Faith, friendship and feuds: "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" returns
Why it matters: The anticipated season comes amid mainstream interest in the lives of Latter-day Saint women and on the heels of a Washington Post feature that declared 2024 " the year of Mormon women."
What they're saying: Cast member Layla Taylor, 24, told Axios the series spotlighted Mormonism last year by showcasing LDS women and their varied approaches to the Utah-based faith.
"We're not telling everyone to live your life this way, but we're saying that if you do, it's OK," she said.
What's new: Season 2 introduces Miranda McWhorter, 27, who was part of the original #MomTok group that was linked to the 2022 viral swinging scandal that inspired the series.
McWhorter, who clashes with former best friend Taylor Frankie Paul over what really transpired, told Axios, "Everyone wanted to know once and for all the tea on the swinging scandal."
The season hones in on Taylor, Paul and McWhorter's experiences as single mothers in a community where divorce is deeply stigmatized.
It also explores Whitney Leavitt's fallout from #MomTok after she left the group last season.
Friction point: Despite its popularity, the series continues to be controversial to many Latter-Day Saints, who say the show "mischaracterizes" their religion.
By the numbers: Within the first five days of its May 15 release, the reality television show garnered 5 million views on Disney+ and Hulu.
10 episodes of the season are available now.
Last October, the show was renewed for 20 episodes, but it's unclear if 10 more will drop later this season or if they will appear in a potential third season.
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