It feels like ages ago since Bachelor Nation was introduced to the first Golden Bachelor, Gerry Turner, whose connection with Theresa Nist unfolded on our screens (complete with a televised Coachella Valley wedding and months later, the announcement of their separation.)

Now, fans get to watch former Los Angeles Rams linebacker Mel Owens find his fairytale, later-in-life romance when the new season premieres on Wednesday, Sept. 24.

But the drama the Bachelor series is well known for (“our most dramatic season yet”) began earlier this year when Owens said he’d be “cutting” any female contestants who were 60 or over. Owens, for his part, has apologized about the comments — USA TODAY reported that Owens “says he will get grilled by the 23 women competing, only one of whom is under

See Full Page