The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Reality vs. Representation
“The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” is making waves with its blend of scandal and drama. This reality show features women from Utah, a state known for its deep ties to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). Themes like infidelity and emotional struggles challenge traditional views of Mormons and their faith.
The show’s third season just premiered, breaking records on Hulu and Disney+. It follows a group of female influencers navigating friendship troubles and romantic crises. The trailer hinted at the chaos to come, declaring that “these Latter-day Saints are no angels.”
The series has stirred conversation among Latter-day Saints in the UK. Many feel the show doesn’t reflect their everyday lives. Ben, a 27-year-old podcast producer near Burnley, puts it bluntly: “We’re normal people.” He acknowledges that issues like infidelity exist but believes they’re less common due to conscious efforts to avoid such situations. His wife, Olivia, is hooked on the show, marking new episodes in their calendar.
Thousands of Latter-day Saints live in the UK. The church was established in the US in 1830 through Joseph Smith, who claimed to have received divine revelations. Members view the “Book of Mormon” as scripture alongside the Bible. Unlike many Christians, they believe Jesus and God are separate beings.
One notable trend is the impact of the show. Many UK Mormons initially hesitated to embrace it, but attitudes have softened. “Now, people are generally supportive,” Ben says. “It’s normal life.” He points out that spending time with a typical Latter-day Saint family isn’t filled with drama—it’s quite ordinary.
Traci, a 57-year-old therapist, has mixed feelings about the show’s representation. After a tough time in her youth, she returned to the church inspired by missionaries. She believes the show fails to capture the essence of actual LDS women, describing it as unrepresentative of their daily lives. “I worry about how we’re viewed,” she admits.
Despite the sensationalism, the show touches on real pressures some women face in their marriages. Jessi, one of the cast members, shares how the expectations of “perfect” family life contributed to her emotional affair. In Utah, these societal pressures can be overwhelming, creating what Ashlyn, a friend to Ben and Olivia, calls the “Utah bubble.”
Ashlyn, who studied in Utah and now lives in the UK, notes a difference in culture. While the expectations can be intense in Utah, she finds her experience in the UK to be more supportive and less confining. For Ashlyn, the LDS teachings provide guidance, not restrictions. “We’re encouraged rather than pressured,” she says.
The show also addresses sensitive topics like “soft-swinging,” which Ashlyn explains would be heavily discouraged by the church. This term describes couples engaging in flirtations or partial intimacy with others, but she insists that it’s not aligned with LDS values.
Race is another crucial aspect of the show. Layla, a black cast member, speaks out about her struggles within the church due to past teachings that linked skin color to a curse. Despite historical issues, Naomi, a young leader in her London congregation, feels accepted and supported by her church community, regardless of race.
Members of the LDS community in Britain express mixed feelings about “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” While many find it exaggerated, they recognize the intrigue it generates about their faith. The Church addressed this in a statement, emphasizing that portrayals often distort their values and real lives.
Reality shows often amplify situations for entertainment, and Naomi, a TV producer, knows this all too well. “Things are heightened to create drama,” she says.
In the end, while “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” engages viewers, it also raises questions about authenticity. The portrayal of a community often misunderstood and misrepresented calls for a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Latter-day Saint today.
For more insights on the LDS community and its historical context, visit BBC.
