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The Golden Bachelor season 2 kicked off on September 24, 2025, with 66-year-old Mel Owens in the hot seat, a retired NFL linebacker turned lawyer looking for love among 23 women. The show is all about giving romance over 60 its moment, but Mel stirred the pot before filming even began.
On a podcast, Owens admitted he preferred dating women ages 45 to 60 and even said he wouldn’t keep anyone over 60. Fans were not amused. His comments, made on In the Trenches, clashed with the whole point of the series and earned him plenty of side eye. To his credit, Mel addressed it immediately in the premiere, apologising and acknowledging he deserved the harsh questions from the women.
Once the tension was resolved, the program moved on to the regular Bachelor entertainment, including limo arrivals, first impressions, rose ceremonies, and the season's first cuts. So, while his adventure began with drama and more than a little damage control, Mel is now officially in the game, hoping the perfect match would overlook his embarrassing pre-The Golden Bachelor comments.
What did The Golden Bachelor Mel Owens share about his dating preferences?
The Golden Bachelor's Mel Owens created significant backlash during his In the Trenches podcast appearance earlier this year. He explicitly stated his dating preferences excluded women his own age or older, saying:
"If they are 60 or over, I'm cutting them."
Owens also emphasized wanting a physically fit partner without artificial body parts or cosmetic enhancements. His comments suggested unrealistic expectations for the show's target demographic.
The former NFL player and newest The Golden Bachelor expressed desires for someone who maintains an active lifestyle, works out regularly, and stays energetic. These statements contradicted the inclusive spirit typically associated with The Golden Bachelor casting.
Production team members reportedly reassured him about contestant quality, promising attractive participants despite his concerns about older women. The premiere wasted no time tackling Mel Owens’s messy pre-show comments.
In one of his first chats with the women, he owned up to what he had said, calling it “inappropriate” and admitting:
“It’s good because I deserved it and I had to deal with it.”
He responded with a sincere apology, requesting another chance to demonstrate that he was serious about finding love and not just conforming to some artificial age group.
The women could have left right away, but they listened to him and opted to stay, allowing the season to go by without having to deal with the elephant in the room. With the air (almost) cleared, the show returned to traditional Bachelor terrain, with dramatic entrances, apprehensive grins, and the all-important flowers.
Gerri snagged the first impression rose, instantly putting her at the top of everyone’s watchlist. Then came the first eliminations: Andra, Maia, Lisa, Lily, Susie, and Tracy all went home, leaving 17 hopefuls still in the running. Among them: Peg, Carla, Terri, Cheryl, and Nicole, each now wondering if Mel’s second chance might turn into something real.
A second ceremony further narrowed the field by eliminating Carla, Diane, Alexandra, and Mylene. This left 13 women continuing their pursuit of Owens's affection. The double elimination format accelerated the typical Bachelor timeline while maintaining dramatic tension.
What is Mel Owens’ professional background?
Owens brings impressive credentials to his Bachelor's role. He played linebacker at the University of Michigan from 1977 to 1980, earning All-Big Ten recognition before being drafted ninth overall by the Los Angeles Rams in 1981.
Owens' nine-season NFL career transitioned into legal practice after earning a juris doctorate from UC Hastings College of Law. He is currently a partner at NBO Law in Orange County, specializing in sports injuries and disability benefits. This professional background appeals to contestants seeking accomplished partners while raising questions about compatibility across different life experiences.
The Golden Bachelor premiere established Owens as a flawed but potentially redeemable bachelor willing to confront his mistakes. His journey will test whether genuine connections can overcome initial prejudices and controversial statements. The remaining 13 The Golden Bachelor contestants represent diverse backgrounds and ages, creating opportunities for meaningful relationships if Owens truly opens his mind beyond his stated preferences.
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The Golden Bachelor airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on ABC and streams the next day on Hulu.
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