Mormon Mom-Fluencers Conquer Reality TV! Inside Their Incredible Journey!

Welcome to our Screen Gab newsletter, your go-to source if you’ve ever been intrigued by the #MomTok trend.

This week, our staff writer Meredith Blake delves into a new TV series inspired by a group of Utah influencers. The show, titled “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” gives viewers a peek into their relationships, friendships, faith, and of course, the typical reality TV drama (think Botox and heated hot tub debates).

In this edition of Screen Gab No. 148, we also have an interview with author Lisa Taddeo on her transition to television with “Three Women,” and a couple of streaming suggestions for your weekend.

In case you missed it

Stories that are worth catching up on

Will ‘The Golden Bachelorette’ Joan Vassos bring back the sparkle to Bachelor Nation?: Despite previous controversies and a failed marriage in the Golden Bachelor series, the latest spinoff aims to hit the viewer jackpot, this time featuring a 61-year-old grandmother.

The 15 movies we can’t wait to see this fall: Some of the titles that our writing staff is thrilled about include: “Gladiator II,” “Wicked,” “Joker: Folie à Deux,” “Blitz,” “Anora,” “We Live in Time” and “The Apprentice.”

The 16 TV shows that have us excited for this fall: Some of the shows our TV writers can’t wait to see this season include “The Golden Bachelorette,” “Matlock,” “St. Denis Medical” and “Landman.”

A glimpse into Tonka’s life post ‘Chimp Crazy’: Vegan food, art, and lots of mating: The head of the Florida animal sanctuary where Tonka now resides says, “It’s amazing how well Tonka is doing.”

What to watch

Picks from our film and TV experts

“Moonflower Murders” (PBS)

Just like the 2022 “Magpie Murders,” Anthony Horowitz, the master of TV mystery (“Midsomer Murders,” “Foyle’s War”), adapted “Moonflower Murders” from his own book. The story continues with Susan Ryeland (Lesley Manville) who is back in England, trying to solve the mystery of a missing girl whose parents believe the answer lies in a Pünd novel she edited. The plot unfolds with twin mysteries and interwoven timelines, making it an enjoyable puzzle. —Robert Lloyd

“Wynonna Earp” (Netflix)

Ever felt a show give you a warm hug? That’s what “Wynonna Earp: Vengeance” feels like. Despite its dark themes and violence, the show’s charming cast, witty dialogues, humor, and heart make it a must-watch. The release of the new special makes it the perfect time to binge the original series. —Tracy Brown

Guest appearance

A weekly discussion with actors, writers, directors and more about their current projects and what they’re watching

Lisa Taddeo, the author of the 2019 bestseller “Three Women,” has brought her book to the small screen, with a series premiering on Starz this Friday. The show, which she largely wrote and executive produced, stars Shailene Woodley, DeWanda Wise, and Betty Gilpin. We recently chatted with Taddeo about her transition to TV, why she stopped binge-watching “Sex and the City,” and more. —Matt Brennan

What have you been recommending to everyone lately?

“The Zone of Interest” [Max]. It’s a deep, dark, and impactful show that stretches the boundaries of art and empathy. The production design is so authentic that it feels more like a historical record than a film.

What’s your favorite comfort watch?

“The Princess Bride” [Disney+] and “Punch-Drunk Love” [Hulu, The Criterion Channel]. It used to be “Sex and the City,” but the more life experience I gain, the less escapist it becomes.

You’ve written magazine articles, short stories, a novel — why transition to TV with “Three Women,” and what has been your biggest challenge?

I took the leap because I want to bring important stories to a wider audience. The emotional heart of a story is always my priority, but from an artistic perspective, expanding the story into a new medium is exciting.

What do you think is lacking in pop culture’s portrayal of women’s sexuality, and what do you hope “Three Women” offers viewers on this subject?

Pop culture often hides the aspects of female sexuality that society deems too obscene, irrelevant, or unrepresentative. I hope our show removes the veil from female intimacy, helping viewers feel less alone and more open to sharing their experiences.

Breakdown

A deep-dive into the current pop culture landscape

“The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” is a Hulu reality show that follows a group of Utah influencers, the #MomTok women, in the aftermath of a scandalous revelation about their queen bee, Taylor Frankie Paul. The eight-part series explores the pressures young LDS women face to be perfect mothers and wives, while also dealing with their own ambitions and the reality of social media exposure. —Meredith Blake

Who are the women in the show? The cast includes eight moms, most of them married, and some divorced. They look similar, with plumped features and center-parted hair, so you might find it hard to remember their names.

Are they Mormons? All of them claim to be members of the Mormon Church, but their faith practices and even their use of the term “Mormon” vary greatly. The series explores unique aspects of LDS culture and the pressures young LDS women face.

Are any of the women swingers? Not exactly. Paul admits to having participated in soft swinging with her ex-husband, but the rest deny any non-monogamous activities.

What does Ben Affleck have to do with this? Well, one of the women, Jen Affleck, is married to Zac Affleck, who is Ben Affleck’s second cousin. The state of their marriage is a major talking point in the series.