The debut of Hulu’s reality show The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has captivated audiences and sparked questions about the future of the popular TikTok collective, known as MomTok. The show, which premiered in 2024, quickly broke records as Hulu’s most-watched unscripted premiere, and Season Two is reportedly reaching even higher viewing numbers.
The series chronicles the lives of a group of friends navigating motherhood, the complexities of Mormonism, and high-stakes drama, all while showcasing their love for unique treats like Swig’s ‘dirty soda.’ Jessi Ngatikaura, affectionately dubbed the ‘grandma’ of the group at just 32 years old, shared her reflections on the whirlwind experience since the show’s launch.
“I feel like my life is completely different than it was a year ago,” she said. “We knew people would watch the show, but we had no idea it would become a cultural phenomenon. People dressing up as us for Halloween, and the Swig and Fruity Pebbles of it all—all of these things that took off online. It’s a really weird feeling to know that people have seen my labiaplasty journey and the ins and outs of our relationships and friendships. We signed up to do the show knowing we’d be vulnerable, sharing both good and bad moments. I just am so grateful that people connected with it. But it is weird that anywhere we go now, we get recognized.”
The fascination with their soda-centric lifestyle is undeniable, as Swig even expanded to Las Vegas. “It’s funny because it was only in a few scenes in the show, and it just took off because it’s such a part of our daily lives,” Jessi remarked.
The show’s broad appeal goes beyond the TikTok platform, as Jessi observes many who don’t engage with social media have become engrossed in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
“I think people are curious about Mormon and Utah culture specifically. That curiosity seems to draw them in. But once you tune in, you witness the raw emotions of the relationships within our group and how we navigate various dramas together. The dynamics are relatable, especially for women who understand the complexity of friendship, which can have both close ties and rivalries.”
Throughout the filming process, the bond between the cast has strengthened, fostering friendships amid challenges. Despite the inherent drama that reality TV can incite, Jessi acknowledged that the show has solidified some of her most meaningful relationships.
“I will say that it also bonds you in a really unique and cool way,” she noted, explaining how some friendships have deepened, while others have faded. “We can only understand what we’re going through on this journey, and it’s amazing to have friends by your side during it all.”
MomTok originally started as a lighthearted endeavor focusing on mom-related content and lifestyle trends, but its significance has evolved. “It means more to me now than it ever has. In the beginning, it was just us moms getting together and making fun videos, but now it really is a support system for women who lean on each other in both good and bad times. As the season unfolds, you’ll see there are personal struggles we face, and having those friends there through it is just amazing,” Jessi explained.
Despite certain criticisms regarding the portrayal of Mormon culture within the show, Jessi remains confident that their experiences reflect a surface of Utah County’s unique culture. She emphasized that religion is a personal journey, and representations can vary greatly from person to person. “Everyone can have a different experience within the same religion,” she stated.
“For me, I felt like it was accurate of Utah County, which is where we live. A lot of Mormons have seen that and agree, while others, perhaps from different places, may not resonate. But as time goes on, I believe that the specifics of Mormonism matter less than the connections being made through our stories.”
As fans may already know, the girls from MomTok recently made an appearance on the new season of Vanderpump Villa, a spin-off of the popular Vanderpump Rules. For Jessi, this collaboration was a dream come true, and she relished each moment.
“I’ve always loved Vanderpump Rules, and Lisa is such a successful business owner. As a business owner myself, I had so many questions for her—it was really exciting! Getting to meet Stassi was like fangirling for me. It was cool to go to a castle for a few days and have fun without our phones. That experience reminded me how much I love connecting with people in real life without distractions. Overall, it was just amazing!”
When discussing the show’s upcoming live event at the Venetian, Jessi teased fans about what they can expect, promising a dynamic and engaging experience.
“We’ve never had a chance to do a live show for our fans, and we’re so excited to connect with them in person! There will be different VIP packages, games, and interactive audience experiences. There’s a unique Sinner’s Sunday confessional segment where we’ll recount confessions from season one, and a few surprise guests rounding out the event. I’m just ecstatic to engage with the audience who loves our show, and it’s going to be a fun night together.”
As for the question on everyone’s mind—will MomTok endure the whirlwind of fame? Only time will tell, but with their growing fan base, strong sisterhood, and interesting storylines, it appears the future is bright for this unique group navigating motherhood and life in the spotlight.
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