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Shock ripples through fans in 2026 as ABC hands the roses to a star from outside its franchise. The casting of Taylor Frankie Paul – announced on Alex Cooper’s “Call Her Daddy” podcast on Sept 10, 2025 – marks the first time a lead wasn’t plucked from Bachelor alumni, and that matters because it signals a deliberate audience-reach experiment. Variety and The Hollywood Reporter confirm the timeline and Paul’s own pledge to be authentic on screen. Does ABC just reset how it builds reality-star power?
What changes now for Bachelor Nation and reality TV in 2026
- Taylor Frankie Paul named The Bachelorette on Sept 10, 2025; first non‑Bachelor alumna lead.
- ABC announced the casting via Alex Cooper’s podcast, an unusual network PR move.
- The Bachelorette will debut in 2026, shifting the franchise’s usual rollout.
- The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 3 premieres Nov 13, 2025, creating cross‑promotion opportunities.
Why ABC’s podcast announcement is a bigger TV PR gamble today
Networks rarely hand major casting news to a third‑party podcast; ABC doing so suggests it’s chasing social audiences rather than traditional morning‑show bumps. That tactic matters now because younger viewers discover stars on TikTok and podcasts, not only on network promos. For fans, that means the franchise could lean into crossover influencers and viral moments – and fans decide if that payoff is worth the friction. If you prefer classic Bachelor rollouts, expect surprises.
How fans and insiders reacted in the first 48 hours after the casting
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Industry watchers called the move strategic and messy at once, sparking heated threads on X and reaction podcasts that framed Paul as both a ratings asset and a risk. Some long‑time viewers bristled at a lead outside Bachelor alumni traditions; others welcomed fresh blood. If you loved the franchise’s past rhythms, you’re part of the debate – will new viewers balance old fans?
Taylor Frankie Paul is officially our new Bachelorette. I released my thoughts last night before the announcement. The hypocrisy in this fan base is shining through. Selective outrage at its finest. https://t.co/bn2OAGwy9n
— RealitySteve (@RealitySteve) September 10, 2025
The data points that show ABC is chasing influencer audiences now
Early indicators: social volume spiked on announcement day, and cross‑promo timing ties two reality properties together. Expect networks to test nontraditional reveal channels more often this season.
The numbers that shape how this casting could change 2026
| KPI | Value + Unit | Change/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Podcast announcement | Sept 10, 2025 | First podcast-first reveal for ABC |
| Bachelorette debut | 2026 | Schedule shift for the franchise |
| Mormon Wives S3 premiere | Nov 13, 2025 | Cross‑promotion window opens |
Why the podcast reveal created a fresh controversy for Bachelor Nation
Critics argue a podcast-first reveal shortchanges legacy viewers used to network events, while supporters say it earns instant social buzz and wider reach. The friction makes the show feel like an experiment; will the numbers follow the noise? Fans are already voting with attention and reaction clips.
#SecretLivesOfMormonWives star Taylor Frankie Paul is ready to “shake things up” as the next #Bachelorette — and the first person from outside the franchise to lead the show. https://t.co/EFxP6RXlfF
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) November 7, 2025
What this shift means for viewers and the franchise in 2026
Expect more surprise crossovers, influencer‑led casting, and tighter social promotion windows aimed at younger viewers. Taylor Frankie Paul brings her MomTok audience and Hulu crossover potential into Bachelor Nation, which could boost streaming adjacencies and live tuning. Will fans accept a franchise that chases virality over tradition?
Sources
- https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/bachelorette-taylor-frankie-paul-secret-lives-of-mormon-wives-1236513065/
- https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/taylor-frankie-paul-bachelorette-secret-lives-mormon-wives-1236404509/
- https://people.com/secret-lives-of-mormon-wives-taylor-frankie-paul-named-bachelorette-lead-season-22-11807006/
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.