Sister Wives is an American reality television series broadcast on TLC. It documents the life of a polygamist family living in Lehi, Utah, which includes patriarch Kody Brown, his four wives and their 18 children. Consisting of nine episodes, the first season premiered with a one-hour debut on September 26, 2010[1] and ran until November 21, 2010.[2][3] The series was renewed for a second season, which began in March 2011.[4] The second season continued after a brief hiatus on September 25, 2011.[5] The third season debuted on May 13, 2012,[6] with the fourth-season premiere on July 21, 2013.[7]
As of September 24, 2023,[update] 209 episodes of Sister Wives have aired, currently in its eighteenth season.
The one-hour premiere episode introduces viewers to Kody Brown, his three wives Meri, Janelle and Christine, and their 12 children. They live in a ranch-style home that, although interconnected, is subdivided into three separate apartments which give each wife her own bedroom, kitchen and living space.[8][9] Eventually, Kody and his wives tell the children he is courting a fourth wife, Robyn, who herself already has three children.[9][10] Meanwhile, the wives explain they do not plan to force their children into polygamist lifestyles or arrange their marriages for them, but rather will encourage them to make their own choices.[8][11] The children attend a polygamist cooperative school, while Kody and Janelle both work full-time as Meri pursues a long-delayed college degree.[8] The family discusses their strong spiritual faith, and the episode includes both blessings at dinner and an evening family prayer.[12] The episode also highlights the fact that Kody operates on a rotating schedule that dictates which wife he will spend the night with. Although Kody is intimate with all three of his wives, they make clear that the women never sleep with each other, a concept they consider immoral.[13] The episode ends with Kody going on a date with Robyn.[14]
This episode focuses on Kody's courtship of Robyn, marking the first time he has courted a woman since his third marriage 16 years earlier. Robyn lives five hours away from his home, so Kody must travel far and spend a great amount of time away from the rest of his family to date her. Robyn, who has three children under the age of 10, explains that although she grew up in a polygamist family, she has previously kept the lifestyle a secret until participating on Sister Wives. Meri, who had previously encouraged Kody to marry Janelle and Christine, explains that she met Robyn and encouraged Kody to court her as well. Nevertheless, the prospect of a fourth wife requires some adjustment for the three wives, who fear being replaced as companions, as well as for their children, who have grown up with three mothers their entire lives.[16]
Robyn is moving into a new house about half a mile from the Brown home. Since Kody and Robyn are only engaged, she cannot yet live in the house with the rest of his family. Although ultimately supportive of the idea of the new union, Meri, Janelle and Christine continue to experience conflicted feelings about the change it will bring to the family. Meri experiences an emotional breakdown and talks about the difficulties of being in a polygamist marriage, and Christine grows particularly upset when she learns that Kody sealed his engagement to Robyn with a kiss, since he never kissed his other wives until they were married. Robyn feels remorse for hurting the other wives' feelings, but expresses happiness and excitement towards joining the family. The whole family helps Robyn load her belongings into the moving truck and bring her and her children to their new home.[16]
Kody escorts third wife Christine to the hospital for a checkup, since she's slightly past her due date, and they decide to induce labor that day. The hospital staff are very accepting of polygamists and talk casually to Kody and Christine about their family. Although polygamists often give birth at home in the family unit, Christine suffered a miscarriage the previous year and does not want to risk it again.[18] Robyn takes care of Christine's younger children while she is at the hospital. At one point, Kody stops home and, before returning to the hospital, tries to kiss Robyn off-camera; when the cameras nevertheless capture the moment, Kody admits he did not want to be seen kissing his fiancée while his wife was in labor. 14-year-old Aspyn, Christine's oldest biological daughter, decides to go with Kody to the hospital to watch the labor.[19] Christine gives birth to daughter Truely after a relatively easy labor, and the entire family visits the hospital to see Christine and meet Truely.[18]
