Many fans, like me, were excited when Mel Owens was announced as the lead for season 2 of The Golden Bachelor. This series has swiftly become a fan favorite on TV because it gives a new perspective on love in older age. But Owens's recent comments have made others question if he is right for the job. Owens said in an interview that he liked ladies between the ages of 45 and 60 and would "cut" anyone over 60. He also said he wanted to stay away from women with "artificial hips and wigs." These comments go against all that The Golden Bachelor stands for, and I think he should be replaced.
The first season of the show, hosted by Gerry Turner, won over fans by showing colorful older people rediscovering love and connection. It brought attention to a group of people that the mainstream media generally ignores. But Owens' comments seem to negate all of that good work and make negative stereotypes about aging even stronger. His insistence on a certain, younger age range and his comments on physical traits are not only disappointing, but also very disrespectful to the viewers and the women who might be on the show.
Mel Owens' comments on age are a slap in the face to the Golden Bachelor's mission.His choices go against the main idea of the show, which is to celebrate love between older people.
On the "In the Trenches" podcast, 66-year-old former NFL player and lawyer Mel Owens talked about his thoughts without holding back. He said he told the producers that he wanted contestants to be between the ages of 45 and 60, "just being honest." He went even further and said, "I'm cutting them if they're 60 or older." Owens even said that he told producers to "try and stay away from the wigs and the fake hips." These statements from a man in his sixties are really startling. They show that they don't really comprehend what The Golden Bachelor is supposed to be about.
The show's premise is about finding love in your "golden years," which means accepting the fact that you are getting older and not avoiding it. People were quick to express their anger on social media, calling his comments "ageist" and "misogynistic." A lot of people said that ABC should recast him right away, and some even said they would stop watching the show if he stayed the lead. It's simple to see why this made many so angry. The show did well because it was real and it honored a group of people who frequently feel left out in the dating industry. Owens' words are a direct attack on that genuineness.
Reports that Mel Owens is being replaced show that a change is needed.

To keep its integrity, the franchise must listen to its fans.
After a lot of people were upset, there have been reports about what happened to Mel Owens as The Golden Bachelor lead. Truth Steve, a well-known spoiler source for the franchise, said that Owens is "OUT" as the Golden Bachelor because of the bad press. If this story is true, it would be good news for a lot of followers. The U.S. Sun, on the other hand, says that Owens will stay in his job, even if production personnel are stressed out over what he said. We are stuck in limbo because of this conflicting information, but I really hope ABC takes the correct choice.
The Golden franchise has been in trouble before. Gerry Turner, the first Golden Bachelor, was later found to have been in a long-term relationship before the show. This went against the impression he had of himself as an innocent widower. Some of the Golden Bachelorette contestants also had restraining orders in the past, which makes many wonder about the show's vetting procedure. This pattern of problems shows how important it is to cast carefully and listen to what the audience wants. If Owens stays, it would show that the show cares more about numbers than what it says it stands for.
The Golden Bachelor Can't Move Forward Without Mel Owens
The show needs a lead who really captures its spirit.
The Golden Bachelor was a breath of fresh air because it showed that love, passion, and life don't fade with age. It honored the knowledge, experience, and emotional depth that come with getting older. Mel Owens' comments go directly against this. His quest for younger, "perfect" women just reinforces the preconceptions the program was trying to shatter. It's not simply that he doesn't like it; it's that his preference goes against the show's identity and what it promised its viewers.
ABC needs to pick a lead who really respects and wants to date ladies in their "golden years" if they want this series to stay popular and successful. Some great guys from Joan Vassos' season of The Golden Bachelorette are Charles King, Gary Levingston, Jack Lencioni, and Keith Gordon. These people showed warmth, honesty, and a real want to be with others, which is exactly what the show is all about. Any of them would be better at giving out roses and finding a spouse that really fits into their lives, no matter how old or how they seem.
This choice will determine the integrity of The Golden Bachelor in the end. It's not just about what one person thinks; it's about what the show tells millions of people. I hope that ABC will listen to all the input and pick a lead who really represents the show's positive and open-minded view of love. The program needs a chance to keep having an effect, and that starts with a leader who is truly golden.
ABC should show the second season of The Golden Bachelor in the fall of 2025.
Questions and Answers
What did Mel Owens say that got people talking?
In a podcast interview, Mel Owens said that he wanted ladies between the ages of 45 and 60 for The Golden Bachelor and that he would "cut" any women beyond 60. He also said that he told producers not to cast women with "fake hips and wigs."
Why are Mel Owens' statements seen as bad for The Golden Bachelor?
those think his comments are ageist and sexist since they go against the main idea of the event, which is to promote love and friendship among those over 60, who are usually in their "golden years." His comments make people think bad things about elderly ladies.
Has someone else taken over as The Golden Bachelor lead from Mel Owens?
There are several reports as of early July 2025. Reality Steve said that Mel Owens is "OUT" because of bad press, while The U.S. Sun said he would stay in charge. We are waiting for an official word from ABC.
When will the second season of The Golden Bachelor start?
ABC will show the second season of The Golden Bachelor in the fall of 2025. There hasn't been an official date set yet, but it will probably come out in September.
Who could be possible alternate leads for season 2 of The Golden Bachelor?
A lot of fans have recommended men from Joan Vassos' season of The Golden Bachelorette, such Charles King, Gary Levingston, Jack Lencioni, Keith Gordon, Jonathan Rone, or Mark Anderson, because they are thought to better represent the show's attitude.