Season 19 of Sister Wives is set to shake up the Brown family dynamic like never before. As the new season begins, both Janelle and Meri Brown are no longer married to Kody Brown, signaling a significant shift in their lives.
In the trailer released on August 13, Meri Brown, 53, makes it clear that her marriage to Kody, 54, is officially over. “Kody and I are officially done,” she states bluntly, marking the end of their decades-long relationship.
Janelle, 55, has a similar story to tell. In a conversation with Christine Brown—who left Kody in November 2021—Janelle reveals that her marriage to Kody is also beyond repair. “Kody and I have officially said it’s not working,” she shares with Christine. The tension between them is further heightened by a dispute over the family’s Coyote Pass property in Arizona. Frustrated by Kody’s refusal to buy her out so she can move on with her life, Janelle hints at taking legal action. “I think I’m going to have to lawyer up,” she says, clearly fed up with the situation.
Kody, on the other hand, seems to dismiss the gravity of the situation, describing the unfolding events as “such a teenage drama” and comparing his multiple divorces to a “total civil war.” His split from Christine was documented in Season 17, and since then, his relationships with both Janelle and Meri have deteriorated. Janelle confirmed their separation in December 2022, and Meri announced the end of their marriage in January 2023.
This season will be the first where three of Kody’s four wives are living independent lives outside of their once polygamous family structure. Kody remains married only to his fourth wife, Robyn Brown.
Christine, now remarried to David Woolley as of October 2023, will be sharing glimpses of her new romance this season, including how David has integrated into her life and met the Brown family.
Janelle makes it clear in the teaser that despite Kody’s attempts to reconcile, she believes they are fundamentally “not compatible.” Although they briefly reunited in March following the tragic death of their son, Garrison Brown, Janelle seems resolute in her decision to move on, a moment that will also be featured in Season 19.
Meri, meanwhile, hints that her long-standing issues with Kody will continue to unfold on screen. In one heated exchange, Kody tells her, “It’s not divorce that sucks, it’s marrying the wrong person.” Meri retorts, “What sucks is marrying the wrong person and not having the decency to tell her until 32 years later.” The tension between them escalates as Kody accuses Meri of being difficult from the start, a claim she strongly disputes.
Robyn, who has remained loyal to Kody through the family turmoil, appears to be reaching her breaking point in the trailer. She confesses, “This was not the way that it was supposed to go,” and admits to feeling like the “idiot that got left behind” as she finds herself in a monogamous relationship she never wanted. Her frustration comes to a head when she confronts Kody, saying, “I’m having a hard time feeling like I’m losing respect for you.” Kody’s flustered response, “I can’t even get it straight with you right now,” reflects the mounting strain on their relationship.
Sister Wives Season 19 premieres on TLC on Sunday, September 15, at 10 p.m. ET. Fans can expect an emotionally charged season as the Brown family navigates their new reality.
