Taylor Frankie Paul Confirmed as New Bachelorette for Season 22

Taylor Frankie Paul has been named the lead of The Bachelorette season 22. The announcement was made on September 10, 2025, during the Call Her Daddy podcast. Paul is 31 years old, a mother of three, and a star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

This marks the first time someone outside of The Bachelor franchise has been selected as the lead. ABC confirmed the new season will air in 2026 after a pause from the usual summer slot. According to ABC, the break will give the show a stronger return and better ratings.

Taylor Frankie Paul Bachelorette Journey and Background

Taylor Frankie Paul first rose to fame through the #MomTok community. Her story gained more attention after her personal life was featured on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. The Hulu show followed her divorce, a controversial “soft-swinging” revelation, and her relationship with Dakota Mortensen.

Paul shares two children with her ex-husband and one child with Mortensen. She admitted that balancing co-parenting with the filming schedule will be a challenge. Still, she said she is ready to make it work with the support of her family.

During the announcement, Paul described the moment as “surreal.” She said she never believed this opportunity would happen. She added that her family was shocked at first but ultimately excited about her new role. According to People, her costars on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives have also shared positive feedback.

What Makes This Season Different

Season 22 will stand out because Paul is not a former contestant. This decision by ABC signals a new direction for the franchise. Host Jesse Palmer said earlier this year that the pause would allow for stronger creative planning. He promised the new season would be “tremendous” once it returns.

Fans of the show can also expect crossover attention with The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which returns in November 2025 for season 3. Paul confirmed she will remain part of the Hulu series even while leading The Bachelorette. This overlap adds another layer of drama and public interest.

Why Taylor Frankie Paul’s Selection Matters

Paul’s story connects with audiences beyond traditional Bachelor Nation. As a single mother and influencer, her journey represents a different kind of lead. ABC appears to be aiming for a broader viewership by choosing her.

The decision could also signal a shift in how the franchise sources its leads. By choosing someone from a different reality platform, producers may be testing new ways to keep the format fresh. According to Deadline, ABC sees this as a way to maintain strong ratings while expanding the brand’s reach.

Taylor Frankie Paul’s season of The Bachelorette will premiere in 2026. Fans will see her balance motherhood, public scrutiny, and her search for love.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Taylor Frankie Paul?

Taylor Frankie Paul is a 31-year-old influencer and mother of three. She stars in the Hulu series *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*.

Q2: When will Taylor Frankie Paul’s season air?

Her season of *The Bachelorette* will air on ABC in 2026. It follows a year-long pause from the usual summer schedule.

Q3: Why was she chosen as the Bachelorette?

ABC chose her to bring fresh energy to the franchise. She was never part of *The Bachelor*, making her selection unique.

Q4: Will she still be on *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*?

Yes, Paul confirmed she will continue on the Hulu show. Season 3 premieres on November 13, 2025.

Q5: How is she managing motherhood with filming?

Paul admitted it will be hard as a co-parent. She said she will ask for help and make it work for her children.