Everything we know About The Golden Bachelor Season 2: Who is the new lead?
The Golden Bachelor is making a grand return — and the wait just got a lot more exciting. ABC has officially revealed its next leading man! Season one ended with a fairytale wedding and a shocking divorce, proving that even golden love stories can come with unexpected twists.
But this time around, the franchise is setting a fresh tone with a brand-new face, not one of the fan-favorite runners-up. So, who is the leading man? And what can fans expect this time?
We’ve got the latest scoop on the new leading man, potential surprises in the format, and what this means for the future of the franchise. Keep reading as we dig into everything you need to know — and yes, we’ll be updating this space with new info as it drops. Trust us, you don’t want to miss what’s next.
Release date & Where to Watch
ABC has confirmed that a premiere date for The Golden Bachelor season two will be “announced at a later date.”
What is The Golden Bachelor Season 2 About?
Season two of The Golden Bachelor introduces Mel Owens, a 66-year-old former NFL linebacker and current attorney, as the new lead. The announcement was made during a star-studded April 22 event in Los Angeles, where Disney pulled back the curtain on its upcoming reality TV slate.
ABC’s press release says: “After several years as a devoted dad, Mel Owens is ready to rediscover a love rooted in the simple joys of companionship – sharing life’s everyday moments, making plans for the future, and growing stronger together as a couple. As the Golden Bachelor, he’s eager to meet someone who shares this vision and finally find that perfect teammate he’s been waiting for in his golden years.”
Following the inaugural season's focus on senior romance, the upcoming season will continue to explore heartfelt connections among older adults. While specific details about the contestants and premiere date remain under wraps, the show promises to delve deeper into the complexities and joys of finding love later in life.
Who is Mel Owens?
Mel Owens, the leading man for The Golden Bachelor season two, is a former NFL linebacker turned lawyer who’s ready to find love again later in life. A devoted father of two sons, Owens previously played football at the University of Michigan before being drafted ninth overall by the Los Angeles Rams in 1981. He spent nine seasons in the NFL, racking up 26.5 sacks and four interceptions.
After retiring from football, Owens transitioned into finance, earning his Series 7 license and working at Merrill Lynch. He later obtained his law degree from UC-San Francisco and now practices law, specializing in workers’ compensation, sports law, sports injuries, and disability benefits.
According to ABC, he met his first love while working in the legal field, and after marrying and raising two sons, his marriage came to an end around the time of his father’s passing. He shifted his focus entirely to fatherhood and coaching his sons’ sports teams.
Now, Owens is ready to prioritize himself and find lasting companionship. He shared how his sons reacted to the casting news (via USA Today): “The younger (son) said – we were watching the regular 'Bachelor' earlier on – 'Dad, you should be the bachelor. The ad came on for 'Golden.' He goes, 'You should be the real one, though.'"
Previously married for 25 years, Owens said he’s found himself missing “companionship.” When asked about the kind of partner he’s looking for, Owens said: “Someone that's honest, charming, loving, fit, someone full of life.”
Who’s Hosting The Golden Bachelor Season 2?
Jesse Palmer is set to return as the host for season two of The Golden Bachelor. Having helmed the inaugural season, Palmer brings his experience and charisma back to guide the new lead and contestants through their journey to find love in their golden years. His continued presence ensures a familiar and trusted figure at the helm of the beloved dating series.
Palmer, a former NFL quarterback and the fifth Bachelor himself, has been a staple in the franchise. He also hosts The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, and Bachelor in Paradise. His deep understanding of the show's dynamics and his engaging hosting style have made him a fan favorite.
Jesse Palmer, host of The Golden Bachelor, introduced Mel Owens during the casting reveal, noting, “He’s an excellent choice to be our next 'Golden Bachelor.' He’s handsome and he’s charming. He’s been really successful professionally, very intelligent. But he’s also very genuine, and he’s a family man... You find out a lot about people when they go through tough times. He really showed his character.” (via USA Today)
Is There a Trailer for The Golden Bachelor Season 2?
There’s no trailer just yet, but we’ll be sure to drop it here as soon as it’s released. Stay tuned!
What Happened on Season 1 of The Golden Bachelor?
Fellow Midwesterner Gerry Turner made history as the franchise’s first-ever Golden Bachelor. When the season premiered in September 2023, the then-72-year-old widower met 22 women at the “Bachelor” mansion, all aged between 60 and 75.
He eventually chose to propose to Theresa Nist over Leslie Fhima. The couple celebrated their love with a grand televised wedding on ABC in early 2024, while Leslie got another shot at romance on a revamped Bachelor in Paradise.
Unfortunately, Gerry and Theresa’s fairy-tale ending was short-lived. As per USA Today, in April 2024, they announced their decision to divorce. Their split was finalized by June, citing “certain irreconcilable differences” in court documents. Not long after, in December, Turner revealed he had been diagnosed with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, a rare type of bone marrow cancer.
The year ended on a brighter note for another fan favorite. Joan Vassos, who had self-eliminated from Gerry’s season due to family obligations, returned as the lead for the inaugural Golden Bachelorette. She found love with Chock Chapple, ending her season with an engagement.
Behind the Scenes
The Golden Bachelor is produced by Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in partnership with Warner Horizon. Its season 2 renewal comes during a period of major behind-the-scenes shake-ups for the franchise.
Longtime co-showrunners Claire Freeland and Bennett Graebner, along with co-executive producers Michael Margolis and Keely Booth, have exited following allegations of a toxic work environment. Deadline reported:
"Freeland and Graebner have run a “toxic” and “hostile” environment, where only their ideas are accepted and others are warned to “step in line” or else be asked to leave. Freeland and Graebner deny these allegations."
Meanwhile, The Bachelorette has been placed on hold for its 22nd season, with no updates yet on its return.
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