Gen Z is Buzzing About Mormon Wives' Lives on Hulu

This: a 27-year-old from California is surprised to find "dirty sodas" on a menu in Las Vegas. What's even more surprising? Her 19-year-old cousin from the UK knows what it is, thanks to a hit Hulu show called "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. " This show follows eight young Mormon women in their 20s and 30s living in Utah. It's like the tamer cousin of reality TV's "Real Housewives, " but it's got a unique twist that's capturing the attention of Gen Z and young millennials. The show's popularity has skyrocketed since it debuted, with nearly half of its viewers being under 35. These women, who gained fame on TikTok under the hashtag #Momtok, have a combined following of nearly 16 million. Their lives, which include abstaining from coffee and alcohol in favor of "dirty sodas, " are fascinating to many. Kathy M. Newman, an English professor at Carnegie Mellon University, thinks this fascination is just a part of America's longstanding interest in unique religious or cultural groups. The show also touches on the trend of "soft-swinging" among Mormon couples, which was revealed by one of the wives, Taylor Frankie Paul. But it's not just about the shock factor. The pandemic, global conflicts, and increasing mental health issues have left many young people feeling lost and looking for structure and meaning. Some find this in traditional values and gender roles, as seen in the rise of the #Tradwife trend. The show, however, isn't just about embracing traditional values. It also pushes back against conservatism within the Mormon community, discussing topics like sex lives and divorces. This blend of progressiveness and tradition is what's keeping viewers hooked.