Taylor Frankie Paul’s Journey to ‘The Bachelorette’ and Beyond
Taylor Frankie Paul is set to star in the 22nd season of “The Bachelorette,” which premieres on ABC on Sunday, March 22, 2026. ABC announced the 31-year-traditional Utah native as the leading lady, marking a unique selection as the first Bachelorette chosen from outside the established “Bachelor Nation” franchise.
From “MomTok” to Reality TV Lead
Paul first gained prominence as the founder of MomTok, a Utah-based group of mom influencers. She then rose to national attention through her role in Hulu’s Emmy-nominated series, “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” where she openly shared her experiences, and challenges. ABC News reports that Paul’s candid storytelling and relatable content resonated with millions, establishing her as a breakout star.
Navigating Love and New Beginnings
In an interview on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, Paul discussed her decision to join “The Bachelorette,” acknowledging it was a new experience for her. She explained that she had previously moved quickly from marriage to her next relationship and hadn’t experienced the process of dating multiple people simultaneously.
A Special Preview and Advice from Former Bachelorettes
Ahead of the premiere, ABC aired “The Bachelorette: Before the First Rose,” a special featuring advice from past Bachelorettes. The special showcased discussions on handling multiple connections, navigating the complexities of Fantasy Suites, and identifying contestants with genuine intentions. Former Bachelorettes Kaitlyn Bristowe and Hannah Brown shared personal anecdotes and lessons learned from their own journeys.
Challenges and Tensions on the Horizon
As Paul prepares for her season, she faces personal challenges. Filming for the fifth season of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” was reportedly paused due to an alleged domestic incident involving Paul and her ex, Dakota Mortensen, the father of one of her children. TMZ and People reported on the situation, which is currently under investigation. The potential impact of this situation on her season of “The Bachelorette” remains unclear.
Teasers for the upcoming season hint at drama and emotional moments, including confrontations with contestants and Paul asserting her boundaries. One preview shows Paul confronting a contestant about a past relationship with a friend, while another depicts her taking back a rose during a rose ceremony.
Season 22 Cast
The men vying for Taylor Frankie Paul’s heart include:
- Aaron Kahng, 32, from Vineyard, UT
- Brad Ledford, 29, from Newport Beach, CA
- Brandon Perce, 28, from Spearfish, SD
- Casey Hux, 30, from Nashville, TN
- Christopher Wood, 35, from Vacaville, CA
- Clayton Johnson, 36, from Nashville, TN
- Conrad Ukropina, 32, from Santa Monica, CA
- Doug Mason, 28, from San Diego, CA
- Johnnie LaRossa, 30, from Massapequa, NY
- Josh Harward, 28, from Provo, UT
- Kevin Montero, 32, from Miami, FL
- Lew Evans, 32, from Salt Lake City, UT
- Malik Evans, 30, from Brooklyn, NY
As Paul embarks on this new chapter, she expresses both excitement and vulnerability, hoping to find love while remaining true to herself.