Taylor Frankie Paul Takes the Lead as the New Bachelorette

In a surprising crossover between reality show franchises, Taylor Frankie Paul, the breakout star from Hulu’s *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*, has been announced as the new lead for Season 22 of *The Bachelorette*. This news, revealed during her appearance on Alex Cooper’s *Call Her Daddy* podcast, marks a significant moment in both her career and the landscape of reality television.

During the podcast, host Alex Cooper directly asked Paul how it felt to take on this new role. “Surreal. It has not hit me right now in this moment,” Paul responded candidly. “I’m just thinking about it, and it’s not real. And it’s not going to be until I think the limo is pulling up, you know? And meeting the people.”

This marks an intriguing shift for *The Bachelorette*, as Paul is not just any contestant turned lead—she is perhaps one of the most controversial figures in reality TV. Known for her candid portrayal of life and relationships on social media, she has amassed a following of over four million on TikTok, where her content often blends humor with unfiltered honesty about the ups and downs of parenting and personal life.

Paul’s rise to fame hasn’t been without its share of controversy. She gained notoriety within the #MomTok community, particularly for her openness about attending sex parties, and her publicized divorce in May 2022, which came alongside revelations of a swinging lifestyle with her ex-husband. Adding to her tumultuous journey, Paul was arrested in February 2023 on charges that included assault and domestic violence, stemming from an incident involving her children.

While these events have painted her in a complex light, they have also contributed to her allure as a reality star. Her willingness to share her struggles and triumphs openly resonates with many fans, and it is this raw storytelling that ABC hopes will captivate audiences in her new role.

In the podcast, Paul expressed her apprehension about balancing the demands of the show with her responsibilities as a single mother to three children. “How do I make this work? I’m a co-parent. I have two baby daddies, not one,” she explained. “Can I travel that long? Can I be gone that long?” These concerns highlight the unique position she finds herself in—a single mother navigating love on national television while managing her existing family dynamics.

ABC described Paul as “ready to trade headline-making heartbreak for hometown dates,” promising an engaging season that balances romance with the realities of modern motherhood. The network revealed in a press release, “Taylor is the breakout star of *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*, captivating millions with her raw, unapologetic storytelling.” This blend of vulnerability and humor is likely to draw viewers in as she embarks on her journey to find love.

As the excitement builds around her appointment as *The Bachelorette*, industry analysts speculate on the potential impact of her controversial past. Will it affect her reception during awards season, or could it redefine what viewers expect from reality dating shows? Given the show’s track record, it’s clear that Paul’s unique narrative may attract a new audience, eager to see how her story unfolds amidst the backdrop of love and competition.

While ABC has yet to announce a premiere date for the upcoming season, fans are already buzzing with anticipation. Additionally, *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives* will return with its third season on November 13, offering viewers a deeper look into Paul’s life as she prepares for her new role. The new season promises to explore not just her relationship with her boyfriend Dakota Mortensen, but also the challenges of co-parenting and finding love in the public eye.

As viewers gear up for what is sure to be a thrilling season, Paul remains a polarizing yet fascinating figure in the reality TV landscape. Her journey exemplifies the evolving nature of celebrity culture, where personal struggles and triumphs are increasingly shared with audiences, paving the way for more authentic connections.

In an era where audiences crave genuine storytelling, Taylor Frankie Paul could very well be the refreshing twist that *The Bachelorette* franchise needs. Whether she finds love or faces new challenges, one thing is certain: her story is just beginning, and fans are ready to join her on this rollercoaster journey.