TLC knows how to keep the ratings high and keep its viewers glued to their TVs. The network is known for some of its wackiest "reality" shows that viewers can't seem to get enough– and Sister Wives is one of those shows. It follows Kody Brown, his four wives, and their eighteen children. The Browns' polygamous lifestyle has been a subject of scrutiny and Sister Wives has been met with mixed reviews.
From internal struggles, to making tough decisions, and facing public criticism, Kody and his wives have no doubt gone through some hard times. While most of it is documented on their show, some aspects of their lives are kept away from the public eye... or, so they think. Living public lives doesn't leave much opportunity for Kody and his clan to conceal anything from the watchful eye of the public. Sister Wives has been rocked by one controversy after the next, but that's what makes it entertaining to watch.
15 Their Church Excommunicated The Browns
Due to the popularity of Sister Wives and the amount of negative publicity the Browns were receiving, the Mormon church gave them the boot. Meri's catfish scandal may have just been the catalyst because the Apostolic United Brethren Church in Utah had already been in the process of excommunicating the Browns when the scandal hit.
14 Meri Lost Her Job Because Of Sister Wives
Kody's first wife Meri was fired from her job in the mental health industry because of Sister Wives. Meri was a counselor who worked with at risk teens at a mental health facility. Her employer was aware of Meri's polygamous lifestyle, but he thought Sister Wives would have had a negative impact on his business.
13 Kody Was Not Attracted To Christine
According to Intouch, Kody Brown told an interviewer that he was not attracted to his third wife Christine. Revealing how watching her eat nachos during their courtship turned his stomach so much that he almost called it quits. One would wonder why he proceeded to marry Christine if he wasn't at all attracted to her.
12 The Kids Don't Want To Live Polygamous Lives
Most of the Brown kids are not interested in living polygamous lifestyles like their parents. Kody and Christine's daughter Mykelti told Us Magazine, "I’m not going to live polygamy. I don’t think that’s for me. I don’t think I could ever live up to what my parents have been able to do.”
11 Janelle Was Married To Meri's Brother Before Kody
The connection between Janelle and Meri runs deeper than just sharing a husband between them, Janelle was married to Meri's brother long before Kody. Now that's what you call keeping it in the family. The Browns are definitely unconventional and clearly don't care what the world thinks of their lifestyle.
10 Robyn Was Hesitant About Marrying Kody
When Robyn met Kody, she was a divorcee with three kids. Perhaps that could have been the reason behind her hesitation to join the very public family. Marrying Kody opened her up to public scrutiny. It has been revealed, though, that Robyn turned out to be Kody's favorite out of all his wives.
9 Kody And Meri's Relationship Has Been Strained For Ages
Viewers have watched Kody and Meri's tumultuous marriage take a turn for the worst over the years. In a therapy session aired on the show, Kody revealed that he felt Meri deceived him into marrying her and that he was only still with her out of a sense of obligation he felt.
8 Kody Allegedly Has A Nasty Temper
Kody Brown seems like a laid back guy living the life he always dreamed of, but according to The Richest, "He’s a pretty angry person. He’s definitely known to yell at his kids more often than they deserve. He’s often too hard on his kids and takes punishment too far."
7 Meri Cheated On Kody... Online
When Meri could no longer find companionship and love with Kody, she took a chance at finding love online. Unfortunately for Meri, her online paramour turned out to be a woman who proceeded to expose her infidelity. Her catfish incident subsequently led to the church giving the Browns the boot.
6 Kody And His Wives Were Investigated For Bigamy
The polygamous lifestyle is not always understood or supported. And in most parts of the world, it's illegal and attracts a prison sentence. The airing of Sister Wives instigated an investigation of bigamy, which in turn forced Kody and his family to flee from Utah to Nevada to avoid prosecution.