Amid the buzz surrounding Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist’s high-profile breakup from “The Golden Bachelor,” Season 2 kicked off with some turbulence of its own. Mel Owens, the new leading man, found himself at the center of attention due to controversial remarks he made during a podcast appearance. Despite the backlash, ABC decided to keep Owens in the spotlight. As the 66-year-old former NFL player and lawyer welcomed 23 stunning women to the mansion on the first night, he addressed the controversy. He issued a heartfelt apology, aiming to rebuild trust and make a fresh impression on the audience and contestants alike. But the question lingered: would Owens’ quest for love in later life conclude with joy?

The two-hour finale of Mel Owens’ season on “The Golden Bachelor,” which aired on Wednesday, November 12, was a nail-biter. Owens was down to his final two contestants: 62-year-old Peg Munson and 60-year-old Cindy Angelcyk Cullers.

During the Fantasy Suite Week, viewers saw Owens and Peg enjoy a magical day and evening that left him feeling rejuvenated. However, his date with Cindy in Antigua took a dramatic turn during dinner. The pair engaged in an intense discussion about their emotions, future aspirations, and the possibility of getting engaged. The finale captured the remainder of their date, including whether they experienced the Fantasy Suite, introduced Owens’ family, and showcased his pivotal decision.

Curious about the highlights of “The Golden Bachelor” Season 2 finale? Wondering if Mel Owens sealed his journey with an engagement to Peg or Cindy? Are they still a couple? And how did the After The Final Rose special unfold? Plus, were the predictions by Reality Steve about the season finale spot on? We’ve got all the insights you’re looking for right here.

The Golden Bachelor Season 2 Fantasy Suite Week, Continued:

The episode revisited the memorable date between Mel and Peg during Fantasy Suite Week, and resumed right where the interaction between Mel and Cindy had left off. In a moment of contemplation, Mel remarked, “If there’s a will, there’s a way,” prompting Cindy to challenge, “That begs the question, is there a will?”

Mel tried to assure her there was, but said it was a difficult time and situation because he was torn between her and Peg. Cindy continued opening up to him, and though he claimed he wouldn’t be sitting with her if he didn’t like her a lot, when Cindy asked if he was ready for a proposal Mel said, no, that a relationship would have to develop over time.

*SCREAMS!!!!* Dude, that’s not how the show works!!!!!!!

“That’s a different outcome than I considered,” Cindy told him. “…I kind of want my guy to feel like he’s been struck by lightning and can’t live without me. I think you’re great, but I’m not sure I just want to free fall for that long…I’m sorry.”

Mel, seemingly unaware he was getting dumped, asked what Cindy was sorry for, to which she replied, “That’s not what I want. It’s really hard for me to say, you’re as good as they get. You OK if I leave now?”

He walked her out, they hugged goodbye, and they emotionally processed the breakup separately under a sky full of fireworks.

“He’s not interested in making any type of commitments for several years,” Cindy told cameras. “I’m in my golden years, I’m 60 years old, and I’m not interested in being put on hold. He’s just not my person…I’m just sick to my stomach, It’s hard. I was so hopeful. It hurts really bad. From Day 1 I told everyone ‘That’s my guy.’ I still think we would make a great match, but tonight it’s just really sad. I hoped this was it I hoped he was the one. I’m so disappointed.”

While Mel may have seemed unattached to Cindy during their conversation, he was distraught, too. “I came in tonight thinking there was a future, but she quit. I don’t have a choice. Now I don’t. She’s gone. I don’t know what I’m gonna do,” he said. Jesse came to comfort him, and Mel assured the host that even after his Fantasy Suite date with Peg, he wasn’t sure who he was going to choose. He even said he was “maybe” falling in love with Cindy.

When Jesse told Mel that Cindy hadn’t left yet, he considered going after her. But when Cindy joined Jesse in front of the studio audience for After the Final Rose, she confirmed he never did, and she didn’t want him to, because she knew they weren’t seeking the same relationship. (Read ALL about her AFR comments here! Boy are they juicy!)

As Decider showed earlier in our exclusive finale clip, as Peg was getting ready to meet Mel’s boys, there was a knock at the door, and Mel made an unexpected appearance.

“Something did change,” he told Peg. “Last night, I had my overnight with Cindy and just want to be transparent with you and tell you what happened. But you know how I feel about you no matter what. She was asking me some questions that she wanted me to answer and I wasn’t prepared to answer. She told me she wanted to commit to a proposal and she was looking to get married and I was honest with her. Before we even had the overnight she decided to leave.