Meri's teenager tells Kody they wants to study pre-med at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; Kody is very proud, but fears prejudices against their polygamist family will prevent them from getting in. Later, Kody and Meri go to Mexico to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary. Meri discusses her sadness about her infertility problems and the jealousy that has arisen from Kody's recent courtship and engagement to Robyn. When Meri asks how Kody would feel if she had a relationship with another man, he says he finds the idea repulsive, although he admits that, as a polygamist, his reaction sounds hypocritical. Kody apologizes for his past impatience with Meri's jealousy issues and expresses his love and devotion to her. Later, he suggests having another child through in vitro fertilisation, but she turns down the idea as she is only interested in natural conception.[18]
As Robyn's wedding to Kody approaches, he and his other wives clash over whether Robyn is entitled to as much time with Kody as they are: Robyn and Janelle feel that, as fiancée, Robyn is entitled to equal time with Kody, while Meri and Christine feel she is not until they are married. Despite continued tension over the changes in the family due to the addition of Robyn, the four women mostly get along well. Wanting the sister wives to feel involved, Robyn invites them along to look at dresses, although she doesn't say which dress she's choosing: it's a surprise. Kody joins the women to look at wedding cakes and possible reception locations. During a later interview for the show, Kody reveals he chose the wedding dress himself, which prompts Christine to walk away mid-interview. When she returns, the three wives say they felt betrayed by Kody's actions, but he apologizes and the five reconcile.[21][22]
The first-season finale episode features the wedding of Kody and Robyn. As the day begins, the family deals with various stresses leading up to the wedding, including the wedding invitations having the wrong address for the ceremony. Robyn struggles to prepare herself while maintaining her hyperactive and mischievous children. For religious reasons, the cameras are not permitted at the ceremony and it was not televised. During an outdoor reception, Meri, Janelle and Christine present Robyn with a Claddagh ring to welcome her into the family. As the other wives reflect on their own wedding ceremonies, Janelle, who did not originally come from a polygamist family, reveals that she lost most of her family and friends when she married Kody because they were disgusted that she decided to enter into polygamy. As Kody and Robyn prepare to leave for their honeymoon, all four sister wives reflect on how happy they are and how much they look forward to the future.[21][22]
After years of hiding their lifestyle, Kody and his four wives are off to New York to appear on national television for the first time as open polygamists. Meanwhile, back home, the Brown family kids embark on their first day of public school.
The Browns travel to Wyoming to visit Kody's family ranch in hopes of finding some tranquility in the wake of the police investigation involving the family. Also, viewers find out about Kody's family history.
Kody and Janelle spend some one-to-one time together during a private camping trip which results in a discussion about family finances. Meanwhile, back at home, Robyn begins to worry about being a financial burden on the family.
The Brown family celebrates Halloween, which includes having to come up with 21 different costume ideas and carving 24 pumpkins. Later on, 16 of the Browns hit the neighborhood to trick-or-treat.
Christine and her children, along with Kody, head to their favorite vacation destination, Las Vegas. Back at home, Meri takes the rest of the family out for a night of bowling.
The wives invite their monogamous friends over for dinner. Also, Meri goes to the doctor for a cancer screening and finds out that she has a benign polyp in her colon, unlike her deceased sister.
The Browns celebrate Christmas by heading to a snowbound cabin in the mountains, escaping the pressure of the ongoing police investigation at home. Later, the family make the big announcement that they're moving to Las Vegas.
The wives have trouble accepting that this will be their last Christmas in Utah and the mounting tension from the ongoing police investigation leads to massive changes in the family dynamic.
Kody, Meri, and Robyn search for a new house in Las Vegas but, after arriving, they quickly learn that there are no polygamist houses available. Back at home in Utah, the rest of the family plans a surprise birthday party for Meri.
Kody and the wives prepare for the move by telling the younger children and packing up their homes. Later, plans turn to panic when the media gets wind of the news.
The Browns arrive in Las Vegas and search for a home where they'll be able to rebuild their lives. Later, Robyn announces to the public that she is pregnant.
