Taylor Frankie Paul Named Season 22 Bachelorette in Surprise Franchise Shift
Lead Taylor Frankie Paul, star of Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, was announced as the 2026 lead of ABC’s The Bachelorette during Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy podcast on September 10, 2025.
Nut Graf Paul’s selection marks the first time a Bachelorette has not been drawn from prior Bachelor Nation contestants, reflecting ABC’s strategy to broaden its talent pool and tap social media influencers to reinvigorate the dating series.
The Announcement and Its Significance
- Historic Franchise Move
- Incoming leads have traditionally come from earlier seasons of The Bachelor; Paul breaks that mold as an external reality star.
- ABC aims to attract new audiences by leveraging Paul’s #MomTok following and crossover appeal.
- Podcast Reveal
- Host Alex Cooper confirmed Paul’s role on the September 10 episode of her Call Her Daddy podcast.
- Paul admitted she still can’t believe the opportunity and expects the reality to hit once limousines arrive for filming.
Taylor Frankie Paul’s Background
- Reality TV Credentials
- Rose to fame on Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (2024), a Hulu series exploring modern Mormon culture.
- Gained notoriety after publicly discussing “soft swinging” and its impact on her marriage.
- Social Media Influence
- 31-year-old influencer known for candid TikTok content about motherhood and faith.
- Brings a large, engaged online audience eager to watch her journey for love.
What’s Next for The Bachelorette
- Season Premiere
- Season 22 is slated to debut in early 2026.
- Filming to follow Paul’s dates with a diverse group of suitors vying for her final rose.
- Franchise Outlook
- Industry observers view Paul’s casting as a test of audience receptivity to non-traditional leads.
- Success could pave the way for more talent drawn from outside the core Bachelor Nation alumni.
Subhead: Fans React to Unconventional Casting
- Social media buzz praised ABC’s bold move, while longtime viewers expressed curiosity about Paul’s love story.
- Critics note that Paul’s high profile could boost ratings but warn the franchise must balance novelty with its established format.
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