Your Complete Guide to The Golden Bachelor Season 2: Drama, Dates, and Where to Stream All the Fun

Alright, Bachelor Nation, gather around! The Golden Bachelor Season 2 burst onto screens Wednesday, September 24, and things are already getting wild. This isn't your grandma's quiet dating show. We have a new leading man, Mel Owens, and a fresh batch of contestants ready for a second chance at love. But before we dive into all the mansion drama, there's some big news about how you'll get your usual spoiler fix.

Reality Steve is Changing How He Reveals Golden Bachelor Spoilers

Usually, when a new Bachelor show premieres, fans immediately turn to Reality Steve for all the juicy behind-the-scenes details and winner predictions. He is known for getting the goods on who won and who made it to the end. But for Mel Owens' Golden Bachelor run, Steve is shaking things up big time. If you were hoping for a quick answer on who Mel picked, prepare for a surprise.

Steve stated in a recent podcast episode his reporting for this show will look different. In the past, he would already have names of finalists thanks to his sources working on set. For this second installment of The Golden Bachelor, he is not doing that.

He explained during his September 23 podcast, "Hopefully, at some point, I will get spoilers. Right now, I have none. I could not tell you where they went for Final Rose ceremony. I cannot tell you who the final three are."

Steve added, "And for the first two seasons of Golden Bachelor and Golden Bachelorette, I had all that info and you knew it, at least for Gerry’s season, you knew who the final two were."

Right now, Steve has only one small hint: Peg gets a one-on-one date with Mel at the Orange County Fair at some point. Even the exact timing of this date is unclear, which is very unlike his usual detailed reports. He even shared a picture of Mel and Peg at the fair, dated August 1, 2025.

"I have got nothing. I have got nothing right now. If I did, I would tell you, but, the days of me coming on the next day after a Golden Bachelorette or a Golden Bachelor and breaking down what we saw on the episode, certainly not going to be writing anything about it," he said. He ended by saying, "The coverage of Golden Bachelor is going to be very, very minimal from me, just because I do not care, and that is my stance."

So, there you have it. No easy spoilers from Reality Steve this time around. It looks like fans will have to actually watch the show to find out what happens!

Meet Mel Owens: From NFL Alum to Searching for Love in His Golden Years

This season introduces Mel Owens, a 66-year-old former NFL player and a divorced father of two. Owens is a newcomer to The Bachelor shows, joining after a friend suggested he apply. He played Michigan football under Bo Schembechler, won a Rose Bowl, and later played professionally with the Los Angeles Rams. After his football career, he became a lawyer, focusing on sports-related injury cases. His personal background includes growing up in Detroit, as the son of a Negro Leagues baseball player turned professor. Mel was married and has two sons. He divorced five years ago after his wife found someone new.

Owens described his divorce as simply "she found someone new." He spoke about this experience on the show, saying, "In 2020, during COVID, my Dad died. And then my wife filed for divorce. She had found someone new. I was shocked." He called it "heart-wrenching" and the "toughest thing I have ever gone through." He expressed that he would "never going to get in the way of someone’s happiness," even if it hurt him.

Now that his sons are older, Mel feels ready to find love again. He wants to meet someone "who shares this vision and finally find that perfect teammate he's been waiting for in his golden years."

The Pre-Season Controversy: Mel Owens' Podcast Comments Stir Up Trouble

Before the season even began, Mel Owens landed himself in hot water. In June, he appeared on the "In the Trenches" podcast where he made some eyebrow-raising comments about his dating preferences for The Golden Bachelor. He told the podcast host he preferred women aged 45 to 60. He also claimed he told producers he would "cut" any contestant over 60. Even more, he mentioned he hoped to "stay away from the artificial hips and the wigs."

These remarks did not sit well with many fans or, as it turns out, the contestants themselves. Mel quickly realized his mistake and had to address the issue head-on once filming began.

On the show, Mel admitted, "I messed up. I was wrong. I replay it in my head a lot. I have regrets, and I am sorry for all the things I have said on the podcast. I know what a lot of people are thinking about me, but that is not who I am." He stated his comments were "unfair" and "insensitive," and he wanted to "earn it back."

Premiere Night Sparks, Apologies, and First Impressions with the Golden Bachelorettes

The season 2 premiere opened with Mel facing the music. He was nervous the women would have misconceptions about him because of his podcast comments. He started by directly telling the women they had "exceeded his expectations" and admitted his comments were insensitive. He stressed that "age is just really a number. And spirit has no age."

Many contestants took their opportunity to confront Mel about his previous statements during their one-on-one introductions. Diane, a 71-year-old librarian and hockey player from Wasilla, Alaska, wasted no time asking, "What the puck was that interview about on that podcast?" Mel apologized to Diane, calling his remarks "unfair, unkind," and asked for a second chance. Diane replied, "Stick with me, I will keep you out of the penalty box."

Terri, a 71-year-old cosmetic dentist, brought a hand puppet named Carly. Carly cheekily asked Mel, "Hi, Mel. I bet you were not expecting all these women over 60 to look so hot, right?" Terri then playfully slapped him with the puppet's hand. Mel shared in a confessional that he had "never been hit by a puppet before," calling it "fun."

Other women, like 62-year-old former model Carla and 67-year-old luxury yacht sales representative Alexandra, also directly challenged Mel. Carla told him, "I am here to break all of your stereotypes about women over 60."

