News Summary
The new season of ‘The Golden Bachelor’ features Mel Owens, a retired NFL player, searching for love amidst heartfelt connections. This season focuses on mature contestants, emphasizing that romance knows no age limits. With contestants like Lisa Flaherty, a handy-woman who loves home improvement, the show promises joyful moments that reflect companionship and the beauty of starting anew. Tune in for the premiere on September 24 and witness love stories unfold.
Exciting New Season of “The Golden Bachelor” Debuts with Heartfelt Connections
The world of reality TV is buzzing as Mel Owens, a charismatic 66-year-old Michigan native and former NFL player, takes center stage as the newest “Golden Bachelor.” This season, premiering on Wednesday, September 24, from 8-10 p.m. ET on ABC, promises a delightful mix of romance and genuine connection. Mel is on a quest for a second chance at love, following the loss of his father and the end of his first marriage in 2020.
Get Ready for Heartwarming Moments
Fans of “The Golden Bachelor” can catch all the action live or stream episodes on Hulu the day after airing. If you enjoy cuddling up with a bowl of popcorn and a glass of wine, you’ll want to make time in your schedule for this heartwarming show that celebrates maturity and the beauty of love at any age.
Who is Mel Owens?
Mel Owens is more than just a charming senior looking for love; he’s a retired NFL player who played as a linebacker for the University of Michigan from 1977-1980. He later got drafted by the Los Angeles Rams as the ninth overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft. Mel enjoyed a successful nine-season career in the NFL before transitioning to law, where he specializes in sports-related injuries. With two sons from his first marriage to Fabiana Pimentel, Mel understands the beauty of family and connection.
The Controversy and Apology
Fans might have heard about a bit of controversy surrounding Mel — he initially mentioned he would eliminate any female contestants aged 60 or over. After some backlash, he graciously apologized, demonstrating his commitment to fostering genuine connections on the show.
Meet Lisa Flaherty: The Handy-Woman Contestant
Among the 23 contestants vying for Mel’s heart, you’ll find Lisa Flaherty, also 66 years old, who brings her personal flair to the mix. As a state park employee with a love for nature, animals, and sports, particularly Ohio teams, Lisa isn’t just about the romance — she’s a handy-woman who enjoys home renovation projects! Talk about a match made in DIY heaven! Her passion for home improvement could lead to some fun and creative projects if she wins Mel’s heart.
What to Expect from This Season
This season of “The Golden Bachelor” is designed to provide mature contestants with a platform to find love and companionship, emphasizing that romance doesn’t have an age limit. Mel’s aim is to “rediscover a love rooted in simple joys,” making it all about shared experiences and companionship in life’s later chapters.
The excitement surrounding this second season undoubtedly comes from the success of the inaugural season, which featured Gerry Turner as the first Golden Bachelor. Viewers are eager to see how Mel will navigate this journey filled with laughter, tears, and heartwarming moments. With each love story unfolding, fans will surely find themselves cheering and crying along at home.
Join in on the Fun!
So, whether you relate more to Mel, Lisa, or any of the other wonderful contestants on this season, make sure to tune in. This journey goes beyond romance; it’s about finding that special someone who understands and complements each other’s lives. And who knows? Perhaps you might get inspired to invest in that home renovation project you’ve been thinking about—maybe even with someone special by your side!
Be sure to catch the premiere on September 24, and get ready for the heartwarming connections that await. Love could be just a renovation away!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Weekend Events in Metro Detroit: Your Ultimate Guide
Mel Owens Named New Golden Bachelor in Detroit
Additional Resources
- Cincinnati.com: When Does The Golden Bachelor Start?
- Wikipedia: The Golden Bachelor
- Detroit Free Press: ABC’s Golden Bachelor Mel Owens
- Google Search: Mel Owens
- People.com: Who is Mel Owens, The Golden Bachelor?

Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.