If you have been asking “is The Bachelorette canceled,” the short answer is yes. Season 22 of the beloved reality dating show was scrapped just days before its scheduled premiere on March 22, 2026 . The cancellation was announced on March 19, 2026, following the emergence of a disturbing video .
But this does not necessarily mean the franchise is dead. ABC made the decision to pull this particular season, not the entire show . A statement from Disney Entertainment Television confirmed: “In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of ‘The Bachelorette’ at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family” .
The video in question showed the season’s lead, Taylor Frankie Paul, in a violent altercation with her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen . This article explores exactly what happened, why the season was canceled, and what lies ahead for the franchise.
Who Is Taylor Frankie Paul? The Lead Behind the Controversy
Taylor Frankie Paul, known from Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, was announced as the Bachelorette for Season 22 in September 2025 . At the time, the announcement generated significant buzz, as Paul was already a controversial figure in reality TV .
Paul had a prior criminal record. In 2023, she was arrested in Utah and charged with aggravated assault and domestic violence in the presence of a child . She later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor aggravated assault charge, while other charges were dismissed . This history resurfaced with a vengeance just days before her season was set to air.
What Happened? The Video That Scrapped the Season
On March 19, 2026, TMZ published a video from 2023 showing Taylor Frankie Paul physically attacking her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen . The footage was disturbing. It showed Paul hitting Mortensen and throwing metal chairs at him while her daughter was in the room .
The publication of this video triggered immediate action. Police confirmed there was an open domestic violence investigation into Paul and Mortensen, with allegations being made on both sides . The case had previously been through the courts but was now active again .
ABC’s Response and Official Statement
ABC acted swiftly. The network made the unprecedented decision to cancel the season just three days before its premiere . A spokesperson released a statement explaining the decision.
“In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of ‘The Bachelorette’ at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family” .
Rob Mills, Walt Disney Television’s EVP of unscripted and alternative entertainment, later elaborated on the decision. “We take everything a day at a time,” he told TheWrap . “We’re sort of really still processing everything and figuring out… planning for the next cycles of The Bachelor franchise, and really just kind of looking at everything, and first and foremost, honestly, just making sure that Taylor, her family, everyone is being taken care of, just on a personal and human front” .
A Season Already in the Can
What makes this cancellation particularly striking is that the season was already completed . The episodes had been filmed, edited, and were ready to air. This is a massive financial loss for the network.
The BBC’s Fame Under Fire podcast discussed the situation, noting that the series was “completed but will not be shown” . Legal experts have also weighed in on whether ABC could now face legal or financial consequences for the decision .
2025 Production Pause and the Mormon Wives Connection
The Season 22 cancellation was not the first sign of trouble. Earlier in 2025, ABC had reportedly decided to skip the usual summer production cycle for The Bachelorette .
This pause gave rise to rumors. Former Bachelorettes Trista Sutter and Rachel Recchia revealed on a podcast that the hiatus might be linked to ABC giving the coveted timeslot to another show: Season 2 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives . This decision was reportedly made because the shows target a similar demographic.
Is This the End of The Bachelorette?
The short answer is no. ABC has not canceled the franchise. They have simply canceled this specific season .
“We did not make a decision on the future of the show as a whole, but just this season,” Just Jared confirmed, citing ABC’s statement .
The network has remained vague on what comes next. Mills said they are “planning for the next cycles of The Bachelor franchise” . The Bachelor itself has been renewed for Season 30, indicating the network remains committed to the franchise . It is expected that The Bachelorette will return, but likely with a different lead and a completely new season.
Key Takeaways
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Season 22 was canceled just days before its scheduled premiere on March 22, 2026 .
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The cancellation was triggered by a video of lead Taylor Frankie Paul in a violent altercation .
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The season was already fully produced and ready to air .
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ABC has only canceled this specific season, not the franchise itself .
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The network skipped a 2025 production cycle, reportedly to give the timeslot to The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 2 .
FAQ Section
Is The Bachelorette canceled?
Season 22 of The Bachelorette starring Taylor Frankie Paul was canceled just days before its premiere in March 2026. The future of the franchise, however, remains intact .
Why was The Bachelorette canceled?
The season was canceled after a video surfaced of lead Taylor Frankie Paul in a physical altercation with her ex, Dakota Mortensen. The video, from 2023, was published by TMZ and showed Paul attacking Mortensen .
Who was supposed to be the Bachelorette in 2026?
Taylor Frankie Paul, star of Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, was announced as the Bachelorette for Season 22 in September 2025 .
What happened to Taylor Frankie Paul?
Taylor Frankie Paul was arrested in 2023 for domestic violence and pled guilty to misdemeanor aggravated assault. Following the cancellation of her season, an open domestic assault investigation was underway .
Will The Bachelorette return in the future?
Most likely, yes. ABC has only canceled Season 22 specifically, and the network continues to support other shows in the franchise, such as The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise .
Final Thoughts
The cancellation of The Bachelorette Season 22 is a cautionary tale. The show was at a critical juncture. It was trying to reinvent itself with a lead from another reality show. However, the production team failed to thoroughly vet Taylor Frankie Paul’s past . In the end, ABC had to pull the plug to protect its reputation.
The series will likely return in the future, perhaps with a different lead. For fans of the franchise, the positive news is that ABC remains committed to “The Bachelor” universe. The network has already renewed The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise for the 2026-2027 season
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