The Golden Bachelor finale delivered a heartfelt and emotional conclusion as 66-year-old former NFL linebacker and attorney Mel Owens proposed to 62-year-old retired firefighter Peg Munson. The long-awaited ending of Season 2 of The Golden Bachelor brought joy to viewers across the United States, proving once again that love truly has no age limit.
A Romantic Ending for Season 2
Season 2 of The Golden Bachelor, which premiered on ABC in late September 2025, featured 23 contestants vying for Mel Owens’ heart. After weeks of emotional connections, dramatic rose ceremonies, and tearful goodbyes, the competition narrowed to two finalists — Peg Munson and Cindy Angelyck Cullers, a 60-year-old retired biomedical engineer from Austin, Texas.
In the finale, which aired in early November 2025, Mel Owens made his final decision. Standing before a stunning California sunset, he told Peg that she had captured his heart from the moment they met. Moments later, he got down on one knee and proposed. Peg, visibly emotional, said yes, sealing the season with a heartfelt engagement that left viewers cheering.
Who Is Peg Munson?
Peg Munson quickly became a fan favorite this season. A retired firefighter and bomb technician from Las Vegas, she served more than two decades in her profession before shifting to work in real estate and interior design. Known for her quick wit, adventurous spirit, and compassionate personality, Peg won over Mel and the audience alike.
At 62, Peg represented the show’s theme beautifully — embracing love, second chances, and the excitement of new beginnings later in life. Both she and Mel had been divorced and had children from previous marriages, creating a shared understanding and emotional connection that resonated deeply throughout the season.
Mel Owens’ Journey on The Golden Bachelor
Mel Owens’ journey was equally compelling. Before becoming the leading man of Season 2, Owens had built a successful career both on and off the football field. A former linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams, he later transitioned into a legal career, working as an attorney in California.
Throughout the season, Mel displayed sincerity and warmth as he navigated the challenges of dating in front of millions. His calm demeanor, sense of humor, and emotional openness earned him widespread admiration. Viewers appreciated how he approached every contestant with respect and honesty — qualities that set him apart as one of the most grounded leads in the franchise’s history.
The Final Decision
The finale brought high anticipation as fans speculated whether Mel would choose Peg or Cindy. In the final moments, Mel’s emotional confession made it clear that Peg had captured his heart completely.
After exchanging vows of love, Mel proposed with a classic diamond engagement ring. The couple embraced, surrounded by cheers from the production team and emotional applause from viewers watching live.
While the show has not yet confirmed a wedding date, the couple has expressed excitement about their future together. Reports indicate that ABC may film their wedding ceremony for a special televised event — following the precedent set by the Season 1 wedding.
A New Era for The Golden Bachelor Franchise
The Golden Bachelor finale marks a significant moment for ABC’s reality television landscape. When the franchise debuted its first senior-dating series, it was considered an experimental concept. However, it has since become one of the network’s most beloved programs.
By showcasing authentic, mature relationships, The Golden Bachelor challenges stereotypes about love and aging. It celebrates emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and companionship — values that resonate with both older and younger viewers alike.
Season 2 also demonstrated how the format continues to evolve. Producers gave contestants more opportunities to express personal stories and family backgrounds, creating deeper emotional connections than in traditional dating shows. Mel’s openness about his life experiences, combined with Peg’s strength and compassion, made this season one of the franchise’s most genuine and relatable yet.
Viewer Reactions and Ratings
The finale drew strong ratings for ABC, making it one of the network’s top-performing unscripted shows this fall. Social media platforms were flooded with congratulatory messages for Mel and Peg, with fans calling the couple “refreshingly real” and “a reminder that love never expires.”
Clips from the finale trended across platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok, where fans shared emotional reactions to the proposal scene. Many praised ABC for casting contestants who represented a wide range of life experiences, showing that dating shows can be both heartfelt and mature.
What’s Next for Mel and Peg?
Following the finale, Mel and Peg are reportedly taking time to enjoy their engagement away from the spotlight. They have shared that their focus is on building a life together and spending more time with their respective families.
Fans can expect a follow-up “After the Final Rose” special later this month, which will reunite the couple and provide updates on their post-show journey. The segment is also expected to reveal whether the couple plans to marry on television or privately.
Meanwhile, ABC has hinted that a Season 3 of The Golden Bachelor is already in development. Casting is rumored to begin early next year, as the network aims to continue the success of this uplifting series.
How to Watch the Finale
For U.S. audiences who missed the live broadcast, The Golden Bachelor Finale is available to stream on Hulu and ABC’s on-demand platforms. The network’s prime-time schedule continues to feature the franchise as a key part of its lineup, appealing to audiences of all ages.
Conclusion
The Golden Bachelor finale delivered everything fans hoped for — romance, sincerity, and the reaffirmation that love is timeless. Mel Owens and Peg Munson’s engagement closed the chapter on an emotional, heart-warming season that celebrated connection, compassion, and second chances.
Let us know your thoughts on The Golden Bachelor finale and share whether you think Mel and Peg’s love story will stand the test of time!