Taylor Frankie Paul, star of Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” has officially been named the next lead of “The Bachelorette” for Season 22. In a new promotional video shared on her Instagram, Paul confirmed the highly anticipated premiere date — March 22, 2026, on ABC, with streaming available on Hulu. In the short clip, Paul not only confirmed her role but also addressed one of the most frequently asked fan questions: “Will there only be Mormons on this season?” Her lighthearted response — “No lol,” followed by a laughing emoji — quickly went viral, sparking excitement across Bachelor Nation.
The announcement arrives more than a month after Paul’s casting was first teased on Alex Cooper’s “Call Her Daddy” podcast, where she discussed her journey from influencer to reality TV star. Taylor Frankie Paul, 30, a social media influencer and mother of three, first rose to fame through “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” Her candidness and openness about her personal life made her a relatable figure among viewers — and now she’s taking that authenticity to “The Bachelorette.”
The confirmation came through an Instagram video released by ABC on October 28, 2025. Paul revealed the official air date of her season while addressing fan curiosity about the casting diversity. ABC captioned the video: “It’s a date 🌹 #TheBachelorette premieres Sunday, March 22 on ABC. Stream on Hulu.” Her casting represents one of the most talked-about developments in the franchise’s history. Known for pushing traditional boundaries, Paul’s season could signal a shift in tone — merging the glamour of The Bachelorette with deeper cultural discussions surrounding faith, motherhood, and modern relationships.
Quotes and Reactions
Speaking on “Call Her Daddy” earlier this month, Paul reflected on her path to the show.
“I always joked about being on The Bachelorette, but it was never something I thought could happen,” she said. “Then I heard there were conversations, and we had a meeting. I didn’t believe it until I got the invitation that said, ‘Will you be our Bachelorette?’”
Paul admitted she initially hesitated to accept the role due to her family responsibilities and public scrutiny but ultimately embraced the opportunity after reflecting on the potential impact.
“I realized it could be bigger than just dating on television,” she explained. “It’s about representation, growth, and second chances.”
ABC executives have expressed confidence that Paul’s season will bring new depth and relatability to the franchise. Fans online have echoed similar sentiments, calling her “refreshingly real” and “the shake-up The Bachelorette needed.”
Impact and Cultural Significance
Taylor Frankie Paul’s casting marks a notable milestone for the Bachelor franchise. As one of the first leads to come from a distinctly Mormon background, Paul’s journey is expected to explore themes rarely addressed in mainstream reality television.
Her participation also broadens the show’s appeal beyond its traditional fan base, potentially attracting audiences interested in faith-based storytelling and modern family dynamics. Entertainment analysts suggest that ABC is betting on Paul’s social media influence — she has amassed millions of followers — to drive engagement and viewership both on broadcast and digital platforms.
Cultural commentators note that Paul’s humor and self-awareness, as seen in her viral TikToks, may help the series connect with younger, more diverse audiences.
What’s Next
Before The Bachelorette Season 22 premieres in March, fans can see more of Paul on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” Season 3, which debuts November 13, 2025, on Hulu. Production for The Bachelorette is expected to begin later this year, with filming locations rumored to include both Utah and international destinations. Fans can tune in to “The Bachelorette” premiering Sunday, March 22, 2026, on ABC and Hulu for what promises to be one of the franchise’s most dynamic seasons yet.
