A shocking sex scandal involving the Mormon church, TikTok stars competing to be queen bee and a cast member allegedly distantly related to Ben Affleck: The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has all the makings of a classic reality TV guilty pleasure.
It all started with #MomTok, the TikTok craze that took off in 2020 in which a gaggle of groomed, glamorous but kind-of-bored young Mormon housewives would post dances and skits to TikTok, subverting the world’s perception of supposedly strict religious communities. It all seemed sweet and innocent — until one of the #MomTok-ers, Taylor Frankie Paul, shockingly revealed in 2022 that she had indulged in “soft swinging” with other people’s partners, and that she was getting a divorce after things, predictably, went very wrong. “No one was innocent,” Taylor explained at the time. “Everyone has hooked up with, like, everyone.” (See sidebar below for another perspective.) What, you ask, is “soft swinging”? Taylor recently revealed on Nick Viall’s podcast that initially, two couples had been “making out in the same bed, [having] intercourse in the same bed next to each other, the girls kissing and the husbands touching the [others’ wives].”
And that’s where the Hulu show — the streamer’s most-watched unscripted season premiere of 2024 — picks up, with Taylor, plus fellow Mormon wives Demi Engemann, Jennifer Affleck, Jessi Ngatikaura, Layla Taylor, Mayci Neeley, Mikayla Matthews and Whitney Leavitt, baring their lives, souls and sometimes midriffs to the world.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SCENES FROM Keke's Life
The multihyphenate mom entertains and empowers with a new book that's part memoir, part self-help guide
They Found Their Happily Ever After!
Bachelorette Joan Vassos gave her final rose to Chock Chapple and he gave her aring! In an Us exclusive, they talk about tying the knot not too soon), blending families and changing a black hole” of a future to one of hope
Jennifer Love Hewitt Turning Grief Into Growth
It's been 12 years since the actress lost her adored mom, but with a new book and TV movie, she faces up to the pain and reveals how tiny gestures and good intentions have brought magic back into her life
Charles & William Game of Thrones
As King Charles continues his cancer battle, plans for his son Prince William to succeed him are underway. Sources shed light on how the inevitable changing of the guard is causing tension behind palace doors
Jennifer Talks Money, Movies & Living in a Haunted House!
She's one of the most iconic actresses in Hollywood. But Jennifer Coolidge admits that there are a few misconceptions about her.
The Early Aughts Are in Fashion Again
The controversial looks of the 2000s seem to have come back around dazzlingly fast - so what is it about Y2K that's making stylish stars try their luck with low-rise jeans?
Why Joaquim & Gisele Aren't Rushing Into Marriage
They may be expecting, but Gisele Bündchen and Joaquim Valente are in no rush to tie the knot.
Inside Teddi's Affair with Her Horse Trainer
It seems we finally have answers as to what may have led to the sudden split of Teddi Mellencamp and Edwin Arroyave: The RHOBH alum had an affair with her married horse trainer, Simon Schroeder (inset).
Blessed With a Rainbow Baby
The couple are thrilled and excited” to be expecting following a devastating pregnancy loss
Ted Danson on Secret to Marriage With 'Magnificent' Mary Steenburgen
Ted Danson has worked with thousands of creatives in his nearly 50-year acting careerand out of all of Hollywood, there's one name he's eager to see on the call sheet again.
