The Golden Bachelorseason 2 has finally found its newest leading man, andhis casting breaks a five-yearBachelorfranchise streak of having former contestants as leads.The Golden Bachelorseason 2is a continuation of the reality dating series for seniors that premiered in 2023 with lead Gerry Turner. He found love with Theresa Nist, and they eventually got married. However, they announced their divorce just three months later. The following year, one of his contestants, Joan Vassos, became the first-ever lead ofThe Golden Bachelorette, and she’s now engaged to Chock Chapple.
TheGolden Bachelorseason 2 lead will be 66-year-old Mel Owens, a retired professional football player who later became a lawyer.
In a press release,ABCannounced that theGolden Bachelorseason 2 lead will be Mel Owens, a retired professional football player who later became a lawyer.Mel is 66 years old, and was born and raised in a close-knit Midwestern familyin Detroit. He graduated from the University of Michigan, and he was selected as the ninth overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft by the LA Rams.
After he retired from football, Mel became a lawyerand moved to Orange County, California. He focused his law practice on those seeking justice for sports-related injuries. During that time, Mel met his first love, and they had two sons together. Life later took an"unexpected turn"for him when he lost his father and his marriage ended, so he"channeled his energy into being the best father he could be, focusing on raising his sons and coaching their extracurricular sports teams."
Now Mel 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.“The Golden Bacheloralso introduced Mel in an Instagram post, sharing his photograph with the caption,“He’s 66 and single — for now. Meet Mel Owens, a former NFL player-turned-lawyer, proud father, and your next Golden Bachelor.”
He’s 66 and single — for now. Meet Mel Owens, a former NFL player-turned-lawyer, proud father, and your next Golden Bachelor.
What Casting Mel Owens As The Next Golden Bachelor Means For The Show
Mel Is A Fresh Face In The Bachelor Franchise
It’s been five years since theBachelorfranchise cast an unknown in a leading role (except for thefirstGolden Bachelorstar Gerry).The last time this happened was when Matt James was cast as theBachelorseason 25 lead in 2020, but everyBachelor, Bachelorette,andGolden Bacheloretteseason since then has had a former contestant take the lead. This means that theGolden Bachelorcouldn’t find a lead in Joan’s cast of men.
It’s not surprising that this happened considering thata few of the frontrunners to be theGolden Bachelorlead are now in relationships, including runner-up Guy Gansert and Mark Anderson. In addition, some of Joan’s contestants might be participating inGolden Bachelor in Paradisethis summer, and would therefore be unavailable to be the next Golden Bachelor. Some fan-favorites who currently seem to be single are Gary Levingston (who’s already confirmed as aParadisecontestant), Jonathan Rone, Charles Ling, Jordan Heller, Kim Buike, and Keith Gordon.Pascal Ibgui previously revealed that he turned downParadise.
ForThe Golden Bachelor,Mel is a fresh face, and he’ll hopefully refresh theGoldenfranchise. It’s thrilling that fans will have the chance to meet someone new. This is a great move for the show.
Our Take On Mel Owens Being Cast As The Next Golden Bachelor
Mel Was The Perfect Choice
I think thatMel was the perfect choice for theGolden Bachelorseason 2 lead. He’s handsome, successful, and age-appropriate. In addition, his divorce will bring a different aspect to the show after watching two seasons about seniors whose spouses had passed away. I’m glad that the show didn’t cast one of Joan’s contestants as the lead because none of them were really right for the role.
It’s very exciting that we have abrand-new lead forThe Golden Bachelorseason 2. Mel seems to be a very intriguing person who’ll bring something different to the show. With no connection toBachelorNation,he’ll be a breath of fresh air for the franchise. I can’t wait to watch Mel hopefully find love duringThe Golden Bachelorseason 2.
The Golden Bachelor
Cast
The Bachelor returns to TV with The Golden Bachelor, a romantic reality competition series created for ABC. The show will focus on an older generation of hopefuls, with one senior male hoping to court and win the heart of one of several older female contestants.
