
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is returning for a third season on Hulu. Set to premiere on November 13, this Emmy-nominated series continues to follow the lives of Utah-based TikTok mom influencers known collectively as #MomTok, who are navigating the complicated intersections of friendship, faith, and public scrutiny. The series initially captured attention in 2022 when Taylor Frankie Paul went viral after revealing her involvement in a so-called “soft swinging” arrangement with her ex-husband, Tate, and other couples. This revelation shook the public perception of the wholesome #MomTok image and led to widespread speculation and intense social media discussion.
Season 3 will include new episodes with returning cast members, including Taylor Frankie Paul, Demi Engemann, Jen Affleck, Jessi Ngatikaura, Layla Taylor, Mayci Neeley, Mikayla Matthews, Miranda McWhorter, and Whitney Leavitt.
Drama, Loyalty, and Friendship
Season 3 picks up immediately after the events of season 2, continuing the interpersonal drama and tension that has kept fans hooked. Hulu’s synopsis teases a season filled with “new revelations and allegations that might put the #MomTok community in jeopardy.” Loyalties will be tested, friendships strained, and trust challenged as cast members navigate the fallout of past scandals.
The trailer for the new season captures the heightened tension: discussions about a “leak in mom talk,” lie detector tests, and confrontations that threaten to unravel relationships within the group. Fans can expect intense scenes where emotions run high, relationships are questioned, and every decision has consequences not just for individual members, but for the collective reputation of #MomTok.
While some former controversies, like Demi Engemann’s fallout with certain cast members, remain unresolved, the series promises to provide clarity on whether the group can move forward or if divisions will ultimately pull them apart. Taylor Frankie Paul emphasized that while she received much of the public scrutiny, the decisions involved were a group matter, reminding viewers that these women are navigating complex social dynamics as adults.
Vanderpump Villa and the Italy Drama
Adding an international twist to the saga, Demi Engemann, Jessi Ngatikaura, Layla Taylor, and Mikayla Matthews traveled to Italy to spend time with Jen Affleck before her move to Arizona. The group stayed at the luxurious Castello Rosato, where they were also featured on Hulu’s Vanderpump Villa.
During their stay, Demi spent some time with server Marciano Brunette, who was reportedly smitten from the start. After a game of Never Have I Ever with the staff, Demi and Marciano had a private conversation. While Demi reaffirmed her happiness in her marriage, Marciano hinted at something more between them, which Demi denied.
The fallout of the Italy trip carried over into The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. In the Season 2 finale, Layla met with Marciano to uncover the truth about what happened in Italy. The conversation revealed that Marciano claimed to have slept with Jessi, sparking allegations of an affair. While Jessi had previously addressed a rumor about kissing Marciano at TomTom, she denied the affair.
Criticism Over the Use of “Mormon”
While The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has built a loyal fanbase, the series hasn’t escaped criticism. Some viewers, particularly active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have expressed frustration that the women on the show continue to use the word Mormon to describe themselves, even though many of their actions and storylines don’t align with church teachings or cultural standards. These critics argue that the show blurs the line between practicing members and those who have stepped away from traditional beliefs, potentially misrepresenting the faith to a national audience. Still, others see the series as an opportunity for open dialogue about how individuals define their spiritual identity in modern culture.
A Different Perspective: Real Latter-day Saint Women
In contrast to the criticism surrounding The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, a recent book published by Cedar Fort, The Not-So-Secret Lives of Real “Mormon” Wives, highlights the authentic faith, service, and family-centered lives of women who are active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The authors of the book, Fernanda Böhme, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Kimberly DowDell, Shayla Egan, Esther Jackson-Stowell, Caroline Melazzo, Allison Hong Merrill, and Kerry Owen, share uplifting stories of discipleship, resilience, and devotion to Christ. The collection offers a refreshing look at what it truly means to live according to gospel principles, emphasizing faith, family, and community service—values that some viewers feel are missing from the reality series.
By Todd Noall, Source Expert
Todd Noall is an author and religious scholar at Mormonism Explained with a focus on the history and theology of religion.
Fact Checked by Mr. Kevin Prince, Source Expert
Kevin Prince is a religious scholar and host of the Gospel Learning Youtube channel. His channel has garnered over 41,000 subscribers and accumulated over 4.5 million views. Mr. Prince also created the Gospel Learning App, a reliable platform where individuals seeking truth can access trustworthy answers to religious questions from top educators worldwide.
About Mormonism Explained
Mormonism Explained is a resource that was designed to provide objective and factual information about Mormonism, its history, doctrines, and policies. Our team of researchers consults experts and primary sources to present factual information on a variety of topics relevant to the Mormon Church.
Tags
