ABC has announced that Taylor Frankie Paul, known for her appearance on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” will lead Season 22 of “The Bachelorette.” This casting decision marks a significant crossover between reality television franchises.
Paul, who gained popularity through the TikTok-famous Mormon mom influencer group and their subsequent reality show, will now take center stage in one of television’s longest-running dating series. The announcement comes as a surprise to many fans of both shows who hadn’t anticipated this casting choice.
From Mormon Wives to Rose Ceremonies
Taylor Frankie Paul first captured public attention as part of the Mormon mom influencer community on social media before starring in “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” The reality series followed a group of Mormon women navigating their faith, relationships, and social media presence.
Paul’s journey from one reality show to another represents an unusual path to “The Bachelorette” role. Traditionally, the show selects its leads from previous contestants on “The Bachelor,” making Paul’s direct casting without prior franchise experience a departure from the norm.
A Strategic Move for ABC
The decision to cast Paul appears to be a strategic move by ABC and the show’s producers to attract new viewers and generate fresh interest in the long-running franchise. By selecting a lead with an established following from another reality show, “The Bachelorette” may tap into a different demographic.
Industry analysts note that crossover casting between reality franchises has become more common as networks seek to maintain viewer interest in an increasingly competitive television landscape. Paul’s existing fan base could potentially follow her to her new role.
What to Expect in Season 22
As the new Bachelorette, Paul will date approximately 30 men over several weeks, gradually eliminating contestants until she potentially finds a match. The show typically features:
Group dates where multiple contestants compete for attention
One-on-one dates for deeper connections
Rose ceremonies where contestants are eliminated
Hometown visits with the final few contestants
Production for Season 22 is expected to begin in the coming months, with the show likely to air later this year or in early 2024, following the typical production schedule of the franchise.
Fan Reactions
The announcement has generated mixed reactions across social media platforms. Fans of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” have expressed excitement about seeing Paul in this new context, while longtime “Bachelorette” viewers have shown both curiosity and surprise at the unconventional casting choice.
“The Bachelorette” has been a staple of reality television since its premiere in 2003 as a spin-off of “The Bachelor.” Over its two-decade run, the show has produced several successful relationships and marriages, though many have also ended after the cameras stopped rolling.
As Paul prepares to begin her journey as the Bachelorette, viewers will be watching to see how her previous reality TV experience influences her approach to finding love in this new format. Season 22 promises to bring a fresh perspective to the familiar rose ceremonies and romantic dates that have defined the franchise.