Star of ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Named the Next Bachelorette

Taylor Frankie Paul, known for her role in Hulu’s reality show “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” has been announced as the next lead for Season 22 of “The Bachelorette,” ABC confirmed on September 10.

The news comes after weeks of speculation across social media, where fans have been buzzing about the unexpected choice.

Paul, a Utah-based TikTok influencer, first went viral in 2022 when she shared that she and her then-husband, Tate Paul, were “soft-swinging” with other Mormon couples.

The controversy and her social media presence helped inspire Hulu’s reality series “Mormon Wives,” which explores her life and the experiences of her influencer friends, often referred to as #MomTok. The show is now entering its third season on November 13.

The 31-year-old single mother of three divorced Tate Paul in 2022 and has since been open about navigating life, relationships, and raising her children. Speaking to The Red Carpet at the season two premiere of “Mormon Wives,” she said, “An immense amount of therapy does help you get the tools to learn how to navigate the situation. One, living it and two having to watch it and live it again. I now have all the tools.”

Paul’s new role as “The Bachelorette” will debut in 2026 on ABC and will also stream on Hulu and Disney+. Her selection marks a notable shift for the franchise, bringing a reality star with a complex personal history into the spotlight. Paul has been unapologetically herself both on social media and on her show, and she is now stepping into a new chapter in search of love.

With her upcoming season, fans can also continue following her story on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” as Season 3 kicks off in November. The announcement highlights the growing influence of Hulu personalities on mainstream network programming, as both Hulu and ABC are owned by Disney.

This is a bold choice by ABC that will bring fresh energy and attention to the show. Taylor Frankie Paul’s openness and experience navigating life publicly could make for a compelling and emotional season. What do you think about her being the next Bachelorette? Share your thoughts in the comments.