Bachelorette Taylor Frankie Paul: The New Bachelorette Breaking Barriers

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Introduction

Taylor Frankie Paul, a 31-year-old single mother of three and a prominent figure in the #MomTok community, has been announced as the lead for Season 22 of ABC’s The Bachelorette, set to premiere in 2026. Known for her candid and unfiltered presence on Hulu’s Emmy-nominated reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Paul is making history as the first Bachelorette lead who has not previously appeared in the Bachelor franchise. This article explores her journey, from her rise to fame on TikTok to her groundbreaking role as the next Bachelorette, and what fans can expect from her season.

From MomTok to Reality TV Stardom

Taylor Frankie Paul first captured public attention as a key member of the #MomTok community, a group of Mormon mothers creating content on TikTok. With 7.2 million followers across Instagram and TikTok, Paul’s comedic, heartfelt, and honest videos have resonated with a wide audience. Her transparency about her personal life, including her involvement in a 2022 “soft-swinging” scandal within her Utah-based social circle, propelled her to viral fame. This controversy, which led to her divorce from ex-husband Tate Paul, became a central storyline in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which premiered on Hulu in September 2024. The show, now preparing for its third season on November 13, 2025, follows Paul and her co-stars as they navigate faith, friendship, and personal challenges in the aftermath of the scandal.

Paul’s journey on Mormon Wives has showcased her resilience. Season 1 documented her relationship with Dakota Mortensen, with whom she welcomed her son, Ever True, in March 2024, after experiencing a miscarriage. Season 2 explored the complexities of her breakup with Mortensen and her efforts to co-parent effectively. Her ability to share both the highs and lows of her life with authenticity has made her a relatable and compelling figure, earning her a spot on TIME’s 2025 Creators List.

A Historic Casting for The Bachelorette

Announced on September 10, 2025, during an episode of Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy podcast, Paul’s casting as the Bachelorette marks a significant departure from tradition. Historically, The Bachelorette leads are chosen from contestants of prior Bachelor seasons, ensuring familiarity within “Bachelor Nation.” Paul, however, is an outsider, bringing her established fanbase and reality TV experience from Hulu to ABC. This move reflects a strategic shift by the franchise to refresh its format, especially after a hiatus in 2025 following Jenn Tran’s Season 21.

In her Call Her Daddy interview, Paul described the opportunity as “surreal” and admitted it hadn’t fully sunk in. She initially viewed the idea of being the Bachelorette as “unattainable,” a sentiment rooted in a playful TikTok she posted three years ago joking about joining the show. Her selection came after fans and Mormon Wives co-stars began speculating following Cooper’s cryptic Instagram post on September 9, 2025, hinting at a major Bachelorette announcement. The decision to reveal her casting on a podcast rather than an ABC platform like Good Morning America further underscores the innovative approach to her season.

Navigating Motherhood and the Spotlight

As a single mother to Indy (8), Ocean (5), and Ever (1), Paul faces unique challenges in taking on the Bachelorette role. She shares Indy and Ocean with ex-husband Tate Paul and Ever with ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. In her interview with Cooper, Paul expressed concerns about balancing the show’s demanding schedule with her parenting responsibilities, questioning, “Can I be gone that long? Is this possible for me to do as a single mom?” Ultimately, she decided to embrace the opportunity, relying on support from family and friends to make it work. Her determination to juggle motherhood and her pursuit of love highlights her resilience and adaptability.

Paul’s openness about her personal life extends to her co-parenting dynamics. She revealed on Call Her Daddy that she did not inform Mortensen about her Bachelorette casting, noting that he might feel “sad” upon learning the news, especially given their recent breakup in September 2024. Despite their split, Paul acknowledged the emotional difficulty of moving on, describing the pain of accepting that their relationship would not work long-term. Her candor about these experiences adds depth to her public persona, making her a relatable figure for viewers.

What to Expect from Season 22

Paul’s season of The Bachelorette promises to bring a fresh dynamic to the franchise. Unlike previous leads, her established public persona and experience with reality TV drama suggest a season filled with authenticity and unpredictability. She has expressed a desire for a “hardworking” and “motivated” partner in their 30s or early 40s, willing to relocate to Utah to integrate into her family’s life. Her strong personality, as seen on Mormon Wives, indicates she will not shy away from addressing drama or setting clear boundaries with contestants.

The decision to cast Paul has sparked mixed reactions among fans. Some praise her as a bold choice who will bring renewed energy to the franchise, while others, particularly on platforms like Reddit, express skepticism, citing her controversial past, including a 2023 misdemeanor arrest for aggravated assault (to which she pleaded guilty, with other charges dismissed). Critics question whether her complex personal history and three children might deter potential suitors, but supporters argue her authenticity and star power will make for compelling television.

Beyond The Bachelorette: A Multifaceted Career

Paul’s role as the Bachelorette is not her only commitment. She will continue to appear on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, with Season 3 set to premiere on Hulu in November 2025. Her co-stars Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt are also expanding their presence within the Disney family, competing on Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars, which debuts on September 16, 2025. The success of Mormon Wives, including its Emmy nomination for Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program, underscores the growing influence of the #MomTok community in mainstream media.

Paul’s ability to navigate public scrutiny, from the swinging scandal to her legal troubles, has been bolstered by therapy, which she credits for helping her manage criticism and the “villain” label she has faced online. Her journey reflects a commitment to personal growth, making her a polarizing yet captivating figure as she steps into the Bachelorette spotlight.

Conclusion

Taylor Frankie Paul’s casting as the Season 22 Bachelorette marks a pivotal moment for the franchise, blending her reality TV stardom with the iconic dating show. As a single mother of three with a massive social media following, she brings a unique perspective and unfiltered authenticity to the role. While her season, set to air in 2026, is poised to shake up Bachelor Nation, her ongoing presence on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives ensures she remains a multifaceted media figure. Whether handing out roses or navigating co-parenting challenges, Paul is ready to embrace life’s chaos and inspire others to do the same