Taylor Frankie Paul, the breakout star of Hulu's 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,' is trading in her Utah life for the roses of 'The Bachelorette.' ABC has announced Paul as the leading lady for Season 22, marking a significant shift for the long-running reality franchise. This is the first time 'The Bachelorette' will feature a lead who wasn't previously involved with the Bachelor Nation universe, following a similar unconventional choice with Matt James leading 'The Bachelor.'
Paul, a candid and relatable single mother of three, brings a unique perspective to the show. Her journey on 'Mormon Wives' showcased her openness and resilience, characteristics she intends to bring to her search for love. Viewers will likely see further insight into her recent breakup with Dakota Mortensen in the upcoming season of 'Mormon Wives,' premiering November 13. Her official ABC bio highlights her humor, resilience, and fearless openness, qualities she hopes will inspire others to embrace life's complexities.
This season of 'The Bachelorette' will fill the scheduling gap left by 'The Bachelor' in early 2026, as ABC continues to juggle its various Bachelor Nation shows. The network has strategically rotated its programming, with 'The Bachelorette' taking the spotlight this year, followed by another season of 'Bachelor in Paradise.' The future of 'The Bachelor' remains uncertain; while a Season 30 renewal was announced in June, a return in 2026 is unlikely, potentially delaying it until 2027 for a 25th-anniversary celebration.
The decision to cast Paul reflects a broader strategy by ABC to refresh its reality programming. With 'The Golden Bachelorette' airing last year and 'The Golden Bachelor' returning September 24th, the network's Bachelor Nation programming is constantly evolving, adapting to audience preferences and ensuring the franchise remains relevant. This innovative choice, along with the executive producer Scott Teti's continued involvement, signals the network's commitment to delivering engaging content and surprising viewers with unexpected yet compelling lead choices.
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Originally published at: https://deadline.com/2025/09/the-bachelorette-season-22-taylor-frankie-paul-mormon-wives-1236519246/
