‘Sister Wives’: Ditch Flashbacks, Deliver Real Answers, Make TLC Show Finally Worth Watching

Season 19 of Sister Wives could be the make-or-break installment of the series. The Brown family is more distant than ever before, and a tragedy that temporarily drew them together ultimately separated the clan. How can this season transform the former polygamist family unit? Here’s an idea: ditch flashbacks, deliver accurate answers to tough questions and make this TLC show finally worth watching again.

‘Sister Wives’ relies on flashbacks and avoidance each season

For most of the past 18 seasons of Sister Wives , the TLC series has relied on flashback moments to supplement their storylines. These segues have taken up precious screen time when the show could be pressing the Browns on more challenging issues instead of replaying scenes that have been seen repeatedly.

For instance, in season 19 , we see scenes of Kody driving in his convertible that have been shown at least in season 18 and likely season 17. Also, the never-ending loop of the family’s empty Coyote Pass property , which remained vacant for years.

Yet another scene of beleaguered Robyn sitting on a bench looking out over Coyote Pass. While that one may be newer than others, there have been many times that scenario has played each season.

Finally, in a significant avoidance that has angered fans for many seasons, Kody and Robyn film outside their house. Whether or not they want to film in their house is still being determined, but the couple films most of their scenes outside.

However, that could be because the couple has experienced backlash regarding the disarray of their home. Also, they came under fire for the expensive artwork that filled every inch of their wall space.

What are the ‘Sister Wives’ avoiding?

The stars of TLC’s Sister Wives are trying to avoid cancellation. Without the power of a good, meaty storyline in reality television, fans lose interest.

However, the show will continue to drone on about Kody’s anger over the end of his marriage. He will also play the blame game with Meri Brown about why their marriage ultimately ended.

Christine will try to add some fun to the season by featuring her romance with David Wooley. However, the show relies on old news to push viewer interest since they will be married almost a year by the time their storyline airs.

Janelle appears to have her claws out for Kody, particularly regarding the family paying off Coyote Pass. She has solid equity in the land. And is either looking to have Kody buy her out or explore other options.

Sadly, all of the storylines mentioned above will be filler as the show leads into the untimely death of Garrison Brown. How much will the show avoid the circumstances surrounding Garrison’s death? How much will they reveal?

An official press release for the show states, “This season, the family faces the devastating passing of Janelle and Kody’s son, Garrison Brown. Through the heartbreaking pain, the family navigates this incredible tragedy and comes together to mourn and celebrate his life.”

Fans want TLC to hold ‘Sister Wives’ stars accountable, but will they do it?

‘Sister Wives’ Robyn Brown Rebranding Herself as Kody Brown’s Victim: Will It Backfire?

Therefore, viewers want to hold TLC’s feet to the fire this season. They shared that they want answers to some of their most challenging questions on Reddit .

“I agree; they should write into their contracts that they have to answer the hard questions. If Kody has a tantrum and walks out, not only does he forfeit his pay. He must pay TLC for wasting their time,” wrote one fan.

A second viewer penned, “I would ask them to make the interviewer watch the show as part of their contract. She either doesn’t or is crap at follow-ups and only listening to her earpiece.”

“Between the time lag and the number of flashbacks and ‘coming ups,’ there is so little new footage of anything happening that the show is mind-numbingly boring! If I were not invested in the lives of these people, which I’m still trying to understand why I am, I would never watch this show again, simply based on all of the flashbacks and “coming ups” and how far behind the show is compared to real life!” slammed a third redditor.

A fourth viewer agreed, “I would ask why they can’t let us get caught up so we’re not watching a storyline that happened a couple of years ago.”

Season 19 of Sister Wives debuts on TLC on Sept. 15 at 10 p.m. ET.