ABC has made a surprising crossover move by selecting Taylor Frankie Paul as the lead for Season 22 of The Bachelorette. Taylor Frankie Paul, the breakout star from Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” will search for love as the next Bachelorette in 2026. As the New ‘Bachelorette’.
The 31-year-old reality star gained fame through her involvement with #MomTok, a group of Mormon mom influencers. Paul exposed a “soft swinging” scandal that sparked the creation of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” on Hulu, where she became the show’s central figure.
As a single mother of three, Paul brings a unique background to the Bachelor franchise. The announcement was made on Alex Cooper’s “Call Her Daddy” podcast, marking the first time someone from the Mormon Wives series has crossed over to ABC’s dating show format.
Key Takeaways – New ‘Bachelorette’
- Taylor Frankie Paul will lead Season 22 of The Bachelorette premiering in 2026 after gaining fame on Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives”
- She is a 31-year-old single mother of three who became known for exposing a scandal within the #MomTok influencer group
- This casting represents an unprecedented crossover between Hulu’s reality programming and ABC’s Bachelor franchise
Taylor Frankie Paul’s Path From ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ to The Bachelorette
Taylor Frankie Paul made history by becoming the first Bachelorette lead chosen from outside Bachelor Nation, transitioning from her breakout role on Hulu’s reality series to ABC’s dating franchise. The announcement broke traditional casting patterns and marked a significant shift in how the network selects its leads.
Announcement on Call Her Daddy Podcast
ABC made an unprecedented decision by announcing Taylor Frankie Paul as the Season 22 Bachelorette lead on September 10, 2025, during Alex Cooper’s “Call Her Daddy” podcast. This marked the first time the network chose not to announce a Bachelorette on their own platforms.
Previously, ABC always revealed new leads on shows like “Good Morning America” or late-night television programs. The choice to use Cooper’s podcast signals the network’s recognition of the show’s massive influence and reach.
Paul shared her initial doubts during the podcast interview. She described the goal of becoming the Bachelorette as “unattainable” when she first considered it.
The 31-year-old mother of three expressed concerns about balancing the show with her responsibilities at home. “I have two baby daddies, not one,” she revealed, questioning whether she could realistically make the commitment work.
Despite her hesitations, Paul ultimately embraced the opportunity with determination. She concluded that if she truly wanted the role, she could make it happen.
Her Impact on TikTok and MomTok
Taylor Frankie Paul built her fame through TikTok, where she became a central figure in the MomTok community. This group of Mormon mothers gained massive followings by sharing their daily lives and experiences.
Her TikTok presence provided the foundation for her television career. The platform allowed her to connect with millions of viewers who related to her candid approach to motherhood and personal struggles.
MomTok became a cultural phenomenon, with Paul as one of its most recognizable faces. Her unfiltered content style resonated with audiences seeking authentic perspectives on parenting and relationships.
The TikTok fame directly led to her casting on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” Producers recognized her ability to generate engagement and connect with viewers across different demographics.
Paul’s social media influence made her an attractive choice for ABC. The network saw an opportunity to tap into her existing fanbase while introducing Bachelor Nation to a fresh perspective.
Role in ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’
Paul starred in Hulu’s breakout reality series “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” which premiered to critical acclaim and Emmy nominations. The show explored the lives of Mormon mothers navigating modern challenges while maintaining their faith.
Her role on the series showcased her personality traits that made her appealing for The Bachelorette. ABC’s release highlighted her “unfiltered candor” and “fearless openness” as key qualities.
The show returns for Season 3 on November 13, 2025. Paul’s casting as the Bachelorette creates an interesting crossover between Hulu and ABC programming.
During a previous interview with Variety after Season 2, Paul expressed openness to leading The Bachelorette. However, she stated it couldn’t interfere with her commitments to “Mormon Wives.”
The series provided Paul with television experience and proved her ability to carry storylines as a central figure. This background prepared her for the demanding role of Bachelorette lead.
Bachelor Nation and Disney Connection
ABC’s decision represents a major departure from traditional Bachelor Nation casting patterns. Typically, Bachelorette leads come from previous seasons of The Bachelor or related shows within the franchise.
Paul becomes the first outsider to lead The Bachelorette in the show’s 22-season history. This choice reflects ABC’s willingness to take risks and attract new audiences to the franchise.
The new season will debut in 2026, following changes to the typical Bachelor franchise schedule. Recent years have seen shifts in timing, with ABC skipping Bachelorette seasons and adjusting their programming lineup.
Disney’s ownership of ABC likely influenced the cross-platform collaboration with Hulu content. Both networks operate under the Disney umbrella, making the crossover casting a strategic business decision.
The selection of Paul demonstrates how streaming platforms like Hulu can serve as talent pipelines for traditional broadcast television. Her success on “Mormon Wives” translated directly into this major network opportunity.
