Contestants confront Mel Owens over controversial comments
The second season of ABC’s The Golden Bachelor opened with drama even before the first episode aired. The 66-year-old former NFL player turned lawyer, Mel Owens, found himself in the spotlight after making insensitive comments about women of a certain age. Although Owens apologized repeatedly leading up to the premiere, the controversy remained a major focus during the first half-hour of the September 24 premiere, as he was confronted multiple times by his potential contestants upon their arrival at the Bachelor mansion.
Let the journey begin ✨ pic.twitter.com/sSU3xjBDLE
— The Golden Bachelor (@GoldenBachABC) September 24, 2025
Once the apologies were over, Owens began handing out roses, eliminating 11 women during the opening two ceremonies, including the oldest contestant in the room.
The Golden Bachelor season 2: Episode release date and how to watchThe upcoming episode of The Golden Bachelor Season 2 will air on Wednesday, October 1, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, with next-day streaming will be available on Hulu. Season 2 launched on 24 September with back-to-back two episodes. While ABC has not released the full schedule, the Bachelor
As of now, Season 2 of The Golden Bachelor is not officially available in India. The show airs on ABC and later streams on Hulu, both of which are geo-restricted to the United States.
Mel Owens is courting 13 remarkable women this season:
Cindy, 60 – Retired biomedical engineer from Austin, Texas
Monica P., 60 – Cosmetic dentist from Birmingham, Alabama
Monica B., 62 – Flight attendant from Huntsville, Alabama
Peg, 62 – Retired firefighter and bomb technician from Las Vegas, Nevada
Roxanne, 62
Amy, 63 – Full-time mom from Short Hills, New Jersey
Carol, 63 – Family manager for baseball star Freddie Freeman from Villa Park, California
Robin, 63 – Wealth advisor and vineyard owner from Napa Valley, California
Nicolle, 64 – Yoga instructor from Miami Beach, Florida
Debbie, 65 – Fitness expert from Denver, Colorado
Cheryl, 66 – Retired US Treasury employee from Lakewood, Colorado
Terri, 71 – Cosmetic dentist from Houston, Texas
This season is about to be ✨unbelievable✨ pic.twitter.com/qPodlKrYZG
— The Golden Bachelor (@GoldenBachABC) September 18, 2025
Contestants eliminated so far
Several women were sent home during the first rose ceremonies:
Maia, 58 – College sports consultant from Malibu, California
Mylene, 61 – Casino VIP host from Las Vegas, Nevada
Susie, 62 – Realtor from Del Mar, California
Tracy, 62 – Interior designer from Lafayette, Louisiana
Carla, 62 – Former model from Los Angeles, California
Lisa, 66 – State park employee from Marion, Ohio
Alexandra, 67 – Luxury yacht sales representative from Miami, Florida
Diane, 71 – Librarian from Wasilla, Alaska
Lily, 72 – Retired elementary school teacher from Pacific Palisades, California
Andra, 77
📣 2, 4, 6, 8 Golden group dates are worth the wait! pic.twitter.com/aPSYK1u3DX
— The Golden Bachelor (@GoldenBachABC) September 23, 2025
Meet the Golden Bachelor: Mel Owens
Mel Owens, a Detroit native, was an NFL standout, selected ninth overall in the 1981 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. After retiring from football, he pursued a legal career in sports injuries. A committed father of two, Owens is now seeking love and companionship in his golden years, hoping to find a partner to share life’s simple joys.
Former football commentator and Canadian-born TV personality Jesse Palmer returns as host, leading the contestants and Mel through the highs and lows of the season.
The upcoming episodes are packed with drama and excitement. Viewers can expect a comedy roast, one-on-one dates at a Michelin-starred restaurant, plus surprise appearances from Season 1 favorites. With emotions running high, deepening connections, and bold moves at cocktail parties, Season 2 of The Golden Bachelor