A fairly new reality TV show that had everyone talking back in 2023 is finally back! The Golden Bachelor is set to return with its second season this fall on ABC, and fans can expect more heartfelt connections, charming dates, and just the right amount of drama to keep everyone hooked.
The first season premiered in September 2023, featuring 74-year-old Gerry Turner as the lead. Serving as a spinoff of The Bachelor franchise, The Golden Bachelor season 1 saw Gerry charm his way through dates, form genuine connections, and navigate the highs and lows of finding love later in life. In the season 1 finale, Gerry found the person he thought would be his perfect match. Now, it's time for another golden love story to take center stage in The Golden Bachelor season 2.
With the second season's premiere right around the corner, we thought we'd share a guide of all you need to know about the upcoming installment of the hit reality series. That way, you'll be entirely caught up on the premiere date, the new bachelor, the cast of hopeful singles, and all the other juicy details.
Why did it take so long for The Golden Bachelor season 2?
Unlike The Bachelor that airs a new season every year, The Golden Bachelor follows a more spaced-out schedule, alternating with The Golden Bachelorette. That's why it's taken so long for The Golden Bachelor season 2 to come out. Although the first season premiered in 2023, the show did not quickly follow up with a second season in 2024. Instead, The Golden Bachelorette season 1 aired that year. With that show wrapped up, The Golden Bachelor season 2 is able to premiere in 2025.
When does The Golden Bachelor return?
Drum roll, please! The Golden Bachelor season 2 is slated to premiere with a two-hour episode on ABC on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. CT. This is a special time. The release time changes after the premiere. If you end up missing the first episode by chance, it will be available to stream on Hulu the next day. Following the premiere, a brand-new season of Shark Tank will air at 10:00 p.m. ET/9:00 p.m. CT.
When is The Golden Bachelor on?
So, The Golden Bachelor season 2 premiere was different. Starting the following week, the show will move to its regular timeslot at 9:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. CT. You can expect a brand-new episode to air on ABC every Wednesday night at this time. Every new episode will also become available on Hulu the following day.
Where can you catch up on The Golden Bachelor?
Unfortunately, the options to watch the first season of The Golden Bachelor are limited. Unlike The Bachelor, which has certain seasons available to stream on various streaming platforms, The Golden Bachelor season 1 is not currently streaming on any streaming service. The only way you can watch the first season is by purchasing individual episodes or the complete installment through digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home, Google Play, etc.
Who is The Golden Bachelor season 2 lead?
Gerry Turner got another shot at love in the first season. Now it's time for 66-year-old former NFL player Mel Owens to take the reins, charm the ladies, and find love in The Golden Bachelor season 2. Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, Owens previously played for the Los Angeles Rams for nine seasons. Now, he enjoys a successful career as a sports lawyer based in Laguna Hills, California.
He was previously married and shares two sons with his ex-wife, but their relationship ended following the unexpected passing of Owens's father. This will likely come up during at least one of his conversations on the show. Maybe one of the contestants will then open up about their own experiences with love and loss, leading to a heartfelt exchange that could deepen their connection.
Well, there might be some people who will not tune in to the new season of The Golden Bachelor after all the controversy surrounding the new lead. For those who do not know, Owens sparked backlash earlier this year when he shared very specific and arguably harsh requirements for contestants on a podcast, leading many fans to question his suitability as the show’s leading man.
While on the MGoBlue Podcasts with Jon Jansen, Owens told the podcast host that he made it clear to The Golden Bachelor producers that he only wanted women between the ages of 45 and 60, who were physically fit, and even said he would dismiss any contestants 60 and older. These ageist remarks led to many fans calling for his removal as the new lead. However, it looks like they've talked things through with Owens because he's still the lead.
Who are the hopeful singles in The Golden Bachelor season 2 cast?
Remember when we said Owens made some ageist comments in the past about who he wanted on the show? Well, it looks like the producers ignored his wishes because the season 2 cast features a cast of 23 women, aged 58 to 77, going well beyond Owens's earlier stated preference for contestants between 45 and 60.
We shared a list below of all the contestants:
- Amy, 63, full-time mom
- Maia, 58, college sports consultant
- Alexandra, 67, luxury yacht sales representative
- Andra, 77, retired federal worker
- Carla, 62, former model
- Carol, 63, family manager for Freddie Freeman
- Cheryl, 66, retired IRS employee
- Cindy, 60, retired biomedical engineer
- Debbie, 65, fitness professional
- Diane, 71, Librarian
- Gerri, 64, home care agency CEO
- Lily, 72, retired elementary school teacher
- Lisa, 66, state park employee
- Monica B., 62, flight attendant
- Monica P., 60, cosmetic dentist
- Mylene, 61, casino VIP host
- Nicolle, 64, yoga instructor
- Peg, 62, retired firefighter and bomb tech
- Robin, 63, wealth advisor and vineyard owner
- Roxanne, 62, longevity nurse
- Susie, 62, realtor
- Terri, 71, cosmetic dentist
- Tracy, 62, interior designer
ABC also released a video that introduces all the new contestants. You can check it out right below!
Unfortunately, the network has not released a sneak peek or official trailer for The Golden Bachelor season 2. However, we'll make sure to share it if ABC does decide to release one before the premiere on Sept. 24.
How did The Golden Bachelor season 1 end?
After meeting and dating 22 women, Gerry Turner ultimately chose to propose to successful day trader Theresa Nist in the season 1 finale. They officially got hitched in January 2024 during a live, televised ceremony at the La Quinta Resort and Club in California, with fellow contestant Susan Noles officiating and celebrating the couple’s journey to finding love.
However, they would announce their divorce three months later in April 2024. The reason at the time being that, despite their love and connection, they couldn’t find a living situation that worked for both of them. In June 2024, they reached a formal settlement on their divorce.
The Golden Bachelor season 2 starts airing on ABC on Sept. 24. Don't forget to save the date!