What is the story about?
What's Happening?
On September 10, Alex Cooper, host of the popular podcast Call Her Daddy, announced Taylor Frankie Paul as the lead for Season 22 of The Bachelorette. This marks a significant departure from the franchise's traditional casting practices, as Paul is the first lead chosen from outside the Bachelor Nation. Historically, The Bachelorette has selected its leads from previous Bachelor seasons, but Paul, a star of Hulu's Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, has never appeared on any Bachelor Nation show. The announcement was made on Cooper's podcast, which reaches 10 million listeners per episode, and was confirmed by Disney's ABC. Paul expressed initial disbelief at the offer but has accepted the role while continuing her involvement with Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which premieres its third season on November 13.
Why It's Important?
The announcement of Taylor Frankie Paul as the new Bachelorette on a podcast rather than through traditional media channels highlights a shift in how reality TV casting news is disseminated. Podcasts like Call Her Daddy are increasingly becoming the preferred platforms for such announcements, as they reach younger audiences that networks are eager to engage. This trend underscores the growing influence of podcasts in shaping cultural conversations and entertainment narratives. SiriusXM's $125 million investment in Cooper's podcast network reflects the strategic importance of this medium. As networks like ABC adapt to these changes, traditional media outlets may find themselves sidelined in favor of platforms that offer direct access to key demographics.
What's Next?
The Bachelorette Season 22 is set to begin filming in early 2026, with Taylor Frankie Paul balancing her role on two reality shows simultaneously. If the season achieves high ratings, it could lead to more cross-platform casting decisions by Disney. Additionally, Call Her Daddy is competing for the first-ever Golden Globe for Best Podcast, with nominations announced on December 8. A win would further solidify the podcast's role as a leading platform for entertainment announcements. Competing podcasts may adopt similar strategies, potentially leading to a decline in traditional press releases for reality TV casting news.
Beyond the Headlines
The shift towards podcast-based casting announcements may have broader implications for the entertainment industry. As podcasts gain prominence, traditional media outlets could lose exclusive access to casting news, altering the dynamics of entertainment journalism. This change may also influence how networks strategize their marketing and audience engagement efforts, prioritizing platforms that offer direct interaction with younger demographics. The evolving landscape could lead to innovative approaches in content creation and distribution, as networks and producers seek to leverage the reach and influence of popular podcasts.
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