Mel Owens Sent Home 10 Women in ‘The Golden Bachelor’ Season 2 Premiere

Mel Owens sent home 10 contestants on the first night of The Golden Bachelor season two. The 66-year-old retired NFL linebacker and Los Angeles Rams alum began his journey to find love by meeting 23 senior women. By the end of the extended two-hour premiere on ABC, 10 were eliminated.

Owens, now a sports injury lawyer, is the second-ever Golden Bachelor lead after Gerry Turner. He joined the franchise after decades spent focused on football, family, and his legal career. Owens divorced in 2020 and has said he’s ready to find a true companion for his golden years.

Who Mel Owens Sent Home on Night One

The evening started with introductions, heartfelt stories, and the season’s first cocktail party. Owens met women from across the United States, many in their 60s and 70s. After handing out his first roses, he chose to send home six women before the midway point of the night:

• Lily, 72 — Retired elementary school teacher from Pacific Palisades, California
• Lisa, 66 — State park employee from Marion, Ohio
• Susie, 62 — Realtor from Del Mar, California
• Tracy, 62 — Interior designer from Lafayette, Louisiana
• Maia, 58 — College sports consultant from Malibu, California
• Andra, 77 — Retired federal worker from Los Angeles, California

Later in the premiere, Owens went on a group date and his first one-on-one with Cheryl, giving her a rose. At the rose ceremony, he made four more cuts:

• Alexandra, 67 — Luxury yacht sales representative from Miami, Florida
• Carla, 62 — Former model from Los Angeles, California
• Diane, 71 — Librarian from Wasilla, Alaska
• Mylene, 61 — Casino VIP host from Las Vegas, Nevada

After these eliminations, 13 women remain to continue competing for Owens’ heart.

What This Means for the Season Ahead

The premiere showed Owens’ clear preference for younger, active women. He previously caused controversy by saying on the In the Trenches podcast that he wanted contestants under 60 and hoped to avoid “artificial hips and wigs.” That comment drew criticism but also signaled how he might make early cuts.

The first-night choices suggest Owens is looking for someone youthful, fit, and ready to share an active lifestyle. His picks also reflect his stated desire for companionship built on shared daily routines and long-term partnership.

Viewers can expect emotions to rise as the pool narrows. Fans online have already reacted strongly to Owens’ blunt pre-show remarks and the first eliminations. With 13 women left, drama, romance, and possible controversy seem inevitable in the coming weeks.

Mel Owens sent home 10 contestants on the season premiere, setting the tone for a season that will test compatibility and stir conversation among Bachelor Nation fans.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: How many women did Mel Owens send home in episode one?

He sent home 10 women during the extended two-hour premiere.

Q2: What are the ages of the women eliminated?

The eliminated contestants ranged from 58 to 77 years old.

Q3: Why were Owens’ dating comments controversial?

He said before filming that he would avoid dating women over 60 and wanted younger, fit partners.

Q4: How many women are left after night one?

Thirteen women remain after the first eliminations.

Q5: When does The Golden Bachelor season two air?

It airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.