Robyn finally announces her pregnancy to the rest of the family, starting with Meri. As the Browns continue to try to adjust to their new lives in Las Vegas, the older teens' discontent over their new life starts to bubble to the surface.
Kody, Christine and Janelle experiment with working in real estate. Meanwhile, the teenagers are beginning to go out and make new friends in Las Vegas.
Robyn has a pregnancy scare and rushes to her midwife to find out what's wrong. Meanwhile, the other wives decide to make over one room in each of their houses.
Kody is followed for four days as he moves each day to the house of a different wife, and he opens up about how his life has changed since the move to Las Vegas. Also, the gender of Robyn and Kody's baby is revealed.
Kody and his wives return to his hometown for the first time as open polygamists, and he's not sure how his childhood friends will receive them. Also, Robyn and Kody announce the name of their baby.
The Brown family plan to have some family fun during camping on the Fourth of July, but the teenagers have other ideas. Christine's daughter, Ysabel, and Robyn's daughter, Breanna, move into Meri's house temporarily.
The sister wives get makeovers and then head to the strip for a night on the town while Kody stays home and watches all the kids. How will they react when they come face-to-face with all the adult entertainment Vegas has to offer?
Kody heads for the Las Vegas strip for a guys' night out on the town, testing his wrestling skills against a mixed martial arts fighter and answering his friends' questions about his lifestyle. Meanwhile, the wives help set up Robyn's new nursery.
It's the Browns' first Christmas in Vegas and the wives are separated in four rental homes. Desperate to get the family back together, Kody has his hands full chopping down a Christmas tree and finding the home that will bring them all together again.
Date Night is important in a plural marriage and Kody needs to bring his A-game to keep his wives happy. From hitting the slopes to releasing pent up aggression shooting paintballs, all four wives are expecting Kody to bring the magic and some romance.
As the Sister Wives prepare for Kody's birthday, Christine tries to reconcile with Robyn by opening up about the problems she's had since Robyn joined the family.
Everyone has questions about polygamy. Today, the Browns answer the toughest questions submitted by viewers. From contraception and gay children to Kody's favorite and least favorite traits of each wife, nothing is held back.
The Browns apply for separate mortgages as they dream of getting their family into adjacent homes. Meanwhile, Janelle is still determined to open a gym. Later, Meri discloses the details of her past fertility problems.
Kody ditches his four wives for his three brothers as they hit up the city of sin. They're cruising on motorcycles, hanging out at a biker bar and shooting guns.
Kody makes good on his promise to Meri, escaping to Mexico for a romantic getaway. They climb ancient temples and swim with dolphins but, despite all the romance, the conversation turns serious when Kody asks Meri about Robyn's offer of surrogacy.
The Browns invite viewers into their home to answer more in-depth questions about their plural marriage lifestyle. But this time, they invite their teenagers to join the discussion.
As high school graduation nears, Logan finally decides which college he will attend. Meanwhile, Kody and the wives are on the verge of fulfilling their dream of bringing the family back together.
Kody and the wives attend parent-teacher conferences, and Logan graduates from high school. Meri feels pressured to have another child, and the wives have some conflict over the size of Meri's house.
The Browns plan a vacation with their polygamist friends, the Darger family, as they head to the beach for some polygamist fun in the sun. For the first time, viewers meet another polygamist family and discover how they're the same and different from the Browns.
The dark side of polygamy is uncovered when the Brown teenagers volunteer for an organization that helps people escape from abusive polygamist families.
Tensions rise as the Sister Wives fight for the bonus features they want for each house. Later, the Brown family digs deep when the family dog is ailing. A compromise leaves them all in tears.
With the Sister Wives living separately for over a year now, the Brown family structure is falling apart. After stressing out over finances, the wives try hard to start a web business, and Christine makes another attempt to pass her real estate exam.
The wives plan a dream pilgrimage across country to Nauvoo, Illinois, the birthplace of American polygamy. But the three-day road trip turns into much more than they bargained for as tempers start to flare and relationships get tested.
