Two years after “The Golden Bachelor” became a phenomenon, the spin-off will return for Season 2.
With a second season, which premieres Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, comes a new lead, Mel Owens, and 23 women hoping to receive a rose from the former professional football player.
Ahead of the two-hour premiere, ABC released the official cast for Season 2. The network also posted a video that shows each woman sharing fun facts about herself and explaining why she signed up for the show.
One contestant named Nicolle, a 64-year-old yoga instructor from Miami Beach, Florida, says in the clip about the “Golden” ladies, “I think we’re more beautiful, sexy, vibrant than ever.”
“The Golden Bachelor” debuted in 2023 with Gerry Turner as the first lead. The newest addition to the Bachelor Nation franchise takes the same familiar format but instead follows contestants in their golden years on their journey to find love. The ages of Mel’s contestants range from 58 to 77.
Mel, a 66-year-old retired NFL player who now works as a lawyer, was announced as the season’s leading man in April. He’s since then sparked controversy after he said he wasn’t interested in dating women his own age.
“They asked me, ‘What’s your preferences?’ So I just said, ‘45 to 60,’ just being honest,” he said on the University of Michigan Athletics’ podcast, “In the Trenches,” in June. “And then the process went and I was selected and then we had lunch with the executive producer. I said, ‘You know, if they’re 60 or over, I’m cutting them.’”
He also said, “They got to be fit because I’m staying in shape and work out and stuff. And I told them, ‘Try to stay away from the artificial hips and the wigs.’”
He later revealed in an interview with Glamour that he apologized to the contestants for his remarks during the first night of filming.
“I apologized to the women on the show. When I first walked in, I addressed it. I apologized to them. I said, ‘It was unfair, insensitive. I want to earn it back. Just give me the chance.’ And hopefully, these last two weeks I earned some of that back,’” said Owens, who was in the middle of filming at the time.
How will they react? Viewers will see how the cast responds during the premiere. For now, meet the 23 cast members of “The Golden Bachelor” Season 2 and learn what they revealed about themselves in the introduction video and in their official bios. Then, check back here every week to see who is still in the running to secure Mel’s final rose.
‘The Golden Bachelor’ 2025 Cast
Alexandra, 67
Occupation: Luxury yacht sales representative
Hometown: Miami, Florida
More about Alexandra: “If I am attracted to the brain of the gentleman, I’m attracted to everything else,” Alexandra said. “If he holds my hand and I feel butterflies, we have a great future.”
Is she still on the show? Yes
Amy, 63
Occupation: Full-time mom
Hometown: Short Hills, New Jersey
More about Amy: Amy is a “momager” to her twin daughters, who are “internet-famous,” according to her ABC bio. Outside of work, she likes to exercise, cook and dance.
Is she still on the show? Yes
Andra, 77
Occupation: Retired federal worker
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
More about Andra: If Andra looks familiar to members of Bachelor Nation, that’s because she is the twin sister of “Golden Bachelor” Season 1 fan-favorite Sandra Mason. Andra enjoys crafting, spending time with her grandson, going to the gym and any adrenaline-filled activity.
Is she still on the show? Yes
Carla, 62
Occupation: Former model
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
More about Carla: Carla is a big believer in chemistry at first sight but said finding a connection in Los Angeles has been challenging. In her free time, she likes to read autobiographies and travel. She previously went on a solo safari in Tanzania.
Is she still on the show? Yes
Carol, 63
Occupation: Family manager for Los Angeles Dodgers star Freddie Freeman, her nephew
Hometown: Villa Park, California
More about Carol: Carol enjoys hiking, listening to Bad Bunny and playing the tambourine. She is a mom of three daughters and recently returned to college.
Is she still on the show? Yes
Cheryl, 66
Occupation: Retired from the IRS
Hometown: Englewood, Colorado
More about Cheryl: “My spirit is still young,” Cheryl said. “I race motocross.”
Is she still on the show? Yes
Cindy, 60
Occupation: Retired biomedical engineer
Hometown: Austin, Texas
More about Cindy: “We have a lot of living to do, and I’m looking for a partner to join me,” Cindy says about her golden years.
Is she still on the show? Yes
Debbie, 65
Occupation: Fitness professional
Hometown: Denver, Colorado
More about Debbie: “One of my proudest accomplishments is my fitness program,” Debbie said in her intro video. She described her program as “one of the longest-selling info commercials in history.” She also shared that she “absolutely believes in love at first sight.”
