‘Golden Bachelor’ Mel Owens Out As New Lead, Who’s Replacing Him?

Golden Bachelor Mel Owens is making headlines after a podcast interview revealed what he’s really looking for. It seems he was rather blunt about the age of women he’s willing to date in hopes of finding love again. In fact, his comments were so harsh and taken so poorly that Owens has reportedly been axed as ABC’s next Golden lead. Who will be replacing him?

Golden Bachelor Mel Owens Out As Next Lead

Following a recent podcast interview with MGoBlue Podcasts with Jon Jansen, Golden Bachelor Mel Owens has reportedly lost his chance at television stardom. His comments about the ages of women he’s willing to date have gone viral, and they have not been received well by Bachelor Nation.

Reality Steve went to social media on Wednesday morning to reveal that Mel Owens is out as the next lead. During his very unpopular interview, Owens spoke about lunch with producers of the show and stated that he would only date women between the ages of 45 and 60.

When asked about his age preference for cast members, Mel said, “45 to 60, just being honest.” He followed up with, “If they’re 60 or over, I’m cutting them. This is not The Silver Bachelor, this is The Golden Bachelor.”

Mel Owens-Golden Bachelor-Instagram

According to Owens, the producer then said, “But they’re going to be hot. Don’t worry about it, don’t worry about it.” He then added, “So he goes, ‘You can’t use the word cut,’ I go, ‘Well, that’s an NFL term.’”

While Owens admits he has no say in who is cast on his season, he did tell casting producers to stay away from artificial hips and wigs. He also noted he wants the women to be fit because he likes staying in shape.

Fans were outraged over the interview and the information revealed by Owens. Now, it seems ABC has changed its mind and is scrambling to announce its replacement. Who is it?

Who Is Replacing Owens?

Right now, there is no word on who is replacing Mel Owens as The Golden Bachelor. Reality Steve said the network should be announcing that Mel Owens is no longer the lead and also share the replacement’s name very soon.

Steve said, “I’m hearing that Mel Owens is OUT as the Golden Bachelor due to recent negative publicity surrounding his June 4th podcast appearance. Expect an announcement soon incl who is going to replace him. Haven’t heard a name yet on who that is. Will update if/when I hear.”

(EXCLUSIVE): I’m hearing that Mel Owens is OUT as the Golden Bachelor due to recent negative publicity surrounding his June 4th podcast appearance. Expect an announcement soon incl who is going to replace him. Haven’t heard a name yet on who that is. Will update if/when I hear.

— RealitySteve (@RealitySteve) July 2, 2025

If they are scrambling for a lead, the show may choose a former cast member of The Golden Bachelorette. Jonathan Rone had been an option the first time around, so perhaps they will invite him back to try again.

It’s also possible the network has other backups available and ready to go. The show should begin filming sometime soon, as The Golden Bachelor is set to air this fall on Wednesday nights on ABC.

What do you think about Mel Owens getting the boot as the next lead?

Come back to TV Spoiler News for more updates.