The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives explained

Genre:Reality television
Composer:Max Beck
Country:United States
Language:English
Num Seasons:1
Num Episodes:8
Editor:Svein Mikkelsen
Runtime:39–48 minutes
Company:Jeff Jenkins Productions
Network:Hulu

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is an American reality television series created for Hulu. The series follows a group of eight Utah-based TikTok influencers, known as "MomTok," as they navigate the complexities of their personal and professional lives.[1] The first season was released in its entirety on September 6, 2024, and became Hulu's most-watched unscripted season premiere of 2024. The following month, the series was picked up for an additional 20 episodes, set to be released in spring 2025.

Overview

In 2022, Utah influencer Taylor Frankie Paul went viral for revealing that she and her husband had been "soft-swinging" with other Mormon couples.[2] [3] The series begins months later as Paul and her group of influencer friends, dubbed "MomTok," deal with the fallout of the scandal.[4] The show soon became a sensation, despite the history of polygamy under United States law.

Cast

Timeline of cast members

Cast member! colspan="2"
Seasons
12
Jen Affleckcolspan="2"
Demi Engemanncolspan="2"
Whitney Leavittcolspan="2"
Mikayla Matthewscolspan="2"
Mayci Neeleycolspan="2"
Jessi Ngatikauracolspan="2"
Taylor Frankie Paulcolspan="2"
Layla Taylor

Production

Several months after Paul's "soft-swinging" scandal, the group was approached to star in a reality television series.[5] In February 2023, Paul was arrested for domestic assault after an argument with her boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen.[6] [7] The incident was featured in the first episode of the series.[8] The series' title sequence was filmed at the Provo Utah Temple.[9]

Production on the second season began in October 2024.[10]

Release

The series' premiere date was officially announced on July 26, 2024.[11] [12] On August 14, 2024, the first trailer and official cast photos were released.[13] The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives was released on September 6, 2024, on Hulu in the United States. Internationally, the show was made available to stream on Disney+.[14]

On October 3, 2024, the series was picked up for an additional 20 episodes, set to be released in spring 2025.[15]

Reception

Viewership

On September 11, 2024, Hulu announced that The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives was the streaming service's most-watched unscripted season premiere of 2024.[16] [17] It reached No. 7 on the Nielsen streaming ratings for original series during the week of September 2–8, 2024, becoming Hulu's first unscripted series to chart in the rankings.[18] [19] TVision, which utilizes its TVision Power Score to evaluate CTV programming performance by factoring in viewership and engagement across over 1,000 apps and incorporating four key metrics—viewer attention time, total program time available for the season, program reach, and app reach—calculated that The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives was the tenth most-streamed show during the week of September 2 to 8, 2024.[20] It later moved to eighth place during from September 9 to September 15, 2024.[21] Whip Media, which tracks viewership data for the more than 25 million worldwide users of its TV Time app, calculated that the series was the tenth most-streamed original series during the week of September 15, 2024.[22]

Critical response

David Oliver of USA Today praised The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives for its effective mix of elements from Gossip Girl, The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, and Mean Girls. They found the series engaging, highlighting its focus on themes like friendship, faith, infidelity, and scandal within a group of Mormon influencers. Oliver noted that the show stands out for its candid portrayal of issues such as sex, divorce, and emotional abuse, presenting a bold and honest depiction of Mormon women confronting societal expectations.[23] Samantha Nungesser of Decider stated that The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives lives up to its reputation by keeping viewers fully engaged with its dramatic twists. Nungesser found the focus on Paul's swinging scandal and arrest particularly interesting, especially noting the shocking body-cam footage. They praised the series for effectively blending personal drama, such as marital struggles and trust issues, with insights into Mormon culture. Highlighting intense moments like Jen's marital threats and Whitney's departure from "#MomTok," Nungesser described the show as a must-watch reality series filled with scandal and emotion.[24] Yonni Uribe of SLUG Magazine complimented The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives for sparking discussions about Mormonism and personal authenticity, despite initial concerns about its portrayal of the religion. They concluded with enthusiasm for the show's engaging drama and anticipation for future seasons.[25] While Jessica Grose of The New York Times noted that the series was "being sold as regular reality TV dreck", she did not expect the series' deeper theme of religious conflict within the Latter Day Saint community, specifically with women who struggle to balance the traditional values of Mormonism with the modern values of greater society in the 21st century.[26]

