Get ready for a reality television shake-up! Taylor Frankie Paul, the dynamic star from Hulu’s hit series “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” and a prominent #MomTok influencer, has been officially unveiled as the leading lady for Season 22 of ABC’s “The Bachelorette.” This groundbreaking announcement, confirmed by ABC and revealed by Paul herself on Alex Cooper’s “Call Her Daddy” podcast, marks a significant departure for the long-running franchise. Viewers can anticipate her unique quest for love to unfold when the season premieres in 2026. This casting decision is already generating immense buzz across social media, promising a season unlike any other.
A Historic Pick: Breaking Bachelor Nation Tradition
The selection of Taylor Frankie Paul as the next Bachelorette is truly unprecedented. Historically, “The Bachelorette” lead has always been chosen from a pool of fan-favorite contestants from a previous season of “The Bachelor.” Paul’s direct entry into the role, bypassing the traditional contestant pathway, signifies a bold new strategy for the franchise. This move mirrors a similar, rare decision made for Matt James on “The Bachelor” in 2021, indicating a willingness by the network to cast from outside its established universe. Paul, 31, expressed her disbelief and excitement to Alex Cooper, admitting the news feels “surreal” and “not real.” This fresh approach is set to inject new energy and a diverse perspective into the beloved dating show.
Paul’s distinctive background, far removed from the typical “Bachelor” contestant narrative, makes her an intriguing choice. She gained initial notoriety as a TikTok sensation, a leading voice within the “MomTok” community. Her journey into the spotlight accelerated with candid revelations about her personal life. She notably rose to fame following a widely publicized “soft-swinging” scandal within her Mormon community. This event ultimately led to her divorce from her first husband, Tate Paul, with whom she shares two children. Her subsequent relationship with Dakota Mortensen, father to her third child, Ever True (born March 2024), also played out publicly, marked by significant challenges and headlines, including a domestic violence arrest in February 2023. Paul has since used therapy and personal growth to navigate these complexities, presenting a resilient figure ready for a new chapter.
From #MomTok to Reality TV Stardom
Before stepping into the “Bachelorette” mansion, Taylor Frankie Paul cultivated a massive following on TikTok. As a key figure in the “MomTok” group, she connected with audiences through authentic and often unfiltered content about motherhood and daily life. This social media success translated into a starring role on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” the popular Hulu series. The show chronicles the lives of Paul and her circle of influencer friends as they navigate their community and personal challenges. It delves deeply into the aftermath of the “soft-swinging” scandal and Paul’s subsequent relationships and co-parenting efforts.
“The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” has garnered critical acclaim, even earning its first Emmy nomination for outstanding unstructured reality program in July. The series further explored Paul’s relationship with Dakota Mortensen in Season One, including their experience with a miscarriage. Season Two focused on their breakup and the complexities of co-parenting their young son. Viewers can catch more of Paul’s ongoing story when Season Three of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” drops all 10 episodes on Hulu on November 13. Her co-stars, Jennifer Affleck and Whitney Leavitt, are also expanding their reality TV presence, joining the cast of “Dancing with the Stars” Season 34. This cross-platform synergy highlights a strategic move by Disney, parent company of both ABC and Hulu, to leverage talent across its diverse entertainment properties.
Navigating Public Scrutiny and Personal Growth
Taylor Frankie Paul’s path to “The Bachelorette” has been anything but conventional. Her public life has unfolded under intense scrutiny, from the revelations of her “soft-swinging” past to her legal troubles. In February 2023, she faced charges of aggravated assault after an altercation with Dakota Mortensen, ultimately accepting a plea deal. Paul has openly discussed these difficult periods, attributing her actions to extreme emotional distress and describing the incident as a “wake-up call.” Through extensive therapy and personal commitment, she has worked towards significant personal change and healing.
This history, while complex, also positions her as a remarkably authentic lead. Paul openly discussed her past dating experiences with Alex Cooper. She revealed that she married young, divorced, and then entered her next serious relationship with the first person she dated post-divorce. This means the concept of simultaneously dating multiple individuals, a core premise of “The Bachelorette,” will be a completely novel and challenging experience for her. She admitted to not having “notes of how this works” and even role-playing scenarios with friends to prepare. This raw honesty and willingness to learn resonate strongly with audiences seeking genuine connections.
The Single Mother’s Journey to Love
One of Taylor Frankie Paul’s most significant concerns about joining “The Bachelorette” revolves around her role as a single mother of three. With two children from her first marriage to Tate Paul and one with Dakota Mortensen, the logistics of leaving her children for an extended filming period presented a major hurdle. She openly questioned the feasibility of the role, asking, “is this possible for me to do as a single mom?” Despite these practical worries, Paul ultimately decided to embrace the opportunity. She emphasized her belief in her ability to achieve anything she truly desires, stating, “If I want to, I can. You can do anything you want, if you want. It comes down to that.”
To make her Bachelorette journey possible, Paul is enlisting the robust support of her family and friends. This network will be crucial in caring for her children while she embarks on this unprecedented search for love. Her decision to proceed, despite the challenges, underscores her determination and resilience. It also provides a relatable narrative for many single parents who strive to balance personal dreams with family responsibilities. Her story offers a powerful message about prioritizing self-love and pursuing happiness, even amidst life’s complexities.
A New Chapter for “The Bachelorette”
The announcement of Taylor Frankie Paul as the next Bachelorette for Season 22 in 2026 signals an exciting new direction for the ABC franchise. By choosing a lead from outside “Bachelor Nation,” the show is embracing a more diverse and contemporary approach to reality dating. Paul’s existing fanbase from #MomTok and “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” will likely bring a fresh audience. Her candid, often tumultuous, public life ensures a compelling and authentic narrative, providing a deep well of personal experiences for her to draw upon in her quest for a partner.
This strategic casting decision by Disney-owned ABC and Hulu demonstrates a forward-thinking integration of their entertainment properties. It also reflects a broader trend in reality television: leveraging social media personalities and existing reality stars to capture and retain viewer interest. As Paul prepares to meet her potential soulmates, her journey is poised to redefine what it means to be “The Bachelorette.” Her blend of social media influence, reality TV experience, and an undeniably unique personal history promises a captivating and memorable season that will undoubtedly keep “Bachelor Nation” talking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Taylor Frankie Paul’s Bachelorette casting so unusual?
Taylor Frankie Paul’s selection is unprecedented because she is the first Bachelorette who was not previously a contestant on “The Bachelor” or “The Bachelorette” franchise. All prior leads were chosen from former seasons of “The Bachelor.” Her background as a #MomTok influencer and star of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” on Hulu, coupled with her publicly documented personal life and unique dating history, sets her apart from any previous lead, making her a truly historic and surprising choice for Season 22.
When and where can viewers watch Taylor Frankie Paul on The Bachelorette?
Taylor Frankie Paul’s highly anticipated season of “The Bachelorette,” Season 22, is scheduled to premiere in 2026 on ABC. Viewers will also be able to stream episodes of the season on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ after they air. Before her “Bachelorette” debut, fans can catch more of her story and personal journey when the third season of her current series, “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” releases all 10 episodes simultaneously on November 13 on Hulu.
How will Taylor Frankie Paul navigate The Bachelorette as a single mother?
As a single mother of three, Taylor Frankie Paul expressed significant concerns about the logistics of participating in “The Bachelorette,” which requires extended time away from home for filming. She publicly pondered the feasibility of the role but ultimately committed, emphasizing her determination to “make it work.” Paul plans to rely heavily on the support of her family and friends to help care for her children while she embarks on her quest for love on the show, showcasing her resilience and commitment to pursuing her happiness.
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