As Season 2 of “The Golden Bachelor” gets ready to unfold, people are curious about the age preferences of its lead, Mel Owens. At 66, the retired NFL linebacker-turned-lawyer is seeking love among a group of accomplished women. But does he have an age limit? Here’s what we know.
Age Requirements in ‘The Bachelor’ Franchise
While there is no official age limit for contestants on “The Golden Bachelor,” there are eligibility requirements for participation. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, legal residents of the United States or Canada, single, and able to travel without restrictions, according to Bachelor Nation. These requirements apply to all shows within the franchise, including “The Bachelor,” “The Bachelorette,” “The Golden Bachelor,” and “The Golden Bachelorette.”
It also seems like production takes the leads preferences into account to help them try to find the best match. In the first season of “The Golden Bachelor,” contestants ranged in age from 60 to 75, per Entertainment Tonight, with the lead, Gerry Turner, being 72 at the time of filming. This age range was specifically because the show (for the first time) was aiming to focus on mature relationships and the experiences of older individuals seeking love.
Mel Owens’ Initial Age Preferences
Before the season was set to air, Mel Owens made headlines for stating he would prefer women aged 45 to 60 and would “cut” any contestants over 60. According to Glamour, he later acknowledged that his comments were “unfair” and “insensitive,” attributing them to being out of the dating scene for 25 years and lacking awareness of the show’s format. Owens emphasized that he was open to meeting women from different age brackets and said, “the spirit has no age.”
He also appeared as a guest on “Live with Kelly and Mark,” where responded to host Kelly Ripa’s playful teasing about his comments. He acknowledged that he wasn’t aware that all but one contestant was over 60. “There’s a lot of common interest,” he said when asked about the contestants. ”You know, and a lot of life experiences and plus all these women were great and, you know, sophisticated and well accomplished and fun and funny.”
Contestants’ Ages and Show Dynamics
Season 2 features 23 women competing for Owens’ heart, with ages ranging from 58 to 77. This diverse age group adds a rich dynamic to the show, showcasing the vitality and experiences of older women.
So, while Mel Owens initially had specific age preferences, he has since recognized the value of connecting with women of many ages. His journey on “The Golden Bachelor” reflects growth and openness, promising an engaging season filled with interesting connections.
Did Mel Owens find love? Only time will tell. “The Golden Bachelor” airs Wednesdays at 8:00pm ET on ABC, streaming the next day on Hulu.