Sarah Stiefvater of PureWow described The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives as a captivating reality series that she binge-watched in a single day. They praised the show for its blend of scandal, personal drama, and distinctive Mormon culture. Stiefvater highlighted the series' authentic portrayal of the complex struggles among the women of "#MomTok," noting its contrast to the more contrived drama of other reality TV series. They appreciated the mix of piety and hypocrisy, particularly in the dynamics between Taylor Frankie Paul and Whitney Leavitt, and valued the genuine moments of female solidarity. Despite the show's quirks and the sometimes questionable decisions of its cast, Stiefvater found it to be "reality TV gold" and eagerly anticipates the next season.[27] Monica Hesse of The Washington Post said that The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives highlights the irony of social media influencers who promote traditional homemaking while secretly being the primary earners. Hesse found that, despite its "petty dramas" and "trash buffet" feel, the show effectively exposes the effort these women put into maintaining the illusion of domesticity. They praised the series for revealing the contradictions between the influencers' public personas and private realities, noting that their apparent self-subjugation is intertwined with self-possession in their successful careers.[28] Kevin Fallon of The Daily Beast asserted that The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives captures viewers with its chaotic mix of reality TV tropes, finding the cast's pursuit of fame both baffling and irresistible. Fallon noted that the show's tone is inconsistent and its storytelling shallow, particularly in how it glosses over major plot points such as the swinger scandal. Despite these shortcomings, Fallon complimented the series for being oddly captivating, drawing him into its web of drama, confusion, and intrigue, and leaving Fallon wanting more despite his initial reservations.[29]

LDS Church response

On August 16, 2024, ahead of the series' release, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) released the following statement on their website:

They also spoke to the fascination that viewers have with the LDS Church, stating:

A Change.org petition urging Hulu to cancel the series was created prior to the series' premiere.[30]

Along with the LDS Church, several leaders within the faith have spoken against the nature of the show and its virality, specifically what it means for the public perception of its followers. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife, a sex therapist and marriage counselor, stated that the show could "feed the fantasies" of outsiders who believe LDS Church members do not believe in chastity and fidelity.[31]

In an opinion piece for the Deseret News, which is owned by the LDS Church, Sarah Jane Weaver stated, "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is not a representation of me or my friends or my daughters or their friends or of the women I have met across the globe. It simply is not. My invitation and plea to any media writing about these women is simple. There are millions of Latter-day Saint women who live their faith differently than these outliers being promoted online. They are smart, educated, funny and content. Find them, talk to them and tell their stories."[32]

