‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Set to Return as a Ladies-Only Affair in Season 5

Hulu’s hit reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is officially resuming production on Season 5 after a pause triggered by a domestic violence investigation involving Taylor Frankie Paul and her ex Dakota Mortensen — but sources say the new episodes will look very different: the men are staying home.

Their are unconfirmed rumors from trusted sources that the show is leaning into a “ladies-only” format, with the husbands and boyfriends (often dubbed “DadTok”) unlikely to appear on camera. There are two competing explanations for the shake-up.

Some insiders claim several of the men have banded together and are refusing to film unless they receive a significant pay increase.

Others say it’s the producers’ call — they believe the women are the real stars and that including the husbands simply doesn’t deliver enough “bang for the buck” after fans pushed back against the heavier male focus in recent seasons.

Who’s definitely out from Secret Lives of Mormon Wives 2026?

Dakota Mortensen will not return. The father of Taylor’s youngest son has been sidelined following multiple restraining orders and ongoing legal issues with Paul.

Who might still return?

• Taylor Frankie Paul: Producers have left the door wide open. A source close to the show says she is welcome back whenever she’s ready, but her current focus is mental health and her children.
• Core cast members Jen Affleck, Mikayla Matthews, Jessi Draper, Mayci Neeley, Miranda McWhorter, and Layla Taylor are expected to lead the new season.
• Whitney Leavitt previously announced her exit to pursue acting, though she may appear briefly in already-filmed footage.

The shift comes after months of drama, including the brief pause in filming, Taylor’s short-lived Bachelorette stint, and a spinoff (The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County) already in the works with mostly new faces.

Fans have long complained that the husbands’ storylines sometimes overshadowed the women’s friendships, MomTok drama, and personal growth.

Hulu has not yet announced a premiere date, but cameras are rolling again — this time, without the guys.