As Sister Wives gears up for its highly anticipated Season 20, premiering September 28th on TLC at 9:00 p.m. CST, fans are buzzing with speculation about one cast member in particular—Meri Brown. Longtime viewers have always sensed that Meri was different from the rest of the family, but the latest discussions surrounding her absence and disconnection from both Kody Brown and the wider Brown clan have ignited even more heated debates.

For years, viewers have whispered about “something about Meri” that just doesn’t add up. Was it simply her difficult marriage with Kody that drove the wedge? Or is there a deeper, unspoken reason why so many members of the family, even her own grown child, seem distant? With the release of the new season trailer, these questions have surged back to the forefront, sparking passionate conversations across fan communities.

The Kody Factor: A Marriage Reduced to Ashes

It’s no secret that Kody Brown’s relationship with Meri fell apart long ago. Fans vividly recall the symbolic act of Kody melting down their wedding rings—a gesture that felt like a cruel full stop to their spiritual union. His refusal to rekindle intimacy with Meri and his ongoing dismissal of her feelings cemented the collapse of their marriage. But Kody’s behavior raises another troubling question: if his judgment and decision-making are often petty and driven by spite, how much of Meri’s alienation can truly be blamed on her?

Some fans argue that Kody often pits his wives and children against each other, rewarding those who remain loyal and punishing those who push back. Christine, for instance, endured years of neglect when Kody withheld affection not just from her but from their daughters Isabelle, Gwendlyn, and Truly. Janelle’s sons Gabe and Garrison were iced out during the pandemic simply because they grew into independent men who challenged their father’s authority. Even Savannah, Janelle’s youngest, suffered emotionally as she was overlooked in favor of Robyn’s children.

Within this dynamic, Meri often came across as little more than a “fly in the ointment”—a presence Kody couldn’t eliminate entirely but also had no desire to nurture.

Meri’s Reputation Among the Family

While Kody’s rejection of Meri is undeniable, the story doesn’t end there. Observant fans have noticed that Meri’s relationships with the other family members are strained as well. Over the years, she has increasingly been left out of family gatherings, absent from casual hangouts, and sidelined in major milestones.

One fan recently voiced what many have been wondering: “Why is it that not only Kody, but even the other wives and kids, want nothing to do with Meri? What’s the real story?”

Some viewers speculate that Meri’s strong personality and history of conflict with the other wives make her difficult to connect with. Others bring up old allegations from several of the Brown children, who described Meri as controlling, sometimes mean, and even emotionally abusive. While these claims remain controversial and largely unspoken within the show itself, their shadow continues to loom over her storyline.

Leon and Meri: A Complicated Mother-Child Bond

Perhaps the most heartbreaking aspect of Meri’s isolation lies in her relationship with her only child, Leon. For years, fans have noted how little interaction between Leon and Meri makes it onto the show—or even social media. Some argue that this is simply Leon’s choice to keep their family life private. Others, however, see it as evidence of a deeper rift.

Leon, who is openly queer and active in sharing their life journey, has faced harsh criticism online, including homophobic and transphobic attacks. Meri has publicly defended her child, but many wonder if the silence between them on-screen hints at a relationship struggling beneath the surface.

And yet, the contradiction remains: Leon frequently posts public blogs and asks fans to support them, while also choosing to keep their bond with Meri largely invisible. Fans continue to debate whether this distance is a result of personal choice or unresolved family wounds.

Moments of Love That Still Shine Through

Despite the negativity that often surrounds discussions about Meri, it’s important to note that not all her relationships within the family are broken. She was visibly present at Logan’s wedding, celebrating alongside the rest of the Browns. Gwendlyn has even spoken openly about her love for Meri, suggesting that the narrative isn’t entirely one-sided.

But these rare glimpses of connection do little to silence critics who insist that Meri is largely cut off from the emotional core of the family. The contrast between her sporadic appearances at big events and her absence from day-to-day life leaves viewers questioning how deep these ties really run.

The Fan Debate: Victim or Villain?

The Sister Wives fandom is famously divided when it comes to Meri. Some believe she is unfairly vilified, pointing out that Kody’s toxic behavior has poisoned many of his relationships, not just his marriage to her. After all, Christine and Janelle also faced rejection and mistreatment, so why should Meri be singled out as uniquely problematic?

Others, however, argue that Meri has played a role in her own downfall. Her abrasive personality, rumored mistreatment of the kids, and unwillingness to bend within the family dynamic have made her difficult to embrace. For these critics, Meri is not simply a victim of Kody’s cruelty—she is also the architect of her own isolation.

Season 20: Will Meri’s Story Finally Be Told?

The upcoming season promises to dive deeper into the family’s fractured relationships, and fans are hoping that Meri’s role will be addressed more directly than in the past. Will the show finally explore why so many family members keep her at arm’s length? Or will TLC continue to gloss over these tensions, leaving fans to speculate endlessly online?

One thing is clear: Meri’s absence—or limited presence—speaks volumes. Her storyline has shifted from being one of Kody’s central wives to becoming almost a supporting character in her own family. And yet, her mysterious disconnect continues to be one of the most talked-about aspects of Sister Wives.

Final Thoughts: An Unresolved Puzzle

At the heart of this conversation is a question that has haunted the show for years: is Meri simply unlikable, or has she been unfairly cast aside by a family poisoned by Kody’s favoritism and dysfunction? The truth may be somewhere in the middle, but until Meri and the Browns address it openly, fans will keep speculating.

As Sister Wives Season 20 approaches, the buzz surrounding Meri’s role—or lack thereof—only grows louder. Whether she reclaims her place in the family or continues to drift further away, one thing is certain: Meri Brown remains one of the most complex and controversial figures in the series.

So set your DVRs, mark your calendars, and get ready for another season of heartbreak, revelations, and family drama. Sister Wives is back on September 28th, and Meri’s story is one you won’t want to miss