1. Introduction: A Franchise First
In a groundbreaking twist, Taylor Frankie Paul, a 31-year-old MomTok influencer and star of Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, has been officially announced as the lead for Season 22 of The Bachelorette, set to premiere in early 2026. She marks the very first lead in the franchise’s history to be chosen from outside the Bachelor universe .
2. From MomTok to Bachelor Nation
Taylor’s rise began as a TikTok sensation in the MomTok community, known for candid, choreographed, and heartfelt content as a single mother of three. Her reality TV journey took on a new dimension with her role in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, where she openly explored faith, co-parenting, and personal scandals—most notably a controversial “soft-swinging” revelation that led to her 2022 divorce.
Her story also includes emotionally complex chapters: a 2023 domestic violence incident, which resulted in legal consequences and a reported plea deal—an aspect that she has acknowledged and said she’s been growing from.
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3. Why Taylor Frankie Paul Makes Headlines
The casting of Taylor is both strategic and deeply symbolic:
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Pioneering Inclusion: She is the first Bachelorette not drawn from the Bachelor franchise.
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Cross-Platform Synergy: This choice reflects Disney’s deliberate integration strategy—leveraging reality stars from Hulu to boost ABC programming.
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A Realer Narrative Arc: Her journey of motherhood, breakups, public scrutiny, and personal reinvention adds raw emotional depth to the upcoming season.
Fans and media are buzzing with contrasting reactions—some excited about the shake-up, others skeptical and cautious, especially in light of her personal history.
4. When & What to Expect
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Air Date: Season 22 of The Bachelorette is expected to air in early 2026.
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Meanwhile: Taylor’s previous show, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, returns with new episodes dropping on November 13, 2025, giving audiences a prelude to her upcoming role.
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Personal Dynamics: She shares three children—Indy and Ocean with her ex-husband Tate Paul, and Ever with ex Dakota Mortensen, who remains in her orbit emotionally. Taylor even revealed that Dakota wasn’t informed of her Bachelorette casting initially and may feel “sad” about it.
All these dynamics—co-parenting, public vulnerability, forgiveness, and forging new beginnings—are poised to shape a season like no other.
