In what looks to be a departure for The Bachelor, after being formally renewed for its 30th season on Monday by ABC, the casting call for the next lead makes it appear they are definitely looking for a fresh face.

In the past, one of the contestants from the previous season of The Bachelorette is chosen to become the next ‘Bachelor.” However, in a twist, The Bachelorette is not airing this summer, as ABC skipped a season, leaving the door open for anyone to become the man handing out the roses each week to the female hopefuls.

The Bachelor’s casting partner Wyldside Media took to its Instagram and shared, “We’re casting the next ‘Bachelor’🌹for Season 30! Yes, the actual guy handing out roses. Yes, it could be your hot friend. Yes, it could be you. Yes, you can nominate him below. You’re welcome.”

Photo: JPI

To formerly submit yourself or someone you know, the casting notice points to either visiting BachelorNation.com/apply or email casting@wyldsidemedia.com. The new season of The Bachelor is said to be looking at a midseason arrival in 2026, meaning production could start later this fall or early next year.

The casting announcement comes the same day as another major shakeup was revealed by Deadline. Scott Teti was announced as the new executive producer and showrunner of the reality-dating competition, following the exit of Claire Freeland and Bennett Graebner amid toxic workplace allegations. Teti, who signed on to be the showrunner on Bachelor in Paradise in January 2025, will now run steer the ship at both ‘Bachelor Nation’ staples.

Photo: ABC

Previously, ABC made most of its renewal decisions for the 2025-26 broadcast season ahead of its May 13 upfront presentation. The Bachelor’s pickup was delayed because of their search for a new EP, and Teti wound up fitting the bill. Prior to joining Bachelor in Paradise, Teti executive produced ABC’s Claim to Fame and Bravo’s Summer House in addition to Married at First Sight spinoffs.

Jesse Palmer, who was made permanent host of The Bachelor back in 2021, will be back in that role for season 30 and is set to host the 10th season of Bachelor in Paradise which kicks off this coming Monday, July 7 at 8pm ET/7pm CT on ABC.

So, what do you think about ABC moving forward with a new season of ‘The Bachelor’ pinning their hopes of a better work environment for the cast, production crew and staff under new EP and showrunner, Scott Teti? Are you glad that a fresh face will get the lead in the upcoming new season, instead of someone we have seen on a prior season of ‘The Bachelorette?’ Comment below.

 

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The “Bachelor Nation” franchise cannot seem to get a break with its casting choices, when nine times out of ten in the last several years, some type of controversy surrounds the series lead, or the contestants. You can now add the season 2 lead of the upcoming ‘Golden Bachelor’ to the list.

Over the last week, Mel Owens has been skewed for his controversial remarks said during a podcast for speaking to the producers of the type and age of the women she wants cast in his season.

Owens is a 66-year-old former NFL football player for the Los Angeles Rams, and earlier this month while being a guest on In the Trenches With Jon Jansen, he recalled conversations he had with the producers of the reality-dating competition series.

Photo: NFL

Mel said, “The (Producers) asked me, ‘What’s your preferences?’ So I just said, ’45 to 60,’ just being honest.” The process ended and I was selected, and then I had lunch with the executive producer. I said, ‘If they’re 60 or over, I’m cutting them.’ (They said), ‘Oh no, you can’t. This is not The Silver Bachelor, it’s The Golden Bachelor. But they’re gonna be hot, don’t worry about it.'”

Things got even worse when the divorced father of two, shared he wants the women’s bodies to be in tip-top shape, inside and out. Owens revealed that he gave The Golden Bachelor producers another note: “(They) gotta be fit, because I stay in shape, I work out and stuff.” And I told (producers), ‘Try and stay away from the artificial hips and the wigs,’ that kind of stuff.” (Pictured below, the women from Gerry Turner’s season of The Golden Bachelor.)

Photo: ABC

Fan reaction was swift and immediate, asking in recent weeks for Owens to be dumped and replaced immediately for his comments on a dating show that has featured women in the their 60’s and early 70’s previously.

In the ABC/Golden Bachelor Instagram thread below, you can see a litany of remarks from viewers, including: “He has alienated the core audience for the show, which will result in low ratings for the show and lost advertising dollars. Please replace Mel with somebody from Joan’s season. The men are already fully vetted so that person can step right in. Popular and handsome Jonathan would be a great Golden Bachelor!”

One woman who was vying for a spot on the series, added, “I was a potential candidate for season 2. I learned last week I was not picked for the final selection, now I know the real reason. I’m hot in shape I don’t wear wigs or extensions nor do I have an artificial hip. I’m 64 wow Mel should not be the lead. We are Golden! @goldenbachabc executive producers. I know you can do better!!”

Another fan of the series added, “RECAST @goldenbachabc. We don’t need a 66 yo man to demand women in their 40s on a show meant for Golden men AND women to find love. This is disgraceful and scrap his entire season. I’d rather wait for a respectable Golden Bachelor than watch :30 seconds of this season (which I’ll be passing)” To another comment, “@abc You really screwed up. No one is going to watch this. You virtually lost everyone over 60, your demographic for this show. Just what we need. More misogyny by an older white man towards beautiful older women. Huge marketing fail.”

Photo: JPI

Even Selling Sunset and former soap star, Chrishell Stause (ex-AMC, DAYS, Y&R, Neighbours) offered up her opinion in her Instagram story over the weekend, when she stated, “We love the Golden Bachelor because of how wholesome it is. This type of energy will ruin it.”

The comments are endless demanding that ABC do the right thing and remove Mel Owens as their ‘Golden Bachelor’ or ‘scrap the season.’  You can listen to the podcast episode featuring Owens arrogant and unseemly comments below.

Now, do you want Mel removed as the series lead for The Golden Bachelor? What do you think of his remarks of the types of women he wants to be a part of the cast; when the show is all about finding a second chance at love in the latter years of your life?  Share your thoughts in the comment section.

 

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On a very busy television Tuesday, ABC has renewed Dancing with the Stars for its upcoming 34th season. Coming off a very successful last season, the series ranked number one in the fall of 2024 among adults 18-49 in Live+Same Day viewing, making it the first time in the history of the series that it ranked in the top spot.

Along with the renewal, came the news that Robert Irwin, the son of the legendary Steve Irwin, has been set as the first celebrity contestant in the cast. Irwin is also a Wildlife conservationist like his dad, and his sister, Bindi Irwin, who previously appeared on DWTS.

Robert recently made headlines for his steamy photos for an underwear campaign for Bonds, an Australian underwear brand that’s launching in the U.S. He told PEOPLE, he had no hesitation whatsoever in being the campaign’s model. As for the rest of the Season 34 ballroom dance competition cast, and a premiere date, expected to be in the fall, ABC did not supply any further details at this time.

Photo: IMDB

However, season two of The Golden Bachelor is also on its way after the senior reality-dating franchise was picked-up. The show already has its leading man who will be looking for another shot at love in his ‘golden’ years.

The nod went to former NFL player turned-lawyer, Mel Owens. At 66-years-old, Owens is looking for a new love. He was originally born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and attended the University of Michigan before being drafted to the Los Angeles Rams in 1981.

After his football career came to an end, he moved to Orange County, California and stared his legal career. Mel has two sons from his first marriage. Owens is coming off the death of his father and the end of his marriage, but apparently is ready for the world to see his search for his next lady love.

While no firm premiere date has been given at this time, ABC is expected to launch the second season of The Golden Bachelor in the fall.

So, what do you think about Mel Owens as the next ‘Golden Bachelor’ and Robert Irwin as the first celeb in for the new season of DWTS? Comment below.