Grace Vaccaro, Contributing Writer
Since 2024, when the first season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives aired on Hulu, the world has become obsessed and intrigued with the lives of these MomTok, Mormon influencers. These women took over the social media landscape back in 2022, when Taylor Frankie-Paul exposed herself with other couples that have been soft-swinging; something very controversial within the Mormon community.
Following the exposure, Frankie-Paul created a group named “MomTok,” which made up of other Mormon-mom influencers. The show follows their lives and the drama that surrounds them. The show explores the complexities of balancing life with a public image, religious expectations, and family.
On November 13th, the third season aired on Hulu with much anticipation. It has received overall positive reviews as a very real and open reality television show that shows the highs and lows of these women’s lives. Season three is the strongest season yet expanding the series’ examination of influence and Mormon culture.
One main takeaway from this season is that they are not afraid to remind the audience that they are watching a television show. One of the main conflicts of the season revolves around contracts — an aspect of reality television that is rarely shown. The season opened with the reveal that two original members, Demi Engemann and Whitney Leavitt, had left the show due to contract disputes. Leavitt ended up returning to the show simply because she would be able to audition for Dancing With the Stars if she did. This reminds the audience that reality television is not just for our entertainment; it is a business operation for those who are a part of it.
Beyond production drama, the season also dives into these women’s personal lives. They highlight the difficulties of being married while being an influencer. Many of the women appear to be in happy and prosperous relationships on social media, but the show reveals the hidden struggles many of these couples have.
Being Mormon exemplifies the struggles and especially the expectations placed upon women in relationships. Many of these women were married and having children at a very young age, most right out of high school. The Mormon church sees marriage as something that is eternal, making divorce a taboo topic. However, many of these women have been through divorce themselves and have stood up for the autonomy to make decisions over their lives and marriages.
This show continues to be a magnifying glass into the secret world of Mormon influencers. While the show thrives on drama and spectacles, on a deeper level, it’s a deep dive into faith, fame, and female empowerment.
Leave a Reply