Is she still on the show? Yes
Diane, 71
Occupation: Librarian
Hometown: Wasilla, Alaska
More about Diane: Diane plays women’s hockey, has won three triathlons and is a huge Dolly Parton fan.
Is she still on the show? Yes
Gerri, 64
Occupation: Home care agency CEO
Hometown: Rockville, Maryland
More about Gerri: Gerri has dedicated her life to working in the health care industry for over 35 years, including being an ICU nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is a proud mom and grandmother who likes to fish and play with her teacup Yorkie named Godiva.
Is she still on the show? Yes
Lily, 72
Occupation: Retired elementary school teacher
Hometown: Pacific Palisades, California
More about Lily: Lily wants her love story to resemble a romance novel. She hopes that her future partner likes to dance as she performs with a dance troupe called the Ole Skool Crew.
Is she still on the show? Yes
Lisa, 66
Occupation: State park employee
Hometown: Marion, Ohio
More about Lisa: As a state park employee, Lisa is passionate about taking care of animals and has rescued multiple cats. She is ready to leave her small town, where she describes dating as “nonexistent,” and see if Mel Owens is the one for her.
Is she still on the show? Yes
Maia, 58
Occupation: College sports consultant
Hometown: Malibu, California
More about Maia: “What do I say to those people? ‘You’re crazy!’” she responded when asked about how she would react to someone who says she is too old to find love. In her spare time, Maia can be found playing pickleball, going to concerts and driving up the California coast.
Is she still on the show? Yes
Monica B., 62
Occupation: Flight attendant
Hometown: Huntsville, Alabama
More about Monica B.: When she isn’t flying all over the world, Monica B. spends her days caring for her four grandchildren, visiting farmers markets and doing yoga in the park.
Is she still on the show? Yes
Monica P., 60
Occupation: Cosmetic dentist
Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama
More about Monica P.: Monica P. likes to spend her time snow skiing, water skiing, singing karaoke, playing board games and going to Pilates classes.
Is she still on the show? Yes
Mylene, 61
Occupation: Casino VIP host
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
More about Mylene: Mylene was born and raised in the Philippines before she relocated to Japan and eventually made her way to Las Vegas. She is a fan of Bruno Mars and would love to go skydiving one day.
Is she still on the show? Yes
Nicolle, 64
Occupation: Yoga teacher
Hometown: Miami Beach, Florida
More about Nicolle: When asked by a producer how she would reply to critics who think she is “too old for love,” Nicolle had an honest response. “You know, what I want to say is f— them,” she replied before flipping off the camera with both hands. She laughed and added, “But that’s not what I’m going to say.”
Is she still on the show? Yes
Peg, 62
Occupation: Retired firefighter and bomb tech
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
More about Peg: Peg was a firefighter for 22 years before spending 13 years defusing bombs. “So, Mel doesn’t scare me,” she cheekily said.
Is she still on the show? Yes
Robin, 63
Occupation: Wealth adviser/Vineyard owner
Hometown: Napa Valley, California
More about Robin: Robin likes to watch football, ride her motorcycle and tap dance. She also started her own wine label.
Is she still on the show? Yes
Roxanne, 62
Occupation: Longevity nurse
Hometown: Austin, Texas
More about Roxanne: Roxanne said that getting older is all about gaining wisdom. “Even though I am 62, I am full of life,” she said.
Is she still on the show? Yes
Susie, 62
Occupation: Realtor
Hometown: Del Mar, California
More about Susie: Susie said she believes, “Life begins in the golden years.” The mom of three is looking for a spontaneous man who wants to travel.
Is she still on the show? Yes
Terri, 71
Occupation: Cosmetic dentist
Hometown: Houston, Texas
More about Terri: Terri said that she views her golden years as still having her whole life ahead of her. She is a longtime “Bachelor” fan and has watched the show since it began in 2002. She also taught herself to be a ventriloquist and studied zoology in college.
Is she still on the show? Yes
Tracy, 62
Occupation: Interior designer
Hometown: Lafayette, Louisiana
More about Tracy: Tracy loves to dance, with one of her favorite styles being the Jitterbug. Her style icon is Audrey Hepburn.