On the season premiere of &34;The Golden Bachelor,&34; Mel kicked off his &34;journey&34; to find &34;love&34; by apologizing to the women for his insensitive p

On the season premiere of "The Golden Bachelor," Mel kicked off his "journey" to find "love" by apologizing to the women for his insensitive podcast comments.

*Golden Bachelor *host Jesse Palmer says Mel's apology was 'a good first step'

On the season premiere of "The Golden Bachelor," Mel kicked off his "journey" to find "love" by apologizing to the women for his insensitive podcast comments.

By Kristen Baldwin

Kristen Baldwin

Kristen Baldwin is a TV critic for **, and a writer and editor with 25 years of experience in entertainment journalism. Prior to EW, she served as editor-in-chief of Yahoo Entertainment, and is currently a member of the Television Critics Association and the Critics Choice Association. She does not know how to football the Super Bowl.

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September 25, 2025 10:57 a.m. ET

Mel Owens (right) addresses the women on 'The Golden Bachelor'. Credit:

*Aaand* we're back, rose lovers! Almost two years to the day that Gerry Turner first stepped out of the limo, the second season of *The Golden Bachelor* finally made its debut on ABC. Wednesday night's two-hour premiere reintroduced the world to 66-year-old Mel Owens, known for his NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams in the 1980s — and for putting his foot in his mouth on a podcast this summer.

Each week this season, *Golden Bachelor* host Jesse Palmer will answer a few questions about Mel's "journey" to find "love." Today, Jesse shares his thoughts via email about Mel's apology to the women, the most memorable limo exits, Nicolle's bold behavior, and more.

**: The premiere kicks off with a recap of Mel's comments on the podcast this summer, and then he made a point of apologizing to all the women on night one as well. Why do you think it was important for both the show and Mel to address his comments head-on?**

** JESSE PALMER:** I think one way or another was going to be addressed on night one, and of course, some of the women put him on the spot as soon as they exited the limo. I think Mel did the right thing by apologizing right off the bat in front of the women, which was a good first step. I know Mel is really intent on proving to these women that he is open to love no matter what someone's age is.

**Of course, we need your thoughts on the limo exits. Let's do some superlatives: Which did you think was the funniest? Most surprising? Sweetest? **

I thought Peg's entrance was hilarious! Poor Peg's "love bomb" was a total dud, but she rolled with the punches, and they were able to laugh it off! Most surprising was Andra — Sandra has a twin sister?!?! Sweetest entrance: I loved Cindy — first out of the limo and just having a real convo with Mel and forming an obvious connection!

Peg's love bomb bombs on 'The Golden Bachelor'.

**The first cocktail party into the rose ceremony went all night and into the morning. Tell us the truth — did you stay up the whole time or did you sneak away to your trailer for a catnap?**

I sat watching the entire night — but I may or may not have downed six espressos to help stay awake. The Goldens have more energy than me!

Mel Owens and Jesse Palmer on 'The Golden Bachelor'.

Disney/John Fleenor

**There were a lot of contenders for the First Impression Rose, but it ultimately went to Gerri. What do you think it was about her that stood out to Mel?**

I think Mel was smitten with Gerri right out of the limo, but I think Gerri really connected with Mel speaking about her family. Mel's children are the most important thing in his life, and he loved hearing Gerri speaking so lovingly and glowingly about her beautiful children.

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**This show always makes me cry. Which moment had you tearing up the most? (Monica P. talking about eating take-out at home alone after her husband died really got me.)**

I'm not going to lie, listening to Cheryl tell the story about her ex-husband taking their son got me pretty emotional. As a new father, that really hit me.

Nicole smooches Mel in front of the other women on 'The Golden Bachelor'.

**When Mel came to pick up Cheryl for the one-on-one, Nicolle ran right up and smooched him and announced, "That's my husband!" This would have caused a DEFCON 1-level meltdown among the women on the regular *Bachelor* — were you surprised the Golden women seemed relatively unfazed?**

That would've been the beginning of war on *The Bachelor*! I always am amazed at the resolve and maturity of the Goldens; they truly are so emotionally secure.

The second rose ceremony on 'The Golden Bachelor'.

**The second rose ceremony happened outside by the pool — but there were still no chairs for the ladies. What gives, Jesse?? **

Ha ha ha! We still haven't taken Natasha's advice! By the way, how cool was it to have the rose ceremony outside by the pool? I thought it looked great!

*The Golden Bachelor *airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

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Source: "EW TV"

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