With many hit reality television shows debuting this year, “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” has proven to be one of the most successful. The eight-episode series centers around the lives of eight women part of #MOMtok, who are categorized as either a saint or a sinner, as highlighted in the show’s introduction.

Amid a soft swinging scandal, ketamine therapy, laughing gas and vibrator brand deals, the series stays true to its title by revealing that the lives of these ‘mommy influencers’ are far more outrageous than what they show on their TikTok platforms.

In addition to the chaos surrounding these women’s lives, the weight of religious guilt casts a shadow onto their lives, impossible for audiences to ignore.

As audiences dive deeper into the series, a unique perspective of Mormon culture is shown, particularly for those with no prior knowledge of it. Although the show is dramatized, as any other reality TV show, you can’t help but also feel bad for these women who are trying to break the cycle that has been in- stilled into them since childhood. Many of these individuals were either married or gave birth at a young age, pushed into a new life without guidance on marriage or sex.

As highlighted in episode two of the series, many of these girls enter marriage without having a clue about sex education. When one of the cast tries to change the narrative by taking vibrator brand deals, they are ridiculed and shunned.
Not only are these women disclosing their personal experiences on a public platform, but all eight women have stated they are breadwinners of the family. Despite their roles as breadwinners, some face criticism from their partners, who feel the need to control their wives’ financial situations, leading to more tension within their families.

The women find them- selves stuck between adhering to Mormon values and pursuing their own desires and goals. It is difficult for these women to play by the books while creating space for personal development, which is often shunned by those who are supposed to be the closest to them.

Examining the lives of these Mormon women in Utah, the series lays bare how they are constantly pressured to maintain a religious façade by attracting public attention to their careers as influencers.

The idea of being a saint or a sinner goes beyond the simple label. It calls attention to the bigger battle of choosing personal freedom and clinging to strict moral codes created by society.