The Golden Bachelor Welcomes Mel Owens as Its New Leading Man
Exciting news has emerged for fans of ABC’s reality series, The Golden Bachelor. Following the successful premiere of the show’s inaugural season featuring senior-aged contestants in 2023, the network has confirmed a renewal for season two, introducing a captivating new star poised to find love and share heartfelt moments.
Introducing Mel Owens: A New Chapter in Love
Meet Mel Owens, a 66-year-old former NFL linebacker and attorney, who has been selected to take on the role of the second Golden Bachelor. Known for his charisma and life experience, Owens is ready to embark on this romantic journey. An official announcement regarding the premiere date and the full cast lineup will follow shortly.
Career Background and Personal Journey
Born in Detroit, Owens showcased his athletic talent at an early age, playing college football for the prestigious University of Michigan Wolverines. He enjoyed a successful nine-year career in the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams before retiring in 1991 due to an injury. Transitioning into law, he has since dedicated himself to advocating for those affected by sports-related injuries.
“Born and raised in a close-knit Midwestern family in Detroit, Owens’ athleticism shone through from an early age,”states his ABC bio. “Following his retirement from football, Owens transitioned into a career in law, dedicating himself to helping others, particularly those seeking justice for sports-related injuries…”
After facing personal challenges, including the loss of his father and the end of his marriage, Owens has focused on being a dedicated father, actively involved in his sons’ lives and extracurricular activities. Now, ready to seek companionship, he expresses a desire to share life’s simple pleasures and build a future together with someone special.
The Golden Bachelor Amid Franchise Changes
The renewal of The Golden Bachelor comes at a time of transition within the franchise, following the departure of co-showrunners Claire Freeland and Bennett Graebner, as well as co-executive producers Michael Margolis and Keely Booth, amidst allegations of a challenging work environment. Additionally, The Bachelorette has been temporarily paused with no updates on its return.
Reflecting on Season One’s Success
The first season of The Golden Bachelor, featuring Gerry Turner, enjoyed remarkable success, achieving the highest viewership ratings for the franchise since Matt James’ Bachelor finale in 2020. Turner’s journey culminated in a televised wedding with Theresa Nist in January 2024; however, their marriage faced difficulties, resulting in a public divorce just a few months later. Turner also revealed a cancer diagnosis, adding complexity to their relationship.
Looking to the Future
Despite the challenges faced by its previous star, the franchise continues to thrive. ABC has also announced the launch of the Golden Bachelorette, which featured alum Joan Vassos getting engaged during her season finale in 2024. Fans can expect appearances from contestants of both series in the upcoming tenth season of Bachelor in Paradise, which will be hosted by Jesse Palmer, alongside franchise favorites Wells Adams and Hannah Brown.
Confirmed participants for this season include Leslie Fhima from The Golden Bachelor, Gary Levingston from The Golden Bachelorette, as well as Zoe McGrady and Hakeem Moulton, both from The Bachelorette.
Production Details
The Golden Bachelor is produced by Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in collaboration with Warner Horizon, maintaining its reputation for engaging and heartfelt storytelling.
To stay updated on the latest developments, visit the Hollywood Reporter.