In the Season 6 premiere, the Browns are finally able to see their four new homes which are close to each other. The wives' tempers are raised when issues arise within the family business. Robyn talks to Meri regarding her surrogacy offer.
Since leaving Utah, the wives have now settled into four separate lives. Janelle continues her weight-loss battle. Robyn fights to keep the family business afloat. Meri works hard to repair her relationship with her child, and Christine rethinks her career.
Focused on their goal of being in all four houses by Christmas, problems in the building process threaten to ruin the Browns' dream. Aspyn and Meri's only child discuss college plans. One wife decides to possibly jump ship on the family business.
In order to get everyone into their new homes for the holidays, the Brown family celebrate Christmas a week late and Kody challenges his wives to a contest. Robyn gives Kody a special gift.
As a way to symbolize putting down their roots in Vegas, the family buries a time capsule. The family holds their first church service in their new homes. Robyn reveals some shocking news from her past.
Janelle continues to struggle with her weight loss journey while Meri and Kody come to a decision about the offer from Robyn about being their surrogate.
The Brown family attend an anti-polygamy debate that Christine's estranged aunt is also attending. The Brown stand strong in their beliefs. Mery and Kody receive some news about their finances.
Kody and his wives attend a couple's retreat where they will work on the issues in their relationships and discover the cause of the conflicts they are having.
Kody and his former best friend reunite in Vegas and are ready to rekindle their friendship. Meri is starting to fear the empty nest that is fast approaching.
When Truely begins to not feel well the family thinks it's the flu, but when her health takes a serious decline she is brought to the emergency room while party preparations are being made for Meri's only child.
The family is preparing for a fast-approaching special family celebration and enable the help of a party planner. However preparations are interrupted when the family suffers a sudden tragedy, the second in just 2 months.
The family continues to prepare for their long-awaited commitment ceremony, however, a disastrous dress rehearsal leaves Kodi and the wives feeling disheartened and wondering if all the planning will work out the way they hope.
The Browns receive a visit from an investor for their jewelry line. Mykelti brings home a boyfriend, so Kody and Christine sit them down and discuss the rules of their relationship. The family celebrates Dayton and Meri's birthdays. Kody and Jenelle celebrate their wedding anniversary. Robyn reveals that she needs help on the business before they even think about having another baby; meanwhile, Meri reveals that she's going back to school and Kody takes her out for her birthday.
While trying to secure investors for the jewelry business one wife makes a mistake that may cost them the deal. Meri travels to Utah to catch up with an old friend and Janelle continues her weight loss journey.
A look at how the teenagers handle college, dating and the uncertain future of potentially becoming a polygamist. Janelle continues to struggle with her weight loss.
The family take a spring break vacation in an RV where they contend with very little room. They travel along the historical RT 66 and stop in Missouri to meet up with a Polygamist family that is non-mormon.
On the last stop of their road trip the Browns meet up with a Christian polygamist family and the two families discover they have very different ways of running things within their perspective families. The strict and rigid discipline of the Christian family shock the Browns who are more flexible.
Photos and videos bring a new understanding to a side of the Browns not well understood. Also, secrets and more details are revealed that shed light into an ever deeper look at the family.
Season 8 (2015)
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Original air date
US viewers (millions)
83
1
"Growing Up & Moving Out"
January 4, 2015 (2015-01-04)
N/A
When 2 more of the Brown family daughters graduate high school in the same year, the parents plan a hilarious way to embarrass them at their graduation parties. Janelle is very revealing to the family therapist and Robyn's oldest son goes into surgery.
84
2
"A Family Meltdown"
January 11, 2015 (2015-01-11)
N/A
The Browns plan another road trip to meet a fellow polygamist family and also visit their Utah home where they are overwhelmed by the emotions of the past.
85
3
"Courting Another Wife"
January 18, 2015 (2015-01-18)
N/A
An argument between Kody and Christine continues to escalate as the family approaches the final destination of their family road trip.
