Hulu confirmed Wednesday that The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives will expand into Orange County with a new spinoff featuring viral podcaster Bobbi Althoff and YouTuber Aspyn Ovard, as production simultaneously resumes on the original Utah-based series after a domestic violence investigation halted filming in March.
The announcement came during Hulu's Get Real House presentation on April 22, marking the first franchise extension for the Emmy-nominated reality series that debuted in 2024. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the spinoff will debut later this year with eight cast members navigating faith and modernity in Southern California's Mormon community.
The Orange County cast
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County will star Bobbi Althoff, whose viral podcast interviews have garnered millions of views, alongside established YouTuber Aspyn Ovard. The full cast includes Avery Woods, Salomé Andrea, McCall DaPron, Chandler Higginson, Ashleigh Pease and actress Madison Bontempo.
"This group of young mothers collide in a community where beliefs are not just their religion; they are their identity. While some defend their way of life, fighting against modernity, others embrace change, becoming a platform to disrupt the status quo."
The official synopsis, according to Just Jared, promises that "scandals and secrets will be revealed, facades will crumble, and families and friendships will change forever."
Notably, McCall DaPron is the sister of original series star Mayci Neeley, creating a family connection between the two shows. Initial reports suggested Jen Affleck from the Utah cast would join the Orange County spinoff, but she does not appear in the confirmed lineup.
Original series production resumes
The spinoff announcement coincided with news that the original Mormon Wives series will resume filming its fifth season after a two-month hiatus. Production stopped on March 16 following a domestic violence investigation involving cast member Taylor Frankie Paul and her ex-partner Dakota Mortensen.
- Salt Lake County District Attorney declined to file charges against Paul on April 14
- Paul was granted supervised visits with their 2-year-old son Ever
- ABC canceled Paul's planned Bachelorette season days before its premiere
- Mortensen must stay 100 yards away from Paul until their April 30 court hearing
Us Weekly reported that Paul may eventually return to Mormon Wives, but her "priority remains her kids and family." Sources told The Hollywood Reporter that producers want Paul back and have been supportive, but only when she is ready.
Strategic franchise expansion
Rob Mills, executive vice president of unscripted and alternative entertainment at Walt Disney Television, explained the franchise strategy during the Get Real House event. He told The Hollywood Reporter that while they never greenlight shows as franchises initially, the title "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" was chosen with expansion possibilities in mind.
"Once the original Mormon Wives took off immediately, we definitely started talking about it," Mills said. "We've explored other areas of the world and other casts. And this was the one where it finally felt like it was a shot to take."
The Orange County location follows the Real Housewives model, with Orange County serving as the founding location for Bravo's sprawling franchise 20 years ago. The choice positions Mormon Wives to potentially replicate that multi-city success across different Mormon communities.
How the outlets are framing it
Just Jared led with the cast announcement and provided the most comprehensive synopsis details from Hulu's presentation.
The Hollywood Reporter focused on the franchise strategy angle, featuring extensive quotes from Disney executive Rob Mills about the deliberate expansion approach.
Us Weekly emphasized the connection to the original series' production troubles, dedicating significant space to Taylor Frankie Paul's legal situation.
The AV Club took a more skeptical tone, highlighting the domestic violence scandal and questioning whether the franchise could survive the controversy.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County is produced by Jeff Jenkins Productions in association with 3BMG and Walt Disney Television Alternative. Executive producers include Jeff Jenkins, Russell Jay-Staglik, Amanda Weinstein, Melissa Bidwell, Brandon Beck, Ross Weintraub, Reinout Oerlemans, Georgia Berger, Lisa Filipelli and Danielle Pistotnik. The original series earned an Emmy nomination and has aired four seasons with multiple Vanderpump Villa crossovers.
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