The beloved reality dating franchise is making its highly anticipated return to television screens after an extended pause. ABC has confirmed that The Bachelorette will premiere its twenty-second installment on Sunday, March 22, introducing a fresh face to the Bachelor Nation universe. In an unprecedented move for the series, the network has selected Taylor Frankie Paul, a personality from the streaming hit 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,' to serve as the season's lead—a decision that marks the first time in the show's two-decade history that a complete newcomer will be handing out the roses.
The announcement of Paul's casting came as a surprise to many when it dropped on the September 10 episode of the popular 'Call Her Daddy' podcast. The 31-year-old mother of three candidly shared her emotions about the opportunity, describing the experience as surreal. 'It has not hit me right now in this moment,' she admitted during the interview. 'I'm just thinking about it, and it's not real. And it's not going to be until I think the limo is pulling up, you know? And meeting the people. So, I'm nervous.' Her genuine reaction resonated with fans who have been eager for updates following the controversial conclusion of Season 21, which featured Jenn Tran and ended in September 2024.
Paul's journey represents a significant departure from tradition. Since the franchise launched in 2003, every Bachelorette has been selected from previous Bachelor seasons, creating a self-contained ecosystem of returning contestants. By choosing Paul, ABC is opening the door to a broader talent pool and potentially revitalizing the format with an entirely new perspective. The Utah-based influencer has been clear about her expectations for a partner, telling podcast listeners she hopes to find someone 'hardworking' and 'motivated' in their '30s, early 40s' who would be willing to relocate to her home state. This specific criteria sets the stage for a cast tailored to her lifestyle and preferences.
With the premiere date rapidly approaching, ABC has officially unveiled the lineup of 22 suitors competing for Paul's affection. The diverse group represents a wide range of professions, backgrounds, and personalities, each bringing unique qualities to the mansion. Let's explore the men who will be vying for the final rose.
The cast includes several entrepreneurs and business professionals who seem to align with Paul's desire for ambition and drive. Aaron Kahng, a 32-year-old product manager from Vineyard, Utah, stands out as a local connection—his hometown proximity could be advantageous, though his inability to sleep past 7 a.m. might make for early morning dates. Brad Ledford, a 29-year-old cowboy and entrepreneur from Newport Beach, California, combines rugged charm with business acumen, harboring aspirations to obtain his private pilot's license. At 35, Christopher from Vacaville, California, brings maturity as a business owner with sophisticated tastes, enjoying psychological thrillers and vinyl records.
The technology and engineering sectors are well-represented in this season's roster. Basey, a 30-year-old mechanical engineer from Nashville, Tennessee, admits to sleeping with his socks on and idolizing the late Steve Irwin, suggesting a quirky yet practical personality. Conrad Ukropina, a 32-year-old startup founder from Santa Monica, California, boasts an impressive resume as an Eagle Scout who has attended the Stagecoach music festival an astonishing 12 times—demonstrating both discipline and a love for country music culture.
Creative professionals add artistic flair to the competition. Clayton, a 36-year-old singer and songwriter from Nashville, enjoys horseback riding and appreciates flower bouquets, perhaps indicating a romantic sensibility. His musical background could create memorable moments if he chooses to serenade the Bachelorette. The entertainment world connections continue with Johnnie LaRossa, a 30-year-old former professional baseball player from Massapequa, New York, whose dance moves have achieved viral status on TikTok, promising entertaining group date performances.
The season also features men with more traditional career paths who bring their own unique charms. Brandon Perce, a 28-year-old loan officer from Spearfish, South Dakota, reveals a softer side with his appreciation for 'The Notebook' and roasted marshmallows—classic romantic gestures that might win points with the lead. Doug, a 28-year-old ocean lifeguard from San Diego, California, combines physical fitness with a fun-loving attitude, capable of riding a unicycle and engaging in witty banter.
Geographic diversity is evident throughout the cast, with contestants hailing from across the United States. While several men come from California—including Newport Beach, Santa Monica, San Diego, and Vacaville—the group also represents Utah, Tennessee, New York, and South Dakota. This variety ensures a mix of regional cultures and lifestyles that will test Paul's flexibility and preferences. Notably, Aaron Kahng and another contestant from Provo, Utah, suggest the producers have prioritized candidates willing to consider life in Paul's home state.
The age range of the suitors, spanning from 28 to 36, closely matches Paul's stated preference for partners in their thirties and early forties. This alignment indicates that casting directors carefully considered her specifications when selecting the lineup. The median age appears to hover around 30, providing a balance of youthful energy and mature relationship readiness.
What makes this season particularly intriguing is the blend of traditional Bachelorette archetypes with fresh personalities. The inclusion of a cowboy, a former professional athlete, multiple entrepreneurs, and creative artists creates dynamic possibilities for group dates and one-on-one interactions. Each contestant's 'fun fact' reveals carefully curated personality traits designed to spark conversation and create memorable first impressions—from sleeping habits to pop culture preferences to unique skills like unicycle riding.
The decision to premiere on a Sunday night rather than the franchise's traditional Monday slot also signals ABC's strategic repositioning of the show. This scheduling change, combined with the casting of a non-alumna lead, suggests the network is committed to reinvigorating the brand and attracting both loyal Bachelor Nation viewers and new audiences drawn by Paul's existing fanbase from her previous reality TV appearance.
As March 22 approaches, speculation will undoubtedly mount about which suitors will form early connections with Paul. Will she gravitate toward the Utah natives who understand her lifestyle? Or will the allure of a coastal entrepreneur or a Nashville creative prove irresistible? The fact that she has been so specific about her criteria—hardworking, motivated, and relocation-ready—provides a clear lens through which to evaluate each contestant's potential compatibility.
The Bachelorette franchise has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years regarding its formulaic approach and the authenticity of its relationships. By introducing a lead with no prior connection to the Bachelor universe, ABC has an opportunity to reset expectations and present a more genuine quest for love. Paul's status as a mother of three also adds a layer of maturity and seriousness to her journey, potentially attracting contestants who are truly ready for commitment rather than seeking influencer fame.
The full cast reveal allows fans to begin their preseason research, scouring Instagram profiles and analyzing bios for clues about who might be front-runners. Social media activity will be closely monitored for spoilers, and the men's interactions with Paul's accounts will be dissected for hints. This digital detective work has become an integral part of the modern Bachelorette viewing experience, extending engagement far beyond the weekly episodes.
Ultimately, Season 22 represents a pivotal moment for the franchise. The combination of a newcomer lead, a carefully curated cast of age-appropriate and geographically compatible suitors, and a strategic scheduling shift demonstrates ABC's responsiveness to audience feedback and evolving media landscape. As Taylor Frankie Paul prepares to step out of the limo and into her new role, Bachelor Nation watches with renewed interest, eager to see if this bold experiment will yield the genuine love story that has become increasingly elusive in reality television.
The stage is set for a season that could either redefine the franchise or serve as a cautionary tale about deviating from proven formulas. With 22 men ready to embark on this journey and a lead who brings authenticity, specific expectations, and a fresh perspective, The Bachelorette is poised for its most intriguing chapter in years.