The Golden Bachelor finale brought a long-anticipated resolution to the Season 2 journey, with 66-year-old bachelor Mel Owens choosing and proposing to 62-year-old retired firefighter and bomb-tech Peg Munson. The moment aired during the two-hour Season 2 finale of The Golden Bachelor.
In the final episode, filmed on the tropical island of Antigua, Mel’s family joined the journey and met the last two contestants — Peg and runner-up 60-year-old biomedical engineer Cindy Cullers from Austin. Mel selected Peg as his partner and proposed to her during the ceremony, marking a milestone moment in the series.
Highlights from the Season and Finale
- The finale aired on November 12, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC, with an “After the Final Rose” segment that included both the live reveal and Ross-style reflections.
- The season originally featured 23 women vying for Mel’s heart, beginning September 24 and culminating in the show’s dramatic tropical destination weeks later.
- In the penultimate episode, Mel eliminated one of his final three, leaving Peg and Cindy to compete for the final rose.
- During Fantasy Suite week in Antigua, Mel and Peg shared a deeply emotional date where Mel expressed how much Peg meant to him; meanwhile his date with Cindy included a more serious conversation about feelings and the future, in which Mel admitted uncertainty.
- Ultimately, despite Mel’s early hesitation and reputation for being guarded emotionally, he chose Peg and proposed — signaling his readiness for commitment.
Meet the Final Two
| Contestant | Age | Hometown | Profession | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peg Munson | 62 | Las Vegas, Nevada | Retired firefighter & bomb technician | Winner — Proposed |
| Cindy Cullers | 60 | Austin, Texas | Retired biomedical engineer | Runner-Up |
Why This Finale Resonates
The Golden Bachelor franchise puts a spotlight on mature love and life-experience. With Mel’s choice to propose to Peg in the Golden Bachelor finale, the series reinforced the message that meaningful relationships can blossom later in life.
Several factors made this season stand out:
- Mel’s age and background (former NFL player, now lawyer) brought a distinct perspective to the “Bachelor” format.
- The final destination and the emotional stakes in the Antigua setting gave the finale a cinematic feel.
- Fans and critics alike noted how Mel wrestled with emotional vulnerability throughout the season—a challenge he ultimately overcame in his decision.
What Happens After the Episode?
With the Golden Bachelor finale now aired, attention turns to what comes next:
- Will Mel and Peg transition smoothly into real-life together outside the show environment? That will be a key question for fans.
- The network may explore a reunion special or follow-up episodes tracking the couple’s next steps.
- Speculation already swirls about the next senior dating series or spin-off in the franchise.
Final Thoughts
The Golden Bachelor finale delivered a satisfying conclusion for viewers: a thoughtful journey, emotional growth, and a proposal that punctuates Smiles and tears alike. Whether the relationship lasts, the moment resonates—with mature love taking center stage.