Summary
Taylor Frankie Paul’s journey from TikTok’s MomTok to Hulu reality star, and now to the 2026 Bachelorette lead, is nothing short of remarkable. As the first woman ever chosen from outside the Bachelor franchise, she represents a bold new chapter for the series. Her candidness about motherhood, faith, and personal challenges has made her a relatable yet controversial figure—exactly the kind of star who can breathe new life into The Bachelorette.
ABC has officially announced that Taylor Frankie Paul, the TikTok influencer and star of Hulu’s hit docuseries The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, will headline Season 22 of The Bachelorette in early 2026. This casting is groundbreaking because Taylor will be the first-ever lead not previously introduced on The Bachelor—a dramatic shift for a franchise that usually recycles contestants.
For longtime viewers, this choice signals a bold reset. By tapping into Taylor’s existing fanbase—built through viral social media content and a successful Hulu reality series—ABC hopes to reinvigorate its audience and attract fresh viewers.
Who Is Taylor Frankie Paul?
From MomTok to National TV
Taylor Frankie Paul, 31, hails from Utah and rose to fame on TikTok’s “MomTok” community. Known for her candid approach to parenting, relationships, and lifestyle, she quickly became one of the most recognizable influencers in that space. Her following only grew larger when she joined Hulu’s reality docuseries The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, where her personal life—including divorce, motherhood, and scandal—was on full display.
A Mother of Three
Taylor is also a single mom of three: two children with her ex-husband, Tate Paul, and one with her former partner, Dakota Mortensen. Her role as a mother adds a new layer to The Bachelorette franchise, offering audiences a story centered on resilience, maturity, and the real-life challenges of balancing family with finding love.
Why ABC Chose Taylor Frankie Paul
Expanding Beyond the Bachelor Nation Pool
Historically, every Bachelorette has either been a contestant on The Bachelor or, in rare cases, part of Bachelor Nation. Choosing Taylor breaks that mold, creating headlines and positioning the franchise for cultural relevance. This long-tail narrative—“first Bachelorette not from The Bachelor franchise”—is exactly what sets her season apart.
Built-In Audience Appeal
Taylor’s TikTok fame, combined with the success of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, ensures she enters the role with a loyal fanbase. Viewers who followed her ups and downs online and on Hulu are now eager to watch her search for lasting love on primetime TV.
What to Expect in The Bachelorette 2026
A Season Unlike Any Other
Fans can expect a season that blends the traditional elements of The Bachelorette—romantic dates, emotional rose ceremonies, and dramatic rivalries—with Taylor’s unique personal narrative. Her experiences as a single mom and reality star will likely shape how she approaches relationships on screen.
Open to Love Beyond Boundaries
Taylor has stated in interviews that while she identifies as Mormon, she is open to dating outside her faith. Her ideal partner is hardworking, family-oriented, and supportive of her lifestyle as both a mom and influencer. This openness could bring a diverse group of contestants and fresh perspectives to the show.
Taylor’s Path to Reality TV Stardom
The Scandal That Sparked It All
Taylor first gained widespread attention in 2022 after publicly discussing her involvement in “soft swinging” within her Mormon social circle. The revelation caused waves in her community, contributed to her divorce, and sparked endless online debate.
Arrest and Public Scrutiny
In 2023, Taylor faced further controversy when she was arrested following a domestic dispute with ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. This incident, covered on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, showed the challenges of navigating personal struggles in the public eye.
Turning Scandal Into a Story of Resilience
Rather than retreat from the spotlight, Taylor transformed her controversies into opportunities for transparency. By openly sharing her struggles and growth, she built a reputation as someone unafraid to own her past while moving forward. This narrative of redemption makes her a compelling lead for The Bachelorette.
Audience Reactions
Divided Opinions
Fan reactions online have been polarized. Some Bachelor Nation loyalists argue that casting an outsider marks the “end” of the franchise’s traditional identity. Others see Taylor’s season as a chance for a much-needed refresh, with one Reddit commenter noting, “Ratings should be up—I’ll be tuning in this time around.”
A Polarizing Yet Promising Choice
Love her or hate her, Taylor gets people talking—and that may be exactly what the franchise needs to remain relevant in a crowded reality TV landscape.
Connection to The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives
Before her Bachelorette debut, Taylor will return to Hulu for Season 3 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, premiering November 13, 2025. This timing ensures her storyline stays front and center in pop culture, bridging Hulu audiences with ABC’s massive primetime reach.
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FAQ
Q: When does The Bachelorette 2026 season premiere?
A: ABC has not confirmed an exact date, but The Bachelorette Season 22 starring Taylor Frankie Paul is expected to premiere in early 2026.
Q: What makes Taylor Frankie Paul’s casting unique?
A: She is the first-ever Bachelorette lead who has not previously appeared on The Bachelor, marking a historic departure for the franchise.
Q: How many children does Taylor Frankie Paul have?
A: She has three children—two with her ex-husband Tate and one with former partner Dakota Mortensen.
Q: Is Taylor Frankie Paul still Mormon?
A: Yes, Taylor identifies as Mormon but has expressed openness to dating partners of any or no religion.
Q: Where else can fans watch Taylor before The Bachelorette?
A: Taylor stars in Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which returns for its third season on November 13, 2025.
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