Fans of The Golden Bachelor Season 2 have been eagerly awaiting a female-led spin-off — and the wait is finally over. The network behind the hit series has officially kicked off casting for Season 2 of The Golden Bachelorette, set to premiere in 2026.
While producers initially stayed quiet about confirming another season, excitement across social media and Bachelor Nation has clearly made an impact. According to the official Bachelor Nation website, casting is now open for both men and women who are ready to find love later in life — or to nominate someone special.
Even more exciting, the application reveals that production is expected to begin soon, signaling that the golden journey to love is already underway.
If you or someone you know deserves a second chance at love in their golden years, now’s the time to step into the spotlight.
The Golden Bachelor Season 2 (2026): Mel Owens Steps In After Gerry Turner’s Bittersweet Love Story
After the breakout success of The Golden Bachelor Season 1 and its heartfelt spinoff The Golden Bachelorette, ABC has officially renewed the golden romance for a second season — and fans have plenty to look forward to.
Gerry Turner, 72, became a beloved figure in Bachelor Nation, charming viewers with his sincerity and emotional journey to find love. He ultimately proposed to Theresa Nist, and the couple tied the knot in a televised special in January 2024. However, their fairy-tale ending was short-lived — the couple announced their divorce just months later, sending shockwaves through fans who had rooted for their love.
Now, a fresh chapter begins. Disney has announced that former NFL star Mel Owens will be the next Golden Bachelor, ready to hand out roses and hopefully find lasting love in Season 2. With a new face, renewed hope, and even more emotional moments ahead, The Golden Bachelor promises another season of meaningful connections — and maybe a true happily ever after.
Stay tuned for everything you need to know about casting, release dates, and what to expect in The Golden Bachelor Season 2.
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Golden Bachelorette Season 2 Casting Now Open: Filming Scheduled for Summer 2026
Producers Seek Senior Men Ready for Love — Applications Now Live on the Bachelor Nation Website
Exciting news for fans of The Golden Bachelorette — casting for Season 2 is officially underway, and production is scheduled for summer 2026, according to the Bachelor Nation website.
While ABC has yet to make a formal announcement, the application form gives a clear timeline: hopefuls are asked if they have any conflicts between June and August 2026, indicating filming is set for those months.
Under the banner of The Golden Bachelor, the site invites seniors searching for love to apply, with a dedicated tab for The Golden Bachelorette that now reads: “Now casting senior men looking for love.”
One of the key questions asked in the application is:
“Are you ready to get married if you met the next love of your life today?”
Applicants must be legal residents of the U.S. or Canada (excluding Quebec) and must be open to the possibility of finding lasting love on national television.
The show is being produced by the same team behind The Bachelor, ensuring the same mix of heartfelt romance and memorable moments that fans have come to love.
If you or someone you know is ready to find love in their golden years, this could be the perfect opportunity to step into the spotlight.

How to Apply for The Golden Bachelorette Season 2 (2026)
If you’re ready to take a chance on love — or nominate someone who is — here are the official application instructions for The Golden Bachelorette Season 2:
✅ What You Need to Submit:
To be considered, your application must be complete and include the following:
- Signed and Completed Participant Application Form
- Two Recent Photos:
- One clear face/selfie photo
- One full-body photo
- Photocopy of Your State Driver’s License or Valid Photo ID
(This can be submitted later in the process)
📞 Questions or Need Help?
For more information, feel free to contact the casting team:
📧 Email: casting@goldenbette.com
📞 Phone: 818-666-3606
Don’t wait — this could be your moment to shine and find love in your golden years!
Will There Be a Golden Bachelor Season 2 in 2026?
Yes! ABC officially announced on April 22, 2025, that The Golden Bachelor will return for a highly anticipated Season 2.
The announcement followed the massive success of Season 1, which captivated audiences with its heartfelt storytelling and refreshing take on love later in life. Fans can expect even more emotional moments, charming contestants, and romantic twists when the series returns in 2026.
When Does The Golden Bachelor Season 2 Premiere on ABC?
The Golden Bachelor Season 2 will premiere on Wednesday, September 24, 2026, with a special two-hour episode airing at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Beginning the following week, the show will move to its regular weekly timeslot at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT, continuing every Wednesday on ABC. Get ready for more golden romance, heartfelt stories, and second chances at love.
What Time Will The Golden Bachelor Season 2 Air on ABC?
Episodes of The Golden Bachelor Season 2 will typically air at 9:02 p.m. ET/PT on ABC each Wednesday. However, the season premiere will air in a special timeslot at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on September 24, 2026, as a two-hour kickoff event.
Who Is the Lead of The Golden Bachelor Season 2?
Season 2 of The Golden Bachelor will star Mel Owens, a former NFL linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams. A University of Michigan alum, Owens played under coach Bo Schembechler before joining the NFL in 1981. After retiring, he became an attorney in Orange County, specializing in sports law and workers’ compensation.
Who Is in the Cast of The Golden Bachelor Season 2?
The official cast of women competing for Mel Owens’ heart hasn’t been revealed yet. Check back closer to the September 24, 2026 premiere to meet the golden ladies of Season 2.
Who Will Host The Golden Bachelor Season 2?
Jesse Palmer will return as the host for The Golden Bachelor Season 2. After guiding Gerry Turner through emotional moments in Season 1 — including that unforgettable rose ceremony breakdown — and taking on The Golden Bachelorette, Jesse remains the steady face of Bachelor Nation’s golden era.
When Will The Golden Bachelor Season 2 Air?
While fans are eager for updates, there’s currently no official air date confirmed for The Golden Bachelor Season 2 or The Golden Bachelorette. Stay tuned — announcements are expected closer to the fall 2026 premiere window.