Taylor Frankie Paul has been announced as the new lead for the upcoming season of The Bachelorette, sparking both surprise and intrigue in media circles. Unlike traditional selections from the show’s earlier contestants, Paul’s appointment marks a notable shift, given her background in another realm of reality TV. However, her choice for the role appears to align seamlessly with some fundamental aspects of the franchise, offering potential for engaging television.
One of the evident reasons she is a suitable fit is her existing involvement in Disney’s expansive reality TV network. ABC, the home of The Bachelor franchise, and Hulu, where Paul stars in Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, are both under the Disney umbrella. This connection provides a strategic opportunity for cross-promotion, tapping into the shared audiences of these reality series.
Paul gained prominence through her presence on TikTok as part of MomTok, a segment featuring lifestyle content from a group of Mormon women in Utah. Her notoriety surged in 2022 when she publicized her divorce, citing infractions in her open marriage’s “soft swinging” guidelines — a narrative that became a pivotal moment in her career. Despite the initial backlash, her openness about her lifestyle choices ultimately led her to Hulu’s Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, further elevating her profile.
Paul’s addition to The Bachelorette comes at a time when she’s recently become single, having ended a relationship with Dakota Mortensen. Her current status complements the show’s format, where she will be dating multiple suitors simultaneously. This dynamic echoes aspects of her past relationships, notably the polyamorous elements that have been part of her public persona — a concept not foreign to the Bachelor franchise.
While there might be initial resistance or curiosity regarding her past from both the audience and the contestants — typically unaware of pop culture specifics — Paul’s journey reflects the franchise’s longstanding embrace of exploring love through complex romantic scenarios. As she steps into her role, Paul brings with her a narrative that harmonizes with The Bachelorette’s themes, potentially offering a fresh and resonant perspective on finding love through the show’s unique lens.
Taylor Frankie Paul’s appointment demonstrates the evolving nature of reality television and the intersections of personal experiences and public entertainment. Her journey thus far suggests a compelling season ahead, highlighting the multifaceted pursuit of genuine connections amidst a high-profile backdrop.