Needless to say, Peg was SHOCKED. Before she could fully process Cindy’s self-elimination, Mel assured her, “I still want me and you…I just wasn’t prepared to commit to a proposal.”

During a confessional, Peg told the camera, “He could not answer those questions, and that made me nervous…With Cindy leaving there is a bit of a concern…I’m here to find somebody who wants to commit.”

Also, quick shoutout to Peg for validating Cindy, her questions, and her desire for an engagement at the end of this journey. Mel needed to hear that. And after the AFR, it’s clear he needs to hear it many more times!

Anyway, Peg agreed to meet Mel’s two sons, Lucas, 20, and Andre, 18, along with Mel’s college friend, Diane.

After Mel caught the three up on his journey and Cindy’s self-elimination (they all validated Cindy, too!) we introduced his final Golden Gal, and after a warm welcome, Peg hit it off with everyone.

“I think you’re like the perfect gal for my dad, the energy, uplifting,” Lucas said. “I love Peg, she’s very personable, I can talk to her like a friend.”

Diane approved of Peg, too, she just worried that Mel’s analytical lawyer brain would get in the way of him following his heart. And Peg went into proposal day unaware if he was ready for real commitment. Nevertheless, she took the leap and trusted in their bond. So was her vulnerability worth the risk?

Who Won The Golden Bachelor Season 2? Did Mel Owens Get Engaged To Peg Munson?

“I’m here at the end with Peg, and that’s the way it was meant to be… we are perfect for each other. I love her. I love being around her,” Mel told cameras. Peg walked up to him on the beach wearing a long orange dress, and she gave a romantic speech about making a vision board with her daughter Dakota, her dream love story, and their Golden Bachelor dates. “I know meeting you I met my match, and that you’re the man I can trust,” she continued. “I really appreciate you showing me who you are…and for showing me that I can love again.”

Could Mel find any words? In the final hour, yes! He talked about trusting her with his family and Peg’s confidence in him that she’d make the right choice. In a MASSIVE TWIST, he pulled out a ring — but wait! He didn’t actually propose?! LOL. He basically gave her a promise ring?!!?!?! (Processing this in real time, help!)

“I have a ring, and this represents our commitment to love, to give us time to figure out together what our future holds. What do you think?” Mel said. “I agree!” Peg replied, confirming they were on the same page. OK! So still cute! And then, Peg got the golden rose!

“I’m not for everybody. He’s not for everybody. But we’re definitely for each other!” Peg said. Cut to the studio audience for some present-day updates!

Were Reality Steve’s Golden Bachelor Season 2 Spoilers Correct?

As we know from Joey Graziadei’s season of The Bachelor, Jenn Tran’s unexpected Bachelorette ending, and the initial predictions for Joan Vassos’ Golden Bachelorette finale, even Bachelor Nation’s favorite spoiler, Steve Carbone (aka Reality Steve) gets it wrong sometimes. Heck, before the season started he reported that Mel was being replaced as Season 2 lead, and look at him now!

While Golden Bachelor Season 2 spoilers were scare, on October 24, Reality Steve posted a finale spoiler to Instagram alleging, “Mel is engaged to Peg Munson.” So sort of?! I mean, she got the ring!

What Time Will The Golden Bachelor Season 2 Finale Be On Hulu? How To Watch The Golden Bachelor Finale Online:

As is the case with every Bachelor franchise series, all episodes of The Golden Bachelor will be available for next-day streaming on Hulu. That means that Season 2, Episode 8 (the finale and After The Final Rose special) will be available to stream on Hulu starting Thursday, November 12. As we’ve learned from past Bachelor franchise finales, upload times vary. Typically, new episodes of The Golden Bachelor hit Hulu by 5:00 a.m. ET, but historically, live finale events are often delayed. Just know The Golden Bachelor Season 2 finale will be added to the platform at some point tomorrow!

If you’re new to Hulu, you can get started with a 30-day free trial on the streamer’s basic (with ads) plan. After the trial period, you’ll pay $10.99/month. If you want to upgrade to Hulu ad-free, it costs $18.99/month.

If you want to stream even more and save a few bucks a month while you’re at it, we recommend subscribing to one of the Disney+ Bundles, all of which include Hulu. These bundles start at $12.99/month for ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu and goes up to $32.99/month for Disney+, Hulu, and Max, all ad-free.

Stay tuned for more Golden Bachelor Season 2 coverage from Decider.