Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
(In)famous Mormon TikTok moms drink, curse, argue, talk sex.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 2 parent reviews
What's the Story?
THE SECRET LIVES OF MORMON WIVES is an unscripted series about a group of Utah-based suburban Mormon mom influencers who are regrouping after a major scandal. When Taylor Frankie Paul created #MomTok on TikTok in 2020, it rose to popularity thanks to videos featuring her and other moms from her community (e.g., Jennifer Affleck, Whitney Leavitt, Jessi Ngatikaura, Mikayla Mathews, Marci Neeley, Demi Engemann, and Leyla Wessel) performing fun dance routines. But when Taylor posted a video two years later disclosing her divorce, and her and her ex's participation in "soft swinging" (romantic, but restricted, intimacy with people outside of their marriage), it made international headlines and put #MomTok at the center of a local scandal. Now Taylor is in a new relationship while facing the consequences of her previous actions, and the other #MomTok members, most of who were not part of the swinger circle, are trying to regroup and recover from the strain her decisions put on them and their families. Some are leaning on their faith to do so, while others are continuing to look for ways to feel empowered both on and off of social media.
Is It Any Good?
The voyeuristic, scandal-driven reality series features the infamous Utah-based influencer moms as they continue to build their brands and (re)negotiate relationships with their partners and with each other. While some of the women are quick to note that they know nothing about Taylor Frankie Paul's antics, they all participate in on-camera gossip sessions to capitalize on the sensational "soft swinging" story and create some overhyped conflicts.
Meanwhile, many of these women also use the series as a platform to explain why their activities, whether it be starting their own businesses or drinking and partying in Las Vegas, are acts of Mormon feminism because they challenge the patriarchal norms of the LDS church. Some cast members do have a hard time negotiating this more liberal approach to the their faith, which also creates some drama. Overall, there doesn't seem to be many secrets in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, but it does a great job of promoting #MomTok, and offers enough tabloid-worthy fodder to keep its content financially lucrative.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the consequences of putting personal details about people's private lives on social media. Is it appropriate to make something public about yourself if it involves other people?
The cast of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives are successful TikTok influencers who define as feminists by challenging the expectations placed on them by the LDS church. What potential impact can their online behavior have on how young Mormon women feel about their religion and their community?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 6, 2024
- Cast: Taylor Frankie Paul , Jennifer Affleck , Whitney Leavitt
- Network: Hulu
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: September 9, 2024
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