Think the age debate on The Golden Bachelor is over? Think again – see how the latest drama is reshaping the show.
The Golden Bachelor TV franchise is facing new controversy about age and dating. This time, it started with Mel Owens, a contestant for season two. On the MGoBlue Podcast, Owens was asked about his dating preferences. He answered:
They asked me, ‘What’s your preferences?’ So, I just said 45 to 60, just being honest. And then the process went, and I was selected, right? And then we had lunch with the executive producer. I said, ‘You know, if they’re 60 or over, I’m cutting them.
After people heard this, many felt his words were hurtful and disrespectful to women over 60. Viewers accused Owens of ageism – judging people only by their age, not by who they are. Owens tried to apologize later. He told People magazine that he was sorry to the women on the show, saying, “When I first walked in, I addressed it. I apologized to them.” But his apology didn’t end the criticism. The topic kept coming up online and on TV.
Former Golden Bachelor Gerry Turner Defends Women Over 60
As soon as Mel Owens’ comments about only wanting to date women under 60 made headlines, people from all over started sharing their opinions. One person who spoke up quickly was Gerry Turner, the original Golden Bachelor from the first U.S. season. Turner didn’t agree with Owens at all. He went on Good Morning America to explain why age shouldn’t matter so much when it comes to finding love.
Turner said, “The age thing… ignore the number, deal with the person.” He talked about his own experience on the show, explaining that some of his closest and strongest connections were actually with women in their sixties. He explained that women over 60 often have a special confidence and grace. He said via E! News:
If he treats each and every one of them with courtesy and respect, and is a good listener, pays attention to them and so forth, and ignores their age number, I think it’ll be fine.
Turner’s message got a lot of support from both viewers and TV hosts. On The View (as per Cinema Blend), several panelists said they agreed with Turner. Sunny Hostin pointed out that “he’s open to people at 45? What 45-year-old wants him? I don’t know. It’s ridiculous.” She also noticed that if the show only allowed women under 60, there would be very few contestants left for Owens to even consider.
After this, people started to ask a bigger question: Is the Golden Bachelor really about helping people find true, lasting love, or is it just about picking the youngest contestants? Turner’s support for older women helped the conversation shift toward respect, substance, and what truly matters in a relationship, not just someone’s age or appearance.
Channel 9 Picks Barry Myrden as Australia’s First Golden Bachelor
While America’s Golden Bachelor was still facing controversy over Mel Owens’ remarks, the Australian version of the show was grabbing attention for a different reason. Channel 9 chose Barry ‘Bear’ Myrden as Australia’s first Golden Bachelor via Yahoo.
At 62, Barry Myrden is a widower, a father of three, and works as an infrastructure engineer. Channel 9’s decision to cast him was intentional. He brings a sense of warmth and authenticity, representing a generation that has lived through a lot but still believes in finding love. He is well known for his passion for sailing, his reputation in the tech industry, and his approachable, genuine personality.
Channel 9 is positioning this season to highlight that real romance after sixty is possible and meaningful. Early previews suggest the Australian show will put less emphasis on drama and more on sincere, honest companionship.
Australia’s Golden Bachelor isn’t just repeating the American format. It’s Channel 9’s opportunity to show that finding love later in life is real, natural, and not limited by age. The hope is that Myrden’s journey will reshape how people view age, dating, and romance on television.