Lindsay Arnold, a member of the LDS Church, stated, "I think there's a lot of people out there mad about the show, upset about it. I honestly really don't feel any of those things. I watched. I was entertained."[33]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Walsh . Savannah . September 12, 2024 . How 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Became Tok of the Town . 2024-09-18 . . en-US . September 27, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240927045412/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/story/how-the-secret-lives-of-mormon-wives-became-tok-of-the-town . live .
  2. Web site: Roy . Jessica . 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Are About to Go Public . . 10 September 2024 . 6 September 2024 . September 10, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240910223808/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/06/style/secret-lives-mormon-wives-momtok.html . live .
  3. Waxman . Olivia B. . The Story Behind 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' . . 10 September 2024 . 6 September 2024 . September 10, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240910221608/https://time.com/7018258/the-secret-lives-of-mormon-wives-hulu-explained/ . live .
  4. Web site: Gularte . Alejandra . The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Exposed . . 10 September 2024 . 6 September 2024 . September 10, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240910224321/https://www.vulture.com/article/secret-lives-of-mormon-wives-hulu-cast-swinging.html . live .
  5. Web site: Seitz . Loree . 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Stars Unpack MomTok Fascination, Swinging Scandal . . 10 September 2024 . 7 September 2024 . September 10, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240910224934/https://www.thewrap.com/the-secret-lives-of-mormon-wives-momtok-interview-hulu/ . live .
  6. Web site: Tolentino . Daysia . Mom influencer Taylor Frankie Paul arrested and charged with assault and domestic violence, officials say . . 17 September 2024 . 24 February 2023 . September 17, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240917011809/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/taylor-frankie-paul-mom-influencer-arrested-rcna72185 . live .
  7. Web site: Bittan . Ryan . Utah influencer Taylor Frankie Paul pleads guilty to aggravated assault after incident with boyfriend . . 17 September 2024 . 28 August 2023 . September 17, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240917012052/https://www.abc4.com/news/wasatch-front/utah-influencer-taylor-frankie-paul-pleads-guilty-to-aggravated-assault-after-incident-with-boyfriend/ . live .
  8. Web site: Azeem . Safwan . 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Star Fears Watching the Show . . 17 September 2024 . 17 September 2024 . September 17, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240917051602/https://collider.com/secret-lives-of-mormon-wives-taylor-frankie-fears/ . live.
  9. Web site: May . Emily . Church, members, public respond to 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' . . 17 September 2024 . 10 September 2024 . September 17, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240917032100/https://universe.byu.edu/metro/church-members-public-respond-to-the-secret-lives-of-mormon-wives . live.
  10. Web site: Aurthur . Kate . 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Renewed for Season 2 at Hulu — and Production Begins Next Week . . 3 October 2024 . 3 October 2024.
  11. Web site: White . Peter . Hulu Lines Up 'The Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives' Reality Docuseries – Update . . 10 September 2024 . 29 July 2024 . September 10, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240910182635/https://deadline.com/2024/07/hulu-the-secret-lives-of-mormon-wives-reality-docuseries-1235807605/ . live .
  12. Web site: Schneider . Michael . 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Chronicles Swinging Sex Scandal in New Hulu Series . . 10 September 2024 . 29 July 2024 . September 7, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240907042220/https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/the-secret-lives-of-mormon-wives-swinging-sex-scandal-hulu-1236088947/ . live .
  13. Web site: Tinoco . Armando . Hulu's 'The Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives' Season 1 Cast Photos, Trailer & Episode Release Date Schedule . . 10 September 2024 . 15 August 2024 . September 12, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240912220928/https://deadline.com/gallery/the-secret-lives-of-mormon-wives-cast-photos-trailer-episodes-release-date-schedule-hulu/ . live .
  14. Web site: Peach . Nikki . 17 September 2024 . The Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives: Will There Be A Season Two? . 2024-09-18 . . en.
  15. Web site: Rice . Lynette . 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Renewed For 20 Additional Episodes By Hulu . . 3 October 2024 . 3 October 2024.