Taylor Frankie Paul’s Persona, Family and Public Life
Taylor Frankie Paul’s personal life has been marked by significant changes including divorce, co-parenting three children, and navigating public scandals. Her relationships with ex-husband Tate Paul and current boyfriend Dakota Mortensen have shaped her journey as a single mother in Utah.
Single Motherhood and Children
Taylor Frankie Paul is a single mother of three children: Indy, Ocean, and Ever. She co-parents with two different fathers, which she has described as one of her biggest challenges.
When considering becoming the new Bachelorette, Paul expressed concerns about balancing her role as a single parent. She questioned whether she could travel and be away from her children for extended periods.
Paul has been open about the difficulties of managing custody arrangements. She works with both fathers to coordinate schedules and care for her kids.
Her children remain her top priority despite her growing fame. Paul has stated that any major decisions must work around her responsibilities as a mother.
Soft-Swinging Scandal and Divorce
In June 2022, Taylor Frankie Paul revealed her divorce from husband Tate Paul. This announcement sparked a major scandal in Utah’s Mormon community.
Paul disclosed that she and other couples in their social circle had been soft-swinging. This practice involves married couples engaging in intimate activities with other couples but with certain boundaries.
The revelation shocked the #MomTok community on TikTok. Paul’s admission broke unwritten rules within their tight-knit group of Mormon influencers.
The scandal had lasting effects on Paul’s relationships with other Mormon wives. It also brought intense public scrutiny to her personal life and parenting choices.
Relationships with Tate Paul and Dakota Mortensen
Taylor Frankie Paul shares children with ex-husband Tate Paul. Their marriage ended amid the soft-swinging controversy that rocked their Utah community.
Since her divorce, Paul has been in a relationship with Dakota Mortensen. Their relationship has continued despite the public attention surrounding Paul’s personal life.
Paul has described the challenges of co-parenting with Tate while maintaining her current relationship. She works to balance both dynamics for her children’s well-being.
Her relationship history has become part of her public persona. Paul has been open about learning from past mistakes and focusing on her family’s stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Taylor Frankie Paul made headlines as the first newcomer to lead The Bachelorette without appearing on a previous Bachelor season. Her casting announcement on September 10, 2025, sparked widespread interest due to her reality TV fame and personal controversies.
Who is Taylor Frankie Paul and what show was she previously known for?
Taylor Frankie Paul is a reality TV star and social media influencer who gained fame on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. She starred as a main cast member on the Hulu series.
Paul created MomTok and became known for breaking a major swinging scandal that made international headlines. This controversy led to her being ostracized from her community and friends.
She has three children from previous relationships. Paul shares two kids, Indy and Ocean, with her ex-husband Tate Paul, and her son Ever with ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.
What is the connection between Taylor Frankie Paul and ‘The Bachelorette’?
Taylor Frankie Paul was announced as the Season 22 Bachelorette on September 10, 2025. The casting announcement was made during an episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast.
She becomes the first person to lead The Bachelorette without previously appearing on The Bachelor. This breaks a long-standing tradition since the show typically chooses leads from past seasons.
Paul described feeling “surreal” about the opportunity during her podcast appearance. She expressed nervousness about the experience and said it wouldn’t feel real until the limo pulled up.
How has Taylor Frankie Paul’s past television experience influenced her role on ‘The Bachelorette’?
Paul’s experience on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives prepared her for reality TV cameras and drama. Her previous show dealt with personal relationships and controversies.
She previously shared an audition video for The Bachelorette on social media. The video received positive reactions from fans and Bachelor Nation viewers.
Her background as a social media influencer gave her experience connecting with audiences online. This skill translates well to the Bachelor franchise’s social media presence.
What has been the public’s reaction to Taylor Frankie Paul being on ‘The Bachelorette’?
Bachelor Nation fans showed enthusiasm when Paul shared her initial audition video. The response was largely positive from both her existing followers and franchise viewers.
Her casting represents a crossover between two popular reality TV shows. This connection has generated significant media attention and fan interest.
Some viewers appreciate the fresh approach of casting someone outside the typical Bachelor pipeline. Others question whether she fits the traditional Bachelorette mold.
Which season of ‘The Bachelorette’ features Taylor Frankie Paul, and what are the highlights?
Taylor Frankie Paul leads Season 22 of The Bachelorette. The season filming and air dates have not been fully announced yet.
Her season marks a historic first for the franchise by featuring a complete newcomer. This represents a significant departure from traditional casting practices.
The season will likely explore her journey as a single mother looking for love. Her three children and past relationship experiences will play a role in her story.
What developments have occurred in Taylor Frankie Paul’s personal life since appearing on another hit show?
Paul continues to navigate drama within her social circle from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Recent reports indicate conflict with former friends involving romantic complications.
She remains focused on co-parenting her three children with their respective fathers. Her role as a single mother continues to be a central part of her public identity.
Paul maintains her social media presence and continues building her influencer career. Her casting on The Bachelorette will likely expand her audience significantly.
