The Shocking Truth About Who Is The Next Bachelorette (It’s Not Who You Think)

The question of "Who is the next Bachelorette?" has finally been answered, but the reveal is perhaps the biggest casting shock in the franchise’s two-decade history. For months, Bachelor Nation was buzzing with predictions for the lead of the next season following the conclusion of Joey Graziadei’s run and the subsequent *Bachelor* Season 29. However, on this current date in December 2025, ABC has thrown out the traditional playbook, bypassing fan-favorite contestants from the most recent seasons to select a controversial and high-profile social media influencer and reality TV star from an entirely different network. The new lead is Taylor Frankie Paul, a move that signals a massive shift in the franchise’s strategy and has instantly sparked intense debate across all of Bachelor Nation.

The announcement of Taylor Frankie Paul as the lead for the next season, which is officially Season 22, comes after a period of confusion, as the show had initially announced a summer 2025 hiatus, breaking its long-standing schedule. This unprecedented casting decision, which taps a star known for her presence on Hulu’s *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives* and her viral "MomTok" content, has completely redefined the show's future. The new season is set to air in the first half of the year, a major schedule change that further emphasizes the new direction the franchise is taking.

Taylor Frankie Paul: The Next Bachelorette’s Complete Biography Profile

Taylor Frankie Paul is not a typical Bachelorette lead. She is the first-ever lead to be cast outside of the established *Bachelor* franchise, bringing a massive social media following and a history of public controversy. Her selection is a clear attempt by ABC and the producers to inject fresh, high-stakes drama and a new audience demographic into the long-running reality dating series.

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• Full Name: Taylor Frankie Paul
• Born: May 23, 1994
• Age: 31 (as of the announcement/airing)
• Hometown: Raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, with roots in Pueblo, Colorado.
• Occupation: Social Media Influencer, Content Creator (MomTok), and Reality Television Star.
• Known For: Starring on the Hulu reality series *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives* and her viral presence on TikTok, where she shares lifestyle and parenting content.
• Controversy: Taylor Frankie Paul is most famous for her involvement in a widely publicized "soft-swinging" scandal within her Mormon community, which led to her divorce from ex-husband Tate Paul. She has been open about her complex personal life and legal issues, which is expected to be a major theme of her season.
• Announcement Method: She was officially announced as the lead on the popular podcast *Call Her Daddy* with Alex Cooper, further cementing the franchise's new focus on viral, digital media engagement.

Why ABC Passed Over Fan Favorites for a Reality TV Crossover Star

The decision to cast Taylor Frankie Paul is a monumental shift away from the franchise's long-held tradition. For years, the lead of *The Bachelorette* has been a runner-up or a memorable contestant from the most recent season of *The Bachelor*. The 2025 cycle was expected to feature a standout from Grant Ellis's Season 29 of *The Bachelor*.

The list of expected candidates was long and included several women who had garnered massive fan support, creating intense anticipation and speculation. The most notable fan favorites who were widely tipped for the role included:

• Daisy Kent: A beloved contestant from Joey Graziadei’s season who had a compelling story and a strong connection with the audience.
• Maria Georgas: Known for her vibrant personality and no-nonsense attitude, Maria was another strong contender who had reportedly turned down the role in the past.
• Juliana Pasquarosa or Litia Garr: Potential frontrunners from the recently concluded Season 29 of *The Bachelor* were also in the running, following the typical casting pattern.

The selection of Taylor Frankie Paul, however, signals a strategic move to prioritize a massive, pre-existing social media following and a proven track record of generating viral buzz over internal franchise loyalty. Her controversial past and existing fame guarantee headlines, which is a powerful draw for a franchise looking to maintain relevance in a crowded reality TV landscape. This "casting shakeup" is a direct response to the need for a bold, non-traditional lead.

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The Bachelorette Season 22: What to Expect from This Unprecedented Season

Taylor Frankie Paul’s journey is already one of the most anticipated seasons in franchise history due to the sheer novelty of her casting. The show is expected to lean heavily into her unique background and the challenges she faces in finding love while navigating public scrutiny and her Mormon faith.

A New Timeline and Format

The confusion surrounding "The Bachelorette 2025" is due to an initial hiatus that was planned for the summer slot. However, Season 22, featuring Taylor Frankie Paul, was fast-tracked and is now scheduled to premiere in the first half of the year, likely in late 2025 or early 2026. This is a significant deviation from the usual summer premiere and suggests ABC is keen to capitalize on the hype quickly.

The Men and the Drama

The casting of the men for Taylor’s season will also be crucial. Producers are likely seeking contestants who can handle her existing fame and the intense media spotlight. The narrative will undoubtedly explore themes of forgiveness, second chances, and the struggle to find authentic connection when one partner is already a public figure with a highly-publicized past. Discussions around privacy, especially concerning the infamous "Fantasy Suites," have already begun, with Taylor herself speaking out about how she plans to navigate these sensitive topics on the show.

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The season will be a true test of whether the *Bachelorette* format can successfully integrate a major social media influencer with a pre-established, controversial reality TV career. It’s a gamble for ABC, but one that promises to deliver a level of drama and media attention that the franchise hasn't seen in years. Whether Taylor finds lasting love or not, her season is guaranteed to be a cultural moment and a major topic of conversation for all of Bachelor Nation.