What's Happening?
On September 10, Alex Cooper, host of the popular podcast 'Call Her Daddy,' announced Taylor Frankie Paul as the new lead for Season 22 of 'The Bachelorette.' This marks a significant departure from the show's traditional casting approach, as Paul is the first Bachelorette chosen from outside the Bachelor franchise. Historically, leads have been selected from previous Bachelor seasons, but Paul, known for her role in Hulu's 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,' has never appeared on any Bachelor Nation show. The announcement was made during Cooper's podcast, which reaches millions of listeners, highlighting the growing influence of podcasts in entertainment casting decisions. Paul expressed initial disbelief at the offer but confirmed her participation, while also continuing her role in 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,' set to premiere its third season on November 13.
Why It's Important?
The announcement of Taylor Frankie Paul as the new Bachelorette through a podcast rather than traditional media channels underscores a shift in how entertainment news is disseminated. Podcasts like 'Call Her Daddy' are increasingly becoming the go-to platforms for major casting announcements, appealing to younger audiences that networks are eager to capture. This trend reflects a broader change in media consumption, where digital platforms are overtaking traditional outlets in terms of reach and influence. For networks like ABC, leveraging popular podcasts allows them to tap into demographics that might not engage with conventional press releases, potentially boosting viewership and engagement for their shows.
What's Next?
As podcasts continue to dominate the landscape of entertainment announcements, networks may increasingly rely on these platforms for casting news. The filming of 'The Bachelorette' Season 22 is set to begin in early 2026, with Taylor Frankie Paul balancing her commitments between two reality shows. If the season achieves high ratings, it could further validate the strategy of cross-platform casting and encourage more networks to adopt similar approaches. Additionally, the upcoming Golden Globes will feature a new category for Best Podcast, with 'Call Her Daddy' among the contenders, which could further elevate the status of podcasts in the entertainment industry.
Beyond the Headlines
The shift towards podcast-driven casting announcements raises questions about the future of traditional media outlets in entertainment reporting. As podcasts gain exclusivity in breaking news, legacy media may need to adapt to maintain relevance. This change also highlights the evolving nature of audience engagement, where interactive and on-demand content is preferred over static press releases. The success of this approach could lead to a reevaluation of how networks strategize their marketing and audience outreach efforts.
