SPOILER ALERT: This article contains mild spoilers for the Season 2 premiere of ABC’s “The Golden Bachelor.”
The highly anticipated Season 2 premiere of “The Golden Bachelor” aired on Wednesday night, showcasing Mel Owens as he faced the women competing for his affection. The episode was filled with emotional moments, as many contestants took their one-on-one time to share personal stories, while others seized the opportunity to confront Owens regarding the controversial age comments he made during a podcast appearance.
In a June episode of the “In the Trenches” podcast, Mel Owens made headlines when he stated he would “cut” any contestant over the age of 60 for the latest season of “The Golden Bachelor.” He candidly expressed his preferences, saying, “It’s blind up until they get out of the limo. But they asked me, ‘What’s your preferences?’ So, I just said 45 to 60, just being honest.” His comments sparked immediate backlash, prompting discussions about ageism in the dating world.
Owens elaborated, “I said, ‘You know, if they’re 60 or over, I’m cutting them.’” He recalled a conversation with the executive producer, who reminded him that the show’s title is “The Golden Bachelor,” not “The Silver Bachelor.” Despite his initial comments, Owens expressed a desire for all contestants to be in good shape, emphasizing fitness and health during the podcast.
The “Golden Bachelor” Season 2 premiere began with Owens addressing the backlash from his earlier remarks. “I’m excited to meet the women, but I’m nervous the women are gonna have misconceptions about me,” he admitted. During his heartfelt apology, he reflected, “I messed up. I was wrong. I replay it in my head a lot. I have regrets, and I’m sorry for all the things I’ve said on the podcast.” He reassured the contestants that he is more than the comments that sparked controversy.
During the one-on-one introductions, Diane, a spirited 71-year-old librarian and women’s hockey player, directly challenged Owens. “And you know what, Mel? I gotta ask you. What the puck was that interview about on that podcast?” Owens responded with an apology, asking for a second chance. “Will you give me a second chance and let me earn it back?” he pleaded. Diane, with a smile, assured him, “Stick with me; I’ll keep you out of the penalty box.”
Another contestant, Terri, a 71-year-old cosmetic dentist, introduced a hand puppet named Carly, who humorously remarked, “Hi, Mel. I bet you weren’t expecting all these women over 60 to look so hot, right?” This lighthearted banter helped to ease the tension, with Terri playfully slapping Owens with the puppet’s hand, making him quip about never having been hit by a puppet before.
As the introductions continued, contestants Carla, 62, and Alexandra, 67, also confronted Owens about his previous remarks. Carla stated boldly, “I’m here to break all of your stereotypes about women over 60.” After meeting the contestants, Owens addressed the group, reiterating his regrets about his age-related comments. “It’s truly a privilege for me to be the Golden Bachelor,” he said. “And I hope you can forgive me and let me earn it back.” He concluded with a heartfelt message: “Age is just really a number. And spirit has no age.”
Fans of “The Golden Bachelor” can look forward to new episodes airing on Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. For those who prefer streaming, episodes will be available on Hulu the following day, ensuring that viewers can keep up with the unfolding romance and drama.
