From a longevity nurse to a retired biomedical engineer, a librarian, a former elementary school teacher, a flight attendant, and a full-time mother, the women reflect a wide spectrum of backgrounds.
“Twenty-three incredible women are stepping into the spotlight, ready to capture hearts across the nation as they pursue a chance at love with ‘Golden Bachelor’ Mel Owens,” ABC stated in a press release. “These vibrant women, each radiating elegance, strength, and a zest for life, are proof that love stories don’t end with age—they only get better.”
The diversity of the women is part of what makes the show compelling. Each contestant brings a different perspective on love, life, and companionship, creating a dynamic and emotional journey for viewers to follow. The stage is set for sparks, conflicts, and heartfelt connections, all while challenging stereotypes about romance and aging.
The Contestants:
- Alexandra, 67 – Luxury yacht sales representative from Miami, Florida.
- Amy, 63 – Full-time mom from Short Hills, New Jersey.
- Andra, 77 – Retired federal worker from Los Angeles, California.
- Carla, 62 – Former model from Los Angeles, California.
- Carol, 63 – Family manager for baseball all-star Freddie Freeman from Villa Park, California.
- Cheryl, 66 – Retired IRS employee from Englewood, Colorado.
- Cindy, 60 – Retired biomedical engineer from Austin, Texas.
- Debbie, 65 – Fitness professional from Denver, Colorado.
- Diane, 71 – Librarian from Wasilla, Alaska.
- Gerri, 64 – Home care agency CEO from Rockville, Maryland.
- Lily, 72 – Retired elementary school teacher from Pacific Palisades, California.
- Lisa, 66 – State park employee from Marion, Ohio.
- Maia, 58 – College sports consultant from Malibu, California.
- Monica B., 62 – Flight attendant from Huntsville, Alabama.
- Monica P., 60 – Cosmetic dentist from Birmingham, Alabama.
- Mylene, 61 – Casino VIP host from Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Nicolle, 64 – Yoga instructor from Miami Beach, Florida.
- Peg, 62 – Retired firefighter and bomb tech from Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Robin, 63 – Wealth advisor/vineyard owner from Napa Valley, California.
- Roxanne, 62 – Longevity nurse from Austin, Texas.
- Susie, 62 – Realtor from Del Mar, California.
- Terri, 71 – Cosmetic dentist from Houston, Texas.
- Tracy, 62 – Interior designer from Lafayette, Louisiana.
Public Reaction and Anticipation
Fans of the franchise have eagerly welcomed the announcement of Owens as the new Golden Bachelor. Social media is already alive with speculation about who will form a lasting connection with him and how his charm and life experience will influence the competition. Many have praised the show for celebrating love in a way that feels genuine and relatable, reflecting real-life challenges and triumphs rather than scripted drama.
At the same time, the casting of older women has drawn attention for breaking the mold of reality dating shows, which often focus exclusively on younger contestants. Viewers have noted that this approach is both refreshing and empowering, proving that finding love isn’t limited to a certain age bracket. The combination of Owens’ athletic and professional background, his dedication as a father, and the extraordinary lives of the contestants sets the stage for a season filled with meaningful connections and compelling storytelling.
What to Expect from Season Two
As the premiere approaches on Wednesday, September 24, at 8/7c on ABC and Hulu, audiences can expect the same mix of romance, suspense, and heartfelt emotion that made the first season a hit. Beyond the glamorous dates and dramatic rose ceremonies, the show will also explore the emotional realities of dating later in life—vulnerability, hope, and the courage to open one’s heart again.
Mel Owens’ journey is poised to resonate with viewers of all ages. His story—of triumph, loss, dedication, and reinvention—mirrors the experiences of many, offering both inspiration and entertainment. The contestants’ stories add layers of depth, creating moments of laughter, tension, and empathy that make the show more than just a typical dating series.
Ultimately, The Golden Bachelor isn’t just about finding love. It’s about celebrating resilience, embracing life’s twists and turns, and showing that second chances are not only possible—they can be extraordinary. Owens’ search for a partner reminds audiences that love is timeless, and happiness can be found at any stage of life.
A Love Story in the Making
With Mel Owens at the center of the stage, season two promises to be an emotional, engaging, and unforgettable journey. From his Midwestern roots and NFL career to his legal achievements and devotion to his sons, Owens embodies the qualities of a man who knows what he wants and values the deeper aspects of connection. The women vying for his heart bring charm, strength, and individuality, ensuring a season full of surprises, laughter, and heartfelt moments.
For fans, this season of The Golden Bachelor will offer more than entertainment—it will offer hope and inspiration, proving that love, in all its forms, is never out of reach. As viewers tune in, they’ll witness a story of romance, courage, and second chances unfold on screen, one rose at a time.
