Taylor Frankie Paul Named New Bachelorette for Season 22: A Fresh Twist for the Franchise

Who Is Taylor Frankie Paul?

Rise to Fame on TikTok

Taylor Frankie Paul became a household name as part of “MomTok,” a group of young Mormon mothers in Utah who create fun and relatable TikTok videos.
Her honest and humorous content, which shares the ups and downs of her life, has earned her a massive following, with millions of fans drawn to her authenticity.

Star of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives”

Paul is a breakout star of Hulu’s Emmy-nominated reality show, “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” which premiered in 2024. The series follows a group of Mormon mom influencers navigating personal and social challenges.
She gained attention for revealing a “soft-swinging” scandal in her Utah community, where couples engaged in partner-swapping with strict boundaries. This led to her divorce from her ex-husband, Tate Paul, in 2022.

Personal Life and Challenges

As a single mother of three—Indy (8), Ocean (5), and Ever True (1)—Paul has been open about her life’s highs and lows, including her divorce and a rocky relationship with ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.
In 2023, Paul faced legal trouble after a domestic incident with Mortensen, resulting in misdemeanor charges. She pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, but other charges were dropped, and she avoided jail time through a plea deal.

Why Paul’s Casting Is a Big Deal

Breaking Bachelor Nation Tradition

For the first time, “The Bachelorette” is choosing a lead who has never appeared on “The Bachelor” or its spin-offs. Instead, Paul comes from Hulu’s reality TV world, marking a crossover between Disney-owned networks ABC and Hulu.
This move shows ABC’s willingness to take risks and attract new viewers by tapping into Paul’s existing fanbase from “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.”

A New Kind of Bachelorette

Paul’s background as a single mother and social media influencer sets her apart from previous Bachelorettes. Her story of resilience and openness about past mistakes resonates with fans who value authenticity.
ABC’s press release describes her as a “TikTok powerhouse” who “inspires others to embrace life’s chaos and own their story” with humor and fearlessness.

Public Reaction and Controversy

Paul’s casting has sparked mixed reactions. Fans of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” are excited to see her search for love, but some Bachelor Nation viewers on platforms like Reddit have criticized her selection, citing her past legal issues and complex personal life.
Despite the controversy, Paul’s large TikTok following and reality TV fame are likely to boost ratings for the show.

Paul’s Journey to “The Bachelorette”

From TikTok Joke to Reality

Paul’s path to becoming the Bachelorette began with a playful TikTok video in 2024, where she jokingly “auditioned” for the role by tagging Bachelor accounts. This caught ABC’s attention, leading to her casting.
On the September 10, 2025, episode of the “Call Her Daddy” podcast with Alex Cooper, Paul expressed her shock, saying the experience felt “surreal” and wouldn’t seem real until “the limo is pulling up.”

Navigating Motherhood and Fame

Paul has shared concerns about balancing her role as a single mother with the demands of filming “The Bachelorette.” She relies on family and friends for support, noting that other “Mormon Wives” stars, like Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt, have managed similar challenges on “Dancing with the Stars.”
She also confirmed she will return for Season 3 of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” premiering November 13, 2025, showing her ability to juggle multiple high-profile roles.

What to Expect from Season 22

A Fresh Take on Dating

Paul told “Call Her Daddy” that she has never dated multiple people at once, making her “Bachelorette” experience a new adventure. She hopes to find love and possibly get engaged, describing herself as a “lover girl” who falls in love quickly.
Her season is expected to air in winter 2026, likely January, taking the slot usually reserved for “The Bachelor.” This shift follows ABC’s decision to skip “The Bachelorette” in 2025 in favor of “Bachelor in Paradise” and “The Golden Bachelor.”

Focus on Authenticity

Paul’s unfiltered approach, seen in her TikTok videos and reality show, will likely define her season. She aims to be open about her past, including her divorce and the swinging scandal, to connect with contestants and viewers.
Fans can expect drama, as Paul’s history and outspoken personality may lead to emotional moments and tough conversations with suitors.

Why This Matters

Paul’s casting reflects a changing TV landscape, where social media stars and reality TV personalities can cross over to major franchises like “The Bachelorette.” Her story of overcoming personal scandals and embracing single motherhood could inspire viewers, while her fame ensures high visibility for the show. However, her controversial past may challenge ABC to balance entertainment with sensitivity to Bachelor Nation’s expectations.

Conclusion

Taylor Frankie Paul’s selection as the Season 22 Bachelorette is a groundbreaking move for ABC, bringing a TikTok star and single mom to the franchise for the first time. Her journey from “MomTok” to reality TV fame and now to “The Bachelorette” showcases her resilience and openness. As she prepares to date multiple suitors in 2026, fans are eager to see how her unique perspective shapes the show. With Season 3 of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” also airing in November 2025, Paul is set to remain a prominent figure in reality TV.