ABC has officially announced that Taylor Frankie Paul will lead The Bachelorette Season 22, premiering in 2026. This marks the first time the network has tapped a star from outside the Bachelor franchise to headline the show. The reveal came during Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy podcast, instantly sparking excitement across social media.
Who Is Taylor Frankie Paul?
A single mother of three, Taylor Frankie Paul rose to fame on Hulu’s Emmy-nominated reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. She became a breakout star thanks to her candid portrayal of modern motherhood, relationships, and the viral #MomTok influencer culture. Her authenticity and large online following have made her one of the most talked-about figures in reality television.
Why This Casting Is Groundbreaking
Bringing Taylor Frankie Paul into The Bachelorette signals a new era for the franchise. ABC is blending two highly watched worlds — the traditional Bachelor Nation audience and fans of Hulu’s hit series. This crossover gives producers a built-in storyline and a ready-made fanbase eager to watch her search for love.
A Look Back at Her Journey
On The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Taylor Frankie Paul openly shared her personal highs and lows, including co-parenting challenges and high-profile relationships. Her openness about the so-called “soft-swinging” scandal among Mormon mom influencers created national headlines and helped spark the Hulu show’s success. These experiences are likely to shape the narrative of her season as The Bachelorette.
What Viewers Can Expect in 2026
According to ABC, filming for The Bachelorette Season 22 with Taylor Frankie Paul will begin in 2025, with an expected premiere in 2026. At the same time, she will continue appearing on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, whose third season hits Hulu on November 13. Fans can look forward to seeing how she balances her influencer career, motherhood, and her journey for love on national television.
Why This Matters for U.S. Audiences
For American viewers, the casting of Taylor Frankie Paul brings a fresh story and a modern twist to a long-running series. Her huge social media presence and relatable real-life challenges could help revive the franchise and attract new audiences beyond Bachelor Nation.
Bottom Line
With Taylor Frankie Paul stepping into the spotlight as The Bachelorette Season 22 lead, ABC is making one of its boldest casting choices yet. This crossover between two popular reality series is set to deliver fresh drama, heartfelt stories, and plenty of reasons for fans to tune in when the season premieres in 2026.