Mormon influencers shape modern church image beyond television in Los Angeles
Taylor Frankie Paul helped spark national curiosity about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through Los Angeles media. Online video creators now project an image of the religion that reaches far beyond traditional television depictions. Many women share their home routines with giant sodas and athleisure.
The Hulu series “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” features Paul alongside other women. The reality show followed a high-profile soft-swinging scandal among group members. The cast members also discuss drinking alcohol and having premarital sex.
ABC cast Paul in the television show “The Bachelorette.” The network scuttled the filmed season. A video of a domestic violence incident surfaced.
Leaders of the male-led church issued a statement before the premiere in 2024. The church did not name the series directly. It stated some portrayals rely on stereotypes that bring real consequences.
Camille N. Johnson directs the Relief Society organization for women. She sent an emailed statement about the media focus. She advised people to seek trusted sources of information.
Johnson said women work to live faithful lives.
“Millions of Latter-day Saint women around the world strive to live faith-filled lives grounded in a love for God and all of His children,” she said.
Many creators are young mothers in Utah. They film themselves buying houses before age 25. Lauren Yarro hosts a podcast and creates online material.
Yarro said the fast life timeline intrigues outside audiences.
“Our culture is fascinating to an outsider, and I can understand why it would pull people in,” she said. “That Mormon timeline is intriguing to the rest of the world. I think most people innately have a desire for a happy marriage and a happy family life and we tend to create those in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
Content work lets creators stay home while earning money. Beliefs of the religion include revelations from God to church leaders. Members also wear sacred garments beneath their clothing.
Nancy Ross works as an associate professor at Utah Tech University. Ross studies Mormon feminism. She said the internet challenged the ability of the faith to maintain narratives.
Rosemary Avance researches religious identity at Oklahoma State University. Avance said the reality cast speaks very little about actual doctrine. Several featured members have left the organization entirely.
Avance noted that shows use religion as a marketing tool. Outsiders rarely meet church members in everyday life. Most people rely on second-hand stories from popular culture.
Creators express mixed feelings about shows produced for Los Angeles studios. Shayla Egan posts online about her faith. Egan said the Hulu program feels like mockery when sacred traditions appear distorted.
Online video maker Mimi Bascom creates response clips to clarify teachings. Bascom could not serve a traditional mission after getting married. bascom uses digital posts to explain personal beliefs to the public.
Digital media spaces allow church members to build personal audiences. Independent creators share domestic routines, parenting tips and personal opinions directly with viewers. Viewers often ask creators questions about religious practices in comment sections.
Bascom described the public focus as a benefit for everyday believers. Representatives for Hulu did not respond to requests for comment.
