“The Bachelorette” is set to return for its 22nd season on March 22, 2026, marking a notable shift in its scheduling. The popular reality series, which airs on ABC, will premiere at 8 p.m. ET/PT on a Sunday, a departure from its usual Monday night slot. Following the broadcast, episodes will be available for streaming on Hulu the next day.
This season introduces Taylor Frankie Paul, a 31-year-old TikTok influencer from Utah, as the lead. Paul, known for her candid discussions on motherhood and relationships, is a unique choice for the show, as she is the first Bachelorette selected from outside the traditional “Bachelor” Nation circle. Her announcement as the lead came during a September 2025 appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, signaling a bold crossover for ABC by blending the themes of her previous show, “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” with the romantic drama of “The Bachelorette.”
Filming for this season took place from October 26 to December 19, 2025, in locations including Los Angeles and culminating in a scenic finale in Saint Lucia. The cast features 22 bachelors competing for Paul’s affection, with early attention focused on contestants like Brad Ledford, who has a controversial past linked to a 2014 car accident involving former congressman Madison Cawthorn.
To build excitement for the season, ABC will air a special preview episode titled “The Bachelorette: Before the First Rose” on March 15, 2026, immediately after the 98th Academy Awards. This half-hour special will feature insights from 18 former Bachelorettes, including well-known names like Trista Sutter and Kaitlyn Bristowe. The episode aims to reflect on their experiences and provide advice to Paul, and will be available for streaming on Hulu the following day.
The decision to premiere on a Sunday in March deviates from the franchise’s typical January or summer launches, possibly to avoid clashes with major events while capitalizing on post-Oscar viewership. Promotional content from ABC and the official “Bachelorette” Instagram hints at “the most dramatic season yet,” showcasing intense moments, emotional dialogues, and the show’s signature rose ceremonies.
Paul’s background as a single mother of three has generated considerable interest. She has openly shared her experiences with divorce and co-parenting, which have resonated with her large online audience. In interviews, Paul described her upcoming journey as “surreal,” expressing her desire to form genuine connections while navigating the complexities of public scrutiny.
Experts in relationships and sexuality have commented on how Paul might approach the show’s renowned Fantasy Suite dates, given her Mormon background. Clinical sexologist Shan Boodram suggested in a March 2026 interview that Paul could explore aspects of intimacy that focus on “sensory pleasure,” while maintaining her personal values.
Social media buzz is growing around Paul’s distinctive personality and how her life experiences could shape her interactions on the show. Promos suggest that viewers can expect dramatic confrontations, particularly regarding differing lifestyles and values among contestants. This season’s March premiere and Sunday airing represent a strategic change for “The Bachelorette,” which has historically operated under a different schedule.
As anticipation builds for the debut on March 22, Bachelor Nation fans are eager to see how this new format and lead will impact the beloved franchise. With fresh dynamics and a unique perspective, Season 22 of “The Bachelorette” promises to deliver engaging entertainment that has captivated millions for over two decades. Viewers can tune in live on ABC or stream episodes the following day on Hulu.
