Reality TV fans, brace yourselves for a season that’s as contentious as it is captivating! The Golden Bachelor is back, and this time, the drama isn’t just about love—it’s about age, perception, and whether a show can recover from its lead’s polarizing remarks. If you’re still reeling from Bachelor in Paradise’s summer finale (where Jess Edwards and Spencer Conley tied the knot), Season 2 of The Golden Bachelor is here to fill the void. But here’s where it gets controversial: the man at the center of it all, Mel Owens, made headlines before the cameras even rolled. And this is the part most people miss—he’s not just a former NFL player turned lawyer; he’s a lightning rod for debate. Let’s unpack it all.
First, the basics: The Golden Bachelor Season 2 premieres tonight, September 24, at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newbie, you’ll want to mark your calendar. But how to watch? If you have a cable subscription, simply tune into ABC’s channel a few minutes early. No cable? No problem! Live TV services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or fuboTV grant access to ABC without a traditional bundle. And if you miss the live broadcast, Hulu will have the episode available for streaming the next day.
Now, let’s talk about the man behind the mansion: Mel Owens, 66, a retired NFL veteran and attorney, took over from Gerry Turner after the first season ended in divorce. But Owens’ journey began with a scandal. In June 2025, he told a podcast, MGoBlue’s In the Trenches, that he preferred women aged 45–60, joking, “If they’re 60 or over, I’m cutting them.” Cue the backlash. Fans called for his replacement, and even Gerry Turner (the original Golden Bachelor) criticized the comments. ABC stood by Owens, and in an August interview with Glamour, he apologized, calling his remarks “unfair and insensitive.” The twist? Over half the women in his season are actually over 60. Talk about a redemption arc in the making.
So, who are the 23 women vying for Mel’s heart? Their ages, careers, and quirks are all up for grabs. Will Owens’ initial preferences clash with the reality of the cast? And can a show thrive after such a rocky start? These questions—and the answers—will define Season 2.
For those wondering how to join the chaos: Hulu offers a 30-day free trial for its basic plan ($9.99/month post-trial), or you can upgrade to ad-free for $18.99/month. Want more bang for your buck? Disney+ bundles (starting at $10.99/month) include Hulu, so you can binge past seasons while you wait for new episodes.
But here’s the real cliffhanger: Can Mel Owens salvage his reputation and win over viewers, or is The Golden Bachelor doomed by its own controversy? We’ll be tracking every twist and turn as the season unfolds. And hey, what do you think? Is Owens’ apology enough, or should ABC have cut ties? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take.
