The second season of The Golden Bachelor continues to captivate audiences with its blend of romance and reality TV flair, as Mel Owens, the 66-year-old former NFL linebacker, navigates his quest for love. Episode 2, which aired on Wednesday, October 1, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, brought fresh twists to the mansion's dynamics. Indeed, the episode featured a lively group date at the historic Bellwether Theater in Los Angeles, where 12 contestants took the stage for performances that ranged from heartfelt to hilariously off-key. Owens, ever the charmer despite his earlier controversial comments about age preferences, handed out roses amid rising tensions.
However, not everyone advanced. Several women were sent home, leaving the field slimmer and the competition fiercer. Notably, only one contestant from Florida remains in the running, a detail that underscores the show's knack for weeding out connections quickly. The eliminations highlighted Owens' evolving standards, as he grappled with chemistry versus compatibility in these golden years. Streaming options on Hulu made the episode accessible post-broadcast, drawing in viewers who tuned in for the post-premiere buzz.
Moreover, the schedule has shifted slightly after the September 24 premiere. Future episodes will now air on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET starting next week, a move ABC attributes to optimizing viewership slots amid network programming changes. This adjustment comes as Owens faces scrutiny over his past remarks—those offhand quips about avoiding women over 60 or with certain health issues—that briefly threatened the season's launch. Yet, the show presses on, with guest appearances like Paula Abdul adding unexpected sparkle.
Critics might question if the format truly honors mature love or just amplifies drama for ratings, but the engagement numbers suggest it's resonating. As Episode 3 approaches on October 8, fans are left wondering: will Owens find a genuine spark, or will the rose ceremonies keep thinning the crowd?