Season 2 Of The Golden Bachelor: Why Mel Owens Has Set An Age Limit
The excitement for Golden Bachelor Season 2 is building as the show returns to Hulu on September 24. The series, created as a refreshing spin-off of The Bachelor, shines a spotlight on love later in life, offering a platform for singles over 50 to demonstrate that romance transcends age. However, this highly anticipated second season is stirring conversations, largely due to the new bachelor, Mel Owens, and his controversial decision to set an age limit for the women he wishes to date. With an upper age boundary of 60, Owens’ decision has sparked a debate about ageism in dating, prompting many to question the implications of such restrictions.
This blog explores the ins and outs of Golden Bachelor Season 2, the reasoning behind Owens’ choice, and why setting age limits in dating can be both restrictive and divisive—especially for those exploring love later in life.
What Is The Golden Bachelor?
Initially airing in 2023, The Golden Bachelor offers a unique twist on the classic Bachelor franchise formula. While the original series notably focuses on younger participants in their 20s and early 30s, this spin-off shifts to a more mature audience, portraying the love lives of singles aged 60 and above. Its first season quickly garnered a devoted fanbase, pairing drama, romance, and plenty of heartfelt moments with the wisdom that age brings.
The inaugural season starred 72-year-old Gerry Turner, who won over both audiences and female contestants with his charm, grace, and compassion. The women vying for love ranged in age from 60 to 75, proving that connections become no less meaningful or profound as we grow older. Though Turner’s happy ending with Theresa Nast was unfortunately short-lived due to unexpected challenges, the season resonated with viewers and shattered preconceived notions about dating beyond midlife.
Golden Bachelor Season 2: What Sets It Apart
The upcoming season introduces Mel Owens, a 66-year-old former NFL player turned attorney. Owens’ charismatic personality and vibrant energy make him a compelling choice for the show’s next lead. Yet, what sets this season apart isn’t just Owens’ background but his decision to limit the age of potential contestants to women between the ages of 45 and 60.
During an interview on the MGoBlue podcast, Owens bluntly shared his dating preferences, stating, “If they’re 60 or over, I’m cutting them.” This unapologetic comment left many disappointed, particularly during a show whose first season celebrated women well into their 70s. Owens even jokingly added, “This is not The Silver Bachelor; it’s The Golden Bachelor.” Producers reportedly tried to persuade him that some contestants over 60 could still be considered—emphasizing attributes like beauty and charm—but Owens remained steadfast in his resolve.
Reactions From Fans & Former Bachelor Gerry Turner
Unsurprisingly, Owens’ remarks have drawn criticism. Many fans of the show feel his decision runs counter to the inclusive spirit of The Golden Bachelor. By setting such an arbitrary parameter, they argue, Owens is undermining the same message of empowerment that made the first season so impactful.
Even Gerry Turner, Mel’s predecessor, has weighed in. Sharing his thoughts with Fox News, Turner expressed hope that Owens might rethink his approach as the season progresses. “I think it would be unfortunate, and I really think he will have a change of heart in this,” Turner said. He passionately highlighted the unique qualities displayed by women over 60 during the previous season, calling them a “gift” to know and appreciate. Turner’s commentary reflects the sentiments of countless viewers who believe that love should not be limited by age.
The Pitfalls of Setting Age Limits in Dating
This controversy raises a broader issue—what happens when we impose constraints like age ranges in dating? Often, these boundaries are presented as non-negotiable preferences, but they might be limiting in more ways than we realize.
- Overlooking Potential Matches
Setting an arbitrary age limit excludes individuals who could otherwise be fantastic partners. Just as all people are unique, so are their levels of energy, compatibility, and interests—things that don’t necessarily correspond to age. By focusing narrowly on a specific range, someone like Mel Owens might miss out on meeting individuals who could genuinely complement and enrich his life.
For example, someone who is 65 but feels 50 could have passions, hobbies, and aspirations that perfectly align with Owens’. Yet, due to his rigid preference, those connections wouldn’t even have a chance to unfold.
- Reinforcing Negative Stereotypes
Ageism continues to affect dating culture, especially for women. Societal pressures often favor younger women as “ideal” romantic partners, while older women face unjust biases labeling them as less desirable. Owens’ age limit seems to echo those outdated beliefs rather than challenge them.
What makes this particularly ironic is that the spirit of The Golden Bachelor—as validated during Gerry Turner’s season—has been about breaking stereotypes, redefining what it means to find love beyond 50, and demonstrating that emotional depth only grows richer with experience.
- Undermining Meaningful Relationships
Love isn’t mathematical. It doesn’t thrive within constraints like chronological age. By placing undue importance on superficial parameters, we risk prioritizing metrics over the qualities that truly define lasting relationships, such as kindness, humor, integrity, and emotional compatibility.
Navigating Preferences vs. Prejudices
It’s natural—human, even—to have preferences when it comes to dating. Many people gravitate toward certain personality traits, lifestyles, or shared values. However, there’s a fine line between having preferences and making decisions rooted in bias or prejudice. This is where introspection becomes vital.
For anyone dating later in life, particularly in their 50s, 60s, and 70s, considering what truly matters is essential. Are preferences based on genuine compatibility, or are they shaped by cultural conditioning? Choosing to focus on the former often leads to richer experiences and more meaningful connections.
Striking the Balance
Owens’ decision could serve as a modern-day parable—a lesson in why maintaining both an open mind and an open heart is critical at any age. While preferences help guide our choices, they should never become so inflexible that they limit opportunities for growth, love, and joy.
Why Love Has No Expiration Date
One of the most beautiful aspects of romance later in life is that it defies many conventional rules. Singles in their 50s, 60s, and beyond have likely experienced a lifetime of growth, and they thrive in relationships that value authenticity over appearances. For this demographic, connection isn’t about meeting arbitrary standards. Instead, it’s about nurturing companionship, enjoying mutual respect, and savoring life’s golden years together.
When age takes a backseat to these principles, the possibilities for love are endless. That’s what The Golden Bachelor was first designed to showcase—and hopefully, despite current missteps, its second season will still manage to do just that.
True romance is about finding someone with whom you can share laughter, gratitude, and understanding—no matter what their birth year might say. Golden Bachelor Season 2 may face scrutiny for Mel Owens’ controversial age limit, but it also serves as a reminder to rethink rigid boundaries in our own dating lives. After all, love’s potential isn’t dictated by a number—it’s shaped by two hearts willing to take the leap, at any age.