86
4
"One More Woman in Kody's Life"
January 25, 2015 (2015-01-25)
N/A
When Christine's two oldest daughters move out, Christine's mother moves in. When Robyn struggles with her ex-husband Meri comforts her.
87
5
"Anthropologists Move In"
February 8, 2015 (2015-02-08)
N/A
The Browns make the decision to allow 2 anthropology students to move into their home.
89
6
"First a Verdict, Then a Lawyer"
February 15, 2015 (2015-02-15)
N/A
The Browns worry about how the anthropology students will view their family. Meri makes a big decision.
91
7
"Divorce"
March 1, 2015 (2015-03-01)
N/A
Meri legally divorces Kody so that he can officially marry Robyn and adopt Robyn's three eldest children.
Meri gets emotional when she tells the Brown children about divorcing their dad and the reasons behind it, so Kodi can adopt Robyn's kids from her first marriage.
Christine and Kodi take a trip to Galveston for their anniversary and it turns into couple's therapy. Kodi and Robyn start the process of adopting Robyn's children.
Kodi will face a judge and learn if he will be able to adopt Robyn's 3 oldest children. And Kodi and Janelle's oldest daughter Madison makes a surprising announcement to the family.
The family takes a trip to Alaska and Logan's new girlfriend goes along as well as Maddie's new boyfriend. Robyn and Kodi reveal the gender of their baby to the family.
Meri and Kodi try to get past the catfishing incident and Mykelti and Aspen move out of their apartment
108
3
"Confessions"
May 15, 2016 (2016-05-15)
N/A
Meri is still dealing with emotions over the catfishing incident but wants to attend therapy with Janelle in hopes of working on past conflicts however Janelle is concerned that it will open old wounds
Right after their therapy session Janelle and Meri decide to decorate for Thanksgiving in an attempt to continue to work on their relationship and old issues. However, things are still strained.
110
5
"Unforgiven"
May 29, 2016 (2016-05-29)
N/A
When Meri buys a gift for Kodi she hopes it will help to make amends for the catfishing incident. Madison finds the perfect wedding dress and Meri's only child pulls away from both her and the church
111
6
"Baby Sister is Born"
June 5, 2016 (2016-06-05)
N/A
Robyn gives birth to the newest member of the Brown family: Ariella Mae. Kody and the wives have decided on the location of this year's spring break trip, and announce it to the rest of the family.
112
7
"Meri Makes Amends"
June 12, 2016 (2016-06-12)
N/A
Meri gives Kody his late birthday present, which is highly appreciated from her sister wives. Meri and Janelle talk to their therapist, Nancy, about the Thanksgiving project and how they both feel about the progress in their relationship. The whole Brown family, including Christine's mother Annie, Robyn's cousin, Maddie's fiancé Caleb and Logan's girlfriend Michelle, travel to Hawaii. Maddie and Caleb and Logan and Michelle go on a double date.
113
8
"Kody Behind the Scenes"
June 12, 2016 (2016-06-12)
N/A
Some of Kodi's biggest secrets are revealed!
