The Shocking Twist: Meet Taylor Frankie Paul, The Next Bachelorette, And The Fan-Favorites Snubbed By The 2025 Hiatus

As of December 2025, Bachelor Nation is reeling from the most unprecedented shake-up in the franchise's history: the traditional summer 2025 season of The Bachelorette was officially put on an indefinite hiatus, sidelining a slew of fan-favorite women from Grant Ellis’s recent season of The Bachelor. This decision sent shockwaves through the community, but the biggest surprise came shortly after when ABC announced a completely unconventional choice for the next lead: social media sensation and reality TV star, Taylor Frankie Paul. This move signals a dramatic new direction for the long-running dating show, prioritizing viral fame over traditional Bachelor Nation casting.

The news has completely redefined the landscape of the franchise, leaving fans to debate whether the show can maintain its integrity by casting someone who did not originate from the existing pool of contestants. The planned Season 22, featuring Paul, is now scheduled for a much later premiere in March 2026, bypassing the expected 2025 summer slot entirely. This article dives deep into the official announcement, the reasons behind the 2025 season pause, and the deserving women who were unexpectedly snubbed for the coveted role.

The New Era: Taylor Frankie Paul's Shocking Bachelorette Announcement

In a move that stunned viewers and insiders alike, ABC officially announced Taylor Frankie Paul as the next Bachelorette for Season 22. This casting choice is revolutionary because Paul is not a former contestant from The Bachelor or The Bachelorette. She is best known for her controversial presence on TikTok and as a star of the reality series Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

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Who Is Taylor Frankie Paul?

• Full Name: Taylor Frankie Paul
• Age: 31 (at the time of the announcement)
• Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
• Known For: Viral TikTok content, co-founding the "MomTok" community, and starring in the reality show Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
• Controversy: Paul has courted significant public controversy in the past, including a highly publicized "soft-swinging" scandal in 2022, which is expected to bring a new level of drama to the show.
• Season Details: Her season, Season 22, is scheduled to premiere on Sunday, March 22, 2026, marking a significant shift from the typical May/June summer premiere.

The decision to select a lead from outside the franchise, especially one with a pre-existing social media following and a history of public drama, is a clear sign that producers are seeking a massive ratings boost and a fresh, more sensational narrative. While the traditional lead is usually chosen for their relatability and journey on The Bachelor, Paul’s selection leans heavily into the celebrity and influencer culture, promising a season unlike any other.

Why the Summer 2025 Season Was Skipped: The Bachelorette Hiatus

The biggest question leading up to the Taylor Frankie Paul announcement was: Where is the summer 2025 season? For the first time in several years, ABC opted to skip the traditional summer production cycle for The Bachelorette. This hiatus was driven by a confluence of factors, all contributing to a major scheduling and creative overhaul for the franchise.

Key Reasons for the 2025 Bachelorette Hiatus:

1. Low Ratings for the Preceding Bachelor Season: One of the most cited reasons for the pause was the reportedly low ratings of the preceding season, The Bachelor Season 29, starring Grant Ellis. The show’s performance was reportedly disappointing compared to previous cycles, leading producers to believe the traditional formula needed a break or a significant refresh before continuing. This put a damper on the momentum needed to launch a new Bachelorette season immediately.

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2. Prioritizing Bachelor in Paradise: Instead of the usual summer run for The Bachelorette, ABC decided to move forward with Bachelor in Paradise Season 10. This shift allowed the network to capitalize on the high drama and consistent ratings that the spin-off often delivers, using it as a bridge to the next major season. This move essentially swapped the summer slots, pushing The Bachelorette out of its traditional timeline.

3. The Success of The Golden Bachelorette: The immense critical and commercial success of The Golden Bachelor and the subsequent launch of The Golden Bachelorette in 2024 reportedly influenced the schedule. ABC wanted to give the "Golden" branch of the franchise more time to breathe and develop, potentially allowing for a second season or special programming, which necessitated clearing the traditional summer schedule. The network is keen to cultivate this new, highly-rated demographic.

The Snubbed Stars: Fan-Favorite Contenders from Grant Ellis's Season 29

The hiatus meant that the standout women from Grant Ellis’s Season 29 of The Bachelor, who were widely considered front-runners for the Bachelorette role, were unexpectedly sidelined. These women were the expected leads for the 2025 season, and their absence from the spotlight has been a major point of discussion among Bachelor Nation fans.

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Top 5 Women Who Were Expected to Be the Next Bachelorette:

These contestants were the most talked-about and deserving women who were passed over due to the season's pause and the unconventional casting of Taylor Frankie Paul.

1. Bailey Brown: The Relatable Sweetheart

Bailey, a 28-year-old marketing executive from Austin, Texas, quickly became a fan-favorite for her genuine vulnerability and emotional maturity. Her journey on Grant’s season was marked by a deep, but ultimately heartbreaking, connection. Fans resonated with her authenticity and felt she was the perfect candidate for a traditional, heartfelt Bachelorette season. Her departure was one of the most emotional of the season, cementing her status as a top contender.

2. Sarafiena Watkins: The Charismatic Firecracker

Hailing from Miami, Florida, Sarafiena, a 26-year-old luxury real estate agent, brought a fiery yet sincere energy to the season. Known for her quick wit and ability to stand up for herself, she provided both drama and depth. Her strong personality and captivating screen presence made her a popular choice, with many viewers believing she would make for an entertaining and decisive Bachelorette.

3. Alexe Dubois: The Elegant Dark Horse

Alexe, a 27-year-old pediatric speech therapist from New Brunswick, Canada, was the quiet force of the season. She had a sophisticated elegance and a clear focus on finding a serious relationship. While she didn't seek out drama, her thoughtful conversations and genuine connection with Grant made her a dark horse pick for the lead. Her career as a pediatric therapist also gave her a strong, relatable backstory.

4. Alli Jo Baker: The Endearing Underdog

A 30-year-old boxing trainer from New Jersey, Alli Jo was the season's underdog who consistently surprised both Grant and the viewers. Her no-nonsense attitude combined with a surprisingly soft side made her endearing. Fans appreciated her direct communication style and felt she deserved a chance to find love as the lead.

5. Rose Chen: The Finalist Who Deserved More

As one of the final contestants, Rose, a 25-year-old software engineer, was a popular choice due to her deep emotional investment in the process. Her final moments with Grant were poignant, and the heartbreak she experienced made her a compelling figure for the Bachelorette redemption story. Typically, a runner-up or a top-three finisher is the most likely candidate, making her snub particularly noticeable.

What This Means for the Future of The Bachelorette

The casting of Taylor Frankie Paul and the subsequent 2025 hiatus suggest that the franchise is moving away from its decade-long tradition of casting from within Bachelor Nation. This new direction aims to tap into a younger, more social media-savvy audience, but it risks alienating the core fanbase that values the continuity and community of the show. The delay of the season until 2026 means that fans will have to wait longer for the next traditional cycle, making the impending Bachelor in Paradise season a crucial viewing event. The success or failure of Taylor Frankie Paul’s Season 22 will be the ultimate test of whether a viral celebrity can successfully replace a fan-favorite contestant as the face of America’s most famous dating show.