The world of reality TV is buzzing, and Bachelor Nation is at the center of a seismic shift. In a move that has broken decades of tradition, the franchise has crowned its newest lead, and it’s a name no one saw coming: Taylor Frankie Paul. The 31-year-old influencer and star of Hulu's "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" was officially announced on September 10, 2025, as the next Bachelorette for Season 22, set to premiere in 2026.
This casting is more than just a new face; it's a groundbreaking decision. For the first time, the Bachelorette is someone who has never been a part of the franchise. This article dives deep into Taylor Frankie Paul's journey from her rise on TikTok to her controversial public life and explores what her unprecedented casting means for the future of one of television's most iconic dating shows.
A Shocking Bachelorette Announcement: Taylor Frankie Paul Takes the Reins
The news of Taylor Frankie Paul's casting sent shockwaves through the fan community, primarily because it shattered the long-standing formula of the show. This bold move by Disney, the parent company of both ABC and Hulu, signals a fresh, and perhaps necessary, new direction for "The Bachelorette."
The Exclusive "Call Her Daddy" Reveal
The official announcement was made exclusively on Alex Cooper's wildly popular podcast, "Call Her Daddy." Cooper masterfully built anticipation in the days leading up to the September 10, 2025, episode, sharing cryptic Instagram posts with red rose emojis and hinting at a major "change of plans." She teased fans by confirming she was speaking with the new lead, rhetorically asking, "How did you get her to say yes? But she's never even been a part of the Bachelor?"
For Paul, the reality of the new gig was still sinking in. She admitted to Cooper that the news "has not hit me," expressing a genuine sense of disbelief. "In my head I’m like, 'how is this happening?'" she confessed, adding a layer of raw authenticity to her entrance into the Bachelor universe.
A Major Shift for the Franchise
Historically, the lead for "The Bachelorette" has always been selected from a pool of fan-favorite contestants from a previous season of "The Bachelor." This internal pipeline created a familiar and continuous narrative for viewers.
However, by casting Taylor Frankie Paul, Disney is deliberately breaking its own mold. Tapping into their Hulu reality portfolio with a star from "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" is a strategic play to "shake shit up," inject new energy into the franchise, and attract a wider audience in a crowded reality TV landscape. This move highlights a growing synergy between Disney's platforms and diversifies the show's narrative in a way it never has before.
From MomTok to Reality TV: The Rise of Taylor Frankie Paul
Before her Bachelorette announcement, Taylor Frankie Paul had already built a significant public profile defined by social media fame, reality TV drama, and intense public scrutiny.
TikTok Fame and "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives"
Paul first gained widespread attention as a key member of MomTok, a community of Utah-based mothers who documented their lives on TikTok. Her online popularity led to her casting in the hit Hulu series, "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," which premiered in 2024. The show, which chronicles the lives of Paul and her co-stars, became an instant success and even earned an Emmy nomination.
Her journey on the show is far from over. Paul has confirmed she will return for Season 3, which premieres on November 13, 2025. Her role has been central to the show's drama, especially after the infamous "swinging scandal" that made international headlines.
A Look into Her Personal Life and Public Scandals
Taylor Frankie Paul is a single mother of three children. She shares her daughter Indy (8) and son Ocean (5) with her ex-husband, Tate Paul. Her youngest son, Ever True (13 months), is from her relationship with ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.
Her personal life has been marked by several high-profile controversies that have shaped her public image:
- The "Soft-Swinging" Controversy (2022): Paul went viral after revealing on a TikTok live that she and her then-husband engaged in "soft-swinging" with other couples in their community. Her admission that she crossed a line with Dakota Mortensen led to her divorce and branded her a "cheater" and "husband stealer" by online critics.
- Turbulent Relationship with Dakota Mortensen: Her on-again, off-again relationship with Mortensen was a major storyline on her Hulu show. Their journey included a miscarriage, the birth of their son, and was plagued by trust issues and infidelity, which ultimately led to their split in May 2025.
- Domestic Violence Arrest (February 2023): Paul was arrested following a drunken argument with Mortensen. She faced misdemeanor charges, including aggravated assault and domestic violence in the presence of a child, after allegedly throwing a chair that struck her daughter. Paul has stated the charges were "all dropped" through a plea deal and firmly maintains she "never intentionally did anything with my children." She described the incident as the "lowest night" of her life but also a "blessing in disguise" that helped her become a "better mom."
What to Expect from Taylor Frankie Paul's Bachelorette Season
With a candid personality and a life story unlike any previous lead, Taylor Frankie Paul is set to deliver a truly unique season of "The Bachelorette."
A Fresh Approach to Finding Love
Paul revealed to Alex Cooper that the show's format dating multiple men at once will be a completely new experience for her. "I have not done the whole meeting new people out, like dating at the same time," she explained. "I've never done that, so that will be new to me."
Despite being a reality TV veteran, she admitted she’s “not a reality TV girl” when it comes to dating shows. Her lack of experience in this specific format, combined with her unfiltered honesty, promises a raw and unpredictable journey for viewers.
Reactions from Her Inner Circle
Publicly, her "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" co-stars have shown support. However, Paul acknowledged the potential for private criticism, recalling past instances where her opportunities were not celebrated by the group. This dynamic suggests that while her journey for love unfolds on ABC, the drama within her MomTok circle could continue to play out in the background.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Bachelor Nation
Taylor Frankie Paul's casting is a bold, tradition-shattering move for "The Bachelorette." As the first lead chosen from outside the franchise, this 31-year-old single mother of three brings a history of unfiltered honesty, public controversy, and real-world complexity to the role.
Her journey from MomTok fame to navigating a swinging scandal, a domestic violence arrest, and turbulent relationships promises a season filled with raw emotion, personal growth, and undeniable drama. As Season 22 prepares to air in 2026, one thing is certain: Taylor Frankie Paul's search for love will be a season that Bachelor Nation will be talking about for years to come.
What are your thoughts on Taylor Frankie Paul as the new Bachelorette? Share your opinion in the comments below!
0 Comments