Golden Bachelor Season 2 Premieres With 23 Contestants Across US

The Golden Bachelor season 2, featuring 66-year-old Mel Owens, a former NFL linebacker turned lawyer, premieres on September 24 on ABC. The cast includes 23 women aged between late 50s and early 70s with diverse and inspiring backgrounds such as firefighting, biomedical engineering, teaching, and vineyard ownership. Owens, who previously sparked controversy by expressing a preference for women under 60, has since apologized to the cast, many of whom accepted it despite some tensions during filming. The show highlights Owens' journey to find companionship and love rooted in sharing everyday moments and growing stronger as a couple. The contestants come from across the U.S. and bring a wide range of life experiences, showcasing that love stories can flourish at any age. This season continues the franchise's emphasis on second chances for love later in life, following the success of the inaugural season.