  16. Web site: Seitz . Loree . 11 September 2024 . 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Is Hulu's Most-Watched Unscripted Premiere of 2024, Streamer Says Exclusive . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240917012551/https://www.thewrap.com/the-secret-lives-of-mormon-wives-hulu-streaming-viewership-popularity/ . September 17, 2024 . 17 September 2024 . TheWrap.
  17. Web site: Tingley . Anna . 12 September 2024 . 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Stars Taylor and Mayci on Letting Jen Affleck 'Learn the Hard Way' About Her Husband Zac and Whitney's MomTok Status: 'She's Not Really Close With Anyone' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240918183019/https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/the-secret-lives-of-mormon-wives-taylor-mayci-interview-1236141357/ . September 18, 2024 . 2024-09-18 . . en-US.
  18. Web site: Porter . Rick . Streaming Ratings: 'The Perfect Couple' Opens on Top With Big Premiere Week . . 3 October 2024 . 3 October 2024.
  19. Web site: Porter . Rick . 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Renewed at Hulu . . 3 October 2024 . 3 October 2024.
  20. Web site: September 10, 2024 . The TVision Power Score - Week of September 2-8, 2024 . 2024-10-09 . TVision Insights . en.
  21. Web site: September 17, 2024 . The TVision Power Score - Week of September 9-15, 2024 . 2024-10-09 . TVision Insights . en.
  22. Web site: Prange . Stephanie . 17 September 2024 . 'Only Murders in the Building' Again Tops Weekly Whip U.S. Streaming Originals Chart Through Sept. 15 . 18 September 2024 . . en-US . 18 September 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240918170224/https://www.mediaplaynews.com/only-murders-in-the-building-again-tops-weekly-whip-u-s-streaming-originals-chart-through-sept-15/ . live .
  23. Web site: Oliver . David . 6 September 2024 . These modern day Mormons are getting real about sex. But can they conquer reality TV? . 17 September 2024 . . September 27, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240927045446/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2024/09/06/secret-lives-of-mormon-wives-review/74862522007/ . live .
  24. Web site: Nungesser . Samantha . 6 September 2024 . Stream It Or Skip It: 'The Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives' On Hulu, Where A Salacious Swinging Scandal Threatens To Destroy Mormon #MomTok . 17 September 2024 . . September 17, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240917033026/https://decider.com/2024/09/06/stream-or-skip-secret-lives-mormon-wives-hulu-swinging-scandal-threatens-reputation-mormon-momtok/ . live .
  25. Web site: Uribe . Yonni . 16 September 2024 . Series Review: The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (Season 1) . 17 September 2024 . . September 17, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240917020943/https://www.slugmag.com/arts/film-arts/film-reviews/series-review-slomw/ . live .
  26. Web site: Grose . Jessica . Jessica Grose . Can 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Change a Conservative Religious Culture? . . 2 December 2024 . 7 September 2024.
  27. Web site: Stiefvater . Sarah . 9 September 2024 . I Hate Binge-Watching but I *Had* to Finish the #1 Show on Hulu in One Sitting . 17 September 2024 . . September 17, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240917014505/https://www.purewow.com/entertainment/the-secret-lives-of-mormon-wives-review . live .
  28. News: Hesse . Monica . 12 September 2024 . The irony of the professional tradwife . 17 September 2024 . . September 11, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240911203908/https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/power/2024/09/10/secret-lives-of-mormon-wives-irony/ . live .
  29. Web site: Fallon . Kevin . 13 September 2024 . 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Is a TV Abomination. Why Am I Obsessed? . 17 September 2024 . . September 17, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240917022431/https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/hulus-secret-lives-of-mormon-wives-is-a-horrific-tv-abomination . live .
  30. Web site: Richael . Emily . Voices: 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' suggests that LDS women are held to different standards . . 17 September 2024 . 5 September 2024 . September 17, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240917020538/https://www.sltrib.com/opinion/commentary/2024/09/05/voices-lds-women-are-held/ . live .
  31. Web site: Vivinetto . Gina . What the Mormon church has said amid 'Secret Lives' season . . 17 November 2024 . 25 September 2024.
  32. Web site: Weaver . Sarah Jane . Opinion: The 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' does not represent me . . 17 September 2024 . 16 September 2024 . September 17, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240917020106/https://www.deseret.com/faith/2024/09/16/opinion-secret-lives-of-mormon-wives-unfair-to-latter-day-saints/ . live .
  33. Web site: Bloom . Mike . Lindsay Arnold Reacts to 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives'–And Debunks Mormon Myths . . 17 September 2024 . 12 September 2024 . September 17, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240917032432/https://parade.com/tv/lindsay-arnold-secret-lives-of-mormon-wives-hulu . live .

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