Hulu renews ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ for 20 new episodes
A deeper dive into the world of MomTok
Hulu has officially renewed “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” for 20 new episodes, ensuring a second and potentially third season. The next installment is set to premiere this spring, with production kicking off next week. This renewal was a clear decision for Hulu, as the series’ full-season drop on September 6 quickly became the platform’s most-watched unscripted premiere of the year. It even surpassed other popular Hulu originals like “The Kardashians” and ABC’s reality shows such as “The Bachelor.” According to Nielsen’s data, the show ranked No. 7 on the streaming originals chart during its premiere week, based on just three days of data. The first season ended on a literal cliffhanger, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter.
The captivating lives of Utah women
The series follows a group of Utah women who are active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and have gained fame for their viral TikTok content. The show delves into the aftermath of Taylor Frankie Paul’s May 2022 confession that she and her now ex-husband had been “soft swinging” with other LDS couples in their friend circle. Although none of the other swingers agreed to be on the show, Paul was joined by MomTok castmates Mayci Neely, Demi Engemann, Jen Affleck, Jessi Ngatikaura, Layla Wessel, Mikala Mathews, and Whitney Leavitt. Leavitt announced early in the season that she didn’t consider herself a friend of Paul’s and later dramatically left the group chat. In a recent interview, Neely mentioned that Leavitt isn’t close with any of the cast anymore, and “I don’t think anyone would want her back in MomTok.”
Anticipation for the new season
The renewal announcement did not include details about the second season’s cast. However, when production starts in Utah, fans hope to catch up with Paul, who has proven to be a lightning rod. At the end of the pilot episode, filmed in winter 2023, Paul was arrested for assault following a domestic violence incident with her on-and-off boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. The incident was illustrated through body cam footage and audio from the police who responded to the call. When filming officially began, Paul was pregnant, and Mortensen was the father. Throughout the first season, viewers watched Paul struggle with Mortensen, who appeared to be a human red flag. The season ended with a cliffhanger about whether he had cheated on her again. Paul gave birth in March, and she and Mortensen were still together during the initial press tour for the show last month. However, in her recent TikToks, Paul seems to indicate that she has broken up with him.
Industry reflections and future prospects
Walt Disney Television’s Rob Mills, executive vice president of unscripted and alternative entertainment, expressed his enthusiastic endorsement: “There was a philosophical question raised in Season 1, which was ‘Can #MomTok survive this?’ The answer unequivocally is yes! Spring 2025, get your dirty sodas ready!”
“The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” is produced by Jeff Jenkins Productions, in association with 3BMG and Walt Disney Television Alternative. The executive producers for Season 1 include Jeff Jenkins, Russell Jay-Staglik, Andrea Metz, Brandon Beck, and Eric Monsky at Jeff Jenkins Productions; Ross Weintraub and Reinout Oerlemans at 3BMG; and Danielle Pistotnik, Georgia Berger, and Lisa Filipelli at Select Entertainment.
Technical analysis and industry trends
The success of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the show’s unique premise and the real-life drama of its cast members have captivated audiences. The integration of social media elements, particularly TikTok, has also played a significant role in attracting viewers. This trend of blending traditional reality TV with social media influencers is becoming increasingly popular in the industry, as it allows for a more interactive and engaging viewing experience.
Moreover, the show’s ability to address and explore complex social issues within the context of a specific community has resonated with viewers. The series provides a nuanced portrayal of the challenges and dynamics within the LDS community, offering a fresh perspective that is both informative and entertaining.
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