What the data shows
The upcoming season of The Bachelorette raises questions about how personal controversies can impact reality television. Taylor Frankie Paul, who has been announced as the lead for Season 22, is currently involved in a domestic assault investigation with Dakota Mortensen. Despite this, the show’s release schedule remains unaffected, with the season premiering on March 22, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
Paul’s journey on The Bachelorette is notable as she is the first lead to not have previously appeared on The Bachelor. This season is expected to consist of 11 to 12 episodes, following the typical format of previous seasons. Filming for the season concluded in December 2025, and production reportedly has been eager to keep the momentum going, as indicated by a source close to the production.
In her personal life, Taylor Frankie Paul was previously married to Tate Paul from 2016 to 2022 and shares a son named Ever with Dakota Mortensen, who was born in 2024. Paul has three children in total. Her relationship with Mortensen has been tumultuous, marked by legal issues related to domestic incidents. These complexities add a layer of intrigue to her role as the lead on The Bachelorette.
Despite the ongoing investigation, a representative from Variety confirmed that it would not impact the release schedule or press plans for the show. This decision highlights the show’s commitment to maintaining its timeline, regardless of the surrounding controversies.
Paul has expressed openness to dating individuals from various backgrounds, stating, “I’d be open to Mormons. I still am obviously ’cause I’m Mormon, but he doesn’t have to be.” This perspective may resonate with viewers and participants alike, as the show often explores diverse relationships and backgrounds.
As the premiere date approaches, fans are eager to see how the season unfolds, especially given the dramatic cliffhanger that concluded the previous season, which involved Taylor’s on-again, off-again relationship with Dakota. This backdrop of personal drama is expected to play a significant role in the upcoming season’s narrative.
With the show’s history of intertwining personal stories with romantic pursuits, viewers are left to wonder how Paul’s ongoing legal issues will influence her journey on The Bachelorette. Details remain unconfirmed, but the anticipation surrounding the season continues to grow.