114
9
"Hawaiian Vacation Erupts"
June 19, 2016 (2016-06-19)
N/A
A vacation in Hawaii turns into several family battles. Kodi takes time away with Meri to work on their relationship
Season 11 (2016–2017)
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Original air date
US viewers (millions)
116
1
"It's Worse Than We Thought"
November 27, 2016 (2016-11-27)
N/A
The family prepares for Madison's wedding and Mykelti reveals some shocking news of her own. In an attempt to mend the things between Meri and their child together, Kodi realizes that his own relationship with Meri is still in trouble
117
2
"Kody Takes Responsibility"
December 4, 2016 (2016-12-04)
N/A
Mykelti and Madison both race to the altar. Janelle and Meri continue their therapy and Kodi tries to encourage his child with Meri to forgive their mother for the catfish incident
118
3
"He Pops the Question"
December 4, 2016 (2016-12-04)
N/A
Madison tells everyone her plans for the wedding and there is another proposal
119
4
"Embarrassing the Sister Wives"
December 11, 2016 (2016-12-11)
N/A
A windstorm causes big problems. Madison receives an embarrassing gift, and at the bridal shower things don't go as planned. Mykelti and Toni make an announcement
120
5
"The Dress Doesn't Fit"
December 11, 2016 (2016-12-11)
N/A
It's the week before the wedding and the whole family travels to Wyoming. Maddie has a meltdown
121
6
"Maddie Gets Married"
December 18, 2016 (2016-12-18)
N/A
It's Maddie's big day and Kodi is unprepared
122
7
"Guide to Wedded Bliss"
December 25, 2016 (2016-12-25)
N/A
Relive special moments from past weddings and ceremonies in the Brown family
123
8
"Another Catfishing"
January 1, 2017 (2017-01-01)
N/A
Meri talks to another woman who was involved with a catfish but Kodi is not sure if it's a good idea. Mykelti starts the planning for her wedding
124
9
"A Shocking Revelation"
January 8, 2017 (2017-01-08)
N/A
Meri and Kody's only child makes a shocking announcement and the family takes a trip to a mountain resort where Meri continues to struggle in her relationship with her sole progeny. Meri's child is angry at their mom for the catfish incident
125
10
"The Newlyweds vs The Browns"
January 15, 2017 (2017-01-15)
N/A
A fun family game to see who knows who better
Season 12 (2018)
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Original air date
US viewers (millions)
128
1
"Meri Moving?"
January 7, 2018 (2018-01-07)
N/A
The Browns meet with Tony's family and Meri travels to Utah for a potential business venture
129
2
"Groomzilla"
January 14, 2018 (2018-01-14)
N/A
Mykelti and Tony go shopping for a dress. The sister wives travel to Utah to see the B&B Meri wants to buy. They are concerned it will pull Meri away. News from Madison leaves Janelle in tears
130
3
"I Will Survive"
January 21, 2018 (2018-01-21)
N/A
Mykelti has her bridal shower and Janelle gets emotional. Maddie tells the family her big news
131
4
"Meri's Crazy Idea"
January 28, 2018 (2018-01-28)
N/A
Meri has big news about her B&B but it is not what the family expected. The wedding rehearsal for Mykelti's wedding does not go as planned.
132
5
"PolygaMexicamist Wedding"
February 11, 2018 (2018-02-11)
N/A
A wedding that brings Mykelti and Tony's families' traditions together.
133
6
"Meeting Mariah's Girlfriend"
February 18, 2018 (2018-02-18)
N/A
Meri's only child and their girlfriend travel to Washington D.C. for the march for women and invite Meri and Janelle but Kodi has concerns
134
7
"Risking Arrest"
February 25, 2018 (2018-02-25)
N/A
Utah legislation is voting to strengthen laws against polygamy and the Browns are very upset. They would like to go to Utah to attend a protest put on by friends but risk getting arrested
135
8
"The Truth Comes Out"
March 4, 2018 (2018-03-04)
N/A
Maddie has her baby shower but Christine receives some devastating news.
136
9
"The Longest Labor"
March 11, 2018 (2018-03-11)
N/A
Meri and Kodi travel to the B&B and Maddie goes into labor
137
10
"Confronting Meri"
March 18, 2018 (2018-03-18)
N/A
Even as the Browns bask in the glow of their first grandchild, tensions emerge: Meri finds out that all the wives were at the birth, except her. Intense therapy sessions fail to resolve the hurt, so Christine confronts Meri with some brutal truths.
138
11
"Game Night!"
March 25, 2018 (2018-03-25)
N/A
It's game night at the Browns, and it's about to get a little crazy. The family gets competitive as Mykelti and Gwendlyn host Sister Wives trivia. There's much noise and chaos, and there are punishments for the losers, so the stakes are high!