The Grand Entrances and First Rose Ceremony for The Golden Bachelor

The women certainly made an entrance! Among the 23 contestants from all over the country, we met:

• Cindy, 60, seeking her Prince Charming.
• Carol, 63, tossing him a baseball, revealing she is baseball all-star Freddie Freeman's aunt.
• Terri, with her puppet.
• Carla, the former model.
• Debbie, 65, a fitness professional resembling a "wholesome Countess Luann."
• Peg, 62, arriving in a bomb-diffusion suit with a prop bomb that fizzled out, but she still caught Mel's eye.
• Gerri, 64, a home care agency CEO, who later received the first impression rose.
• Andra, 77, introduced by her twin sister Sandra, a Season 1 favorite.
• Cheryl, 66, a tomboy from Colorado, who rode in on a dirt bike and impressed Mel.

After a sweet cocktail party, where Mel sometimes repeated the women's puns (Diane called him out!), it was time for the first impression rose. Mel gave it to Gerri, and they shared a tame kiss.

Then came the first Rose Ceremony, which felt like it happened at noon because of how long the party went! The following 16 women received roses from Mel:

• Peg
• Carla
• Terri
• Cheryl
• Nicolle
• Cindy
• Amy
• Alexandra
• Monica P
• Mylene
• Carol
• Roxane
• Monica B
• Robin
• Diane
• Debbie

This means six women did not get a rose: Andra, Lily, Lisa, Maia, Susie, and Tracy. They went home.

Adventures and Heartfelt Moments: A Week of Dates on The Golden Bachelor

The remaining women moved into the mansion, with some concerns about chattiness and bathroom arrangements. The week brought both a one-on-one date and a group date.

Cheryl's Fairy Tale One-on-One Date with Mel Owens

Cheryl got the first one-on-one date, which was a "Princess date." She chose a sculptural rose-red gown and cried, feeling like a "real woman" ready for her love story. She and Mel went to the Queen Mary for a romantic dinner. Cheryl shared personal stories about being a caregiver for her mother, her adventurous spirit, and her son, Tyson. She also told a wild story about her ex, Tyson's father, who did not show up for her son's birth or for the first 12 months of his life, and then later disappeared with their son for a week. Mel was moved by her strength. Cheryl received the rose and they kissed, with fireworks lighting up the night. She is clearly one to watch.

Cheerleading, Paula Abdul, and a Group Date Rose for Cindy

The group date took the ladies to the L.A. Coliseum for a sporty challenge: a cheerleader battle hosted by none other than Paula Abdul! The women split into two teams, "Mel's Angels" and "Mel's GB Squad." Peg stood out as the only one who seemed to know the cheers for Mel's Angels. Cindy, on Mel's GB Squad, gave an energetic performance. Mel even unveiled a new saying, "No age to spirit!" Mel's GB Squad won, earning a private after-party. They had to wear their cheerleading uniforms to the party.

At the after-party, Monica P shared about her second husband's passing. Terri joked she was glad she would not have to put a bag over Mel's head when they had sex. Mel showed a video of Cindy's daughter preparing to perform with Diana Ross. Cindy and Mel shared many kisses on their way out of the stadium, and Cindy received the group date rose.

Pool Party Drama and the Second Rose Ceremony Decisions

Before the second rose ceremony, a pool party provided some fun, and a bit of drama. Mel, showing off, took his shirt off and jumped into the pool with his gym shoes on. He had special moments with Peg and Diane. The main drama started when Nicolle swam up to Mel, hung on his neck, and started making out with him. She had done this at other events, and it was clear she was trying to stand out. Terri, described as "more aggressive than Countess Luann," watched with a fighting look in her eyes. Even Mel seemed to think they should calm down. Carla, the former model, used a water gun to break up Mel and Nicolle.

Then came the second Rose Ceremony. Mel sent home some more women he had connected with. The following 11 women received roses:

• Roxane
• Debbie
• Gerri
• Monica P
• Monica B
• Carol
• Peg
• Nicolle
• Robin
• Amy
• Terri

This meant six women went home: Carla, Cheryl, Cindy, Alexandra, Mylene, and Diane. It was sad to see them go, especially after some strong connections! Mel said it was hard to send them home, but he felt his wife was there. Carla was not bothered, saying her DMs were open.

What's Coming Next on The Golden Bachelor Season 2

Get ready for more! Upcoming previews show kisses with Amy, Peg, and Cheryl. Nicolle continues to be bold, making out with Mel in front of others. Tears will surely flow. Mel is heard saying at one point, "I do not know if she is ready yet, but I am ready!" This season promises more emotions, connections, and tough choices as Mel continues his journey to find love.

Catch All the Golden Bachelor Season 2 Excitement: How to Watch New Episodes

Want to stay caught up with Mel's love story? New episodes of The Golden Bachelor air live every Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. If you are a cord-cutter, don't worry! New episodes are available on Hulu the day after they air.

For live viewing, several streaming services include ABC:

• DirecTV: Offers ABC in several packages, including the MyNews Package for $39.99 a month after a five-day free trial.
• FuboTV: Has a seven-day free trial. The Fubo News + Sports Plan includes ABC for $45.99 for the first month, then $55.99 per month.
• Sling TV: You can choose the Blue plan, which has ABC for $45.99 per month. The Orange + Blue plan is $60.99 per month and includes more channels.

If waiting is no problem, a Hulu subscription costs $9.99 a month for an ad-supported plan or $18.99 a month for an ad-free plan. Both Hulu options start with a 30-day free trial.

Stream The Golden Bachelor Season 2 for Free Online with Trials

You can even watch The Golden Bachelor for free by using the free trials from these services. With DirecTV’s five-day trial, FuboTV’s seven-day trial, and Hulu’s 30-day trial, you could watch the show for free for a total of 42 days. That is enough to catch around six new episodes without paying a dime!

So, whether you are watching live or catching up, make sure you do not miss a moment of The Golden Bachelor Season 2!