The world of reality dating just got a golden upgrade—again. ABC’s The Golden Bachelor returned for its highly anticipated second season in September 2025, and this year’s lead, former NFL linebacker Mel Owens, is already making headlines for all the right—and wrong—reasons.
Mel Owens: From Gridiron to Roses
This season’s star,
Mel Owens, isn’t your typical Bachelor. At 66, the ex-NFL player and lawyer brings a lifetime of experience, a high-profile past, and, as it turns out, a bit of baggage. Owens’ journey from the football field to the search for love has captivated viewers, but it’s his controversial podcast remarks about age preferences that have truly set social media ablaze.
Before filming began, Owens admitted on a podcast that he preferred dating women in a certain age range—a comment many labeled as ageist, especially given the show’s mission to celebrate love at any age. The backlash was swift, but Owens addressed the controversy head-on, apologizing both in interviews and during the season premiere. He told contestants his words were “unfair and insensitive,” adding, “there is no age limit on love”.
Diverse Contestants and Real Conversations
Season 2 features
23 women, aged 58 to 77, from all walks of life. Many are retired, with children and grandchildren, and they haven’t shied away from discussing Owens’ past comments. In fact, some have even teased him about it on camera, turning awkward moments into genuine, often humorous, conversations about aging, attraction, and second chances.
One standout contestant, Fabiana, originally from Brazil, built a successful career in marketing and hospitality after studying at UCLA. Stories like hers highlight the diversity and depth of this year’s cast, making for compelling television and authentic connections.
Ratings, Reactions, and Franchise Stakes
Despite the initial controversy,
The Golden Bachelor’s second season premiered on
September 24, 2025, to strong ratings and a flurry of online chatter. Industry insiders see this as a pivotal moment for the franchise. If Owens can win back viewers’ trust and show genuine openness, the show could expand its appeal and reinforce its message of inclusivity. But if his earlier remarks continue to overshadow his journey, ABC risks alienating the very audience that made the first season a hit.
Golden Bachelor Stars Invade Paradise
In a bold twist, ABC announced during
The Bachelor Season 29 finale that stars from
The Golden Bachelor and
Golden Bachelorette will join the cast of
Bachelor in Paradise Season 10, premiering summer 2025. Fan favorites Leslie Fhima and Gary Levingston are set to bring their wisdom and charm to the tropical dating show, blending older and younger contestants for the first time ever.
Host Jesse Palmer called it “one of the most exciting installments in the show’s history.” The move has sparked mixed reactions: some fans are thrilled to see mature contestants shake up the Paradise dynamic, while others worry it could complicate the show’s already unpredictable formula.
What’s Next for the Golden Franchise?
With
The Golden Bachelor’s popularity soaring, speculation is already swirling about future seasons and potential spin-offs. Will the franchise continue to spotlight older singles? Will the Paradise experiment become a new tradition? For now, all eyes are on Mel Owens and his journey—one that’s proving love, drama, and second chances never go out of style.
Takeaways
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Mel Owens’ candid approach to controversy is testing the franchise’s commitment to inclusivity.
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Older contestants joining Bachelor in Paradise could redefine reality dating TV.
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Strong ratings and social buzz suggest the Golden era of the Bachelor franchise is just getting started.
Sources
1. Golden Bachelor Joins Paradise: Exciting Twists, Heartwarming Reunions & Mixed Reactions!
2. The Golden Bachelor 2025: Mel Owens' inspiring journey from NFL ...
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14. Do you think The Golden Bachelor side of the franchise will continue in 2025?
