Things have taken a heartbreaking and emotional turn for the Brown family as “Sister Wives” delves deeper into its 19th season. Amid family grief, betrayals, and revelations, Kody Brown finds himself at the center of mounting tensions—especially as his children begin speaking out about the toxic environment they grew up in. Gwendlyn and Gabriel Brown have stepped forward with emotional and eye-opening reflections, exposing years of pressure, emotional strain, and what they now perceive as flawed parenting in a polygamous household.

In a candid and emotional interview with Teen Vogue, Gwendlyn Brown opened up about her journey in the public eye, which began when she was only eight years old. She described the initial benefits of appearing on Sister Wives, noting how the show helped her family escape poverty and gave her a more stable childhood. “I stopped wanting and needing things,” Gwen shared, reflecting on the stark contrast between her early life struggles and the sudden exposure to fame and wealth.

But fame came with a cost. As she grew older, Gwendlyn admitted that the cameras became oppressive, and the pressure to always appear cheerful began to wear her down. “I couldn’t have a bad day,” she said, highlighting how difficult it was to have any privacy while filming. Even though her bedroom was technically off-limits, she recalled a moment of private frustration outside—only to discover a cameraman had been filming her. Though the footage never aired, the feeling of exposure left a lasting impact.

These reflections underscore a deeper disillusionment. Gwen once enjoyed being part of the show, even viewing camera operators as honorary family members. However, as she matured, she realized how abnormal her upbringing really was. “This is my normal,” she said, referring to the lifestyle portrayed on TV. “But now I’m thinking—this doesn’t have to be my normal.”

Her perspective echoes that of her brother, Gabriel (Gabe), who has also been deeply affected by the Brown family dynamic. After the tragic death of his brother, Garrison Brown, Gabe has been noticeably vocal about the emotional toll their upbringing took on them. Garrison died by suicide in March 2024 at the age of 25, leaving the family in mourning and sparking difficult conversations about mental health, isolation, and toxic family patterns.

In one of the most gut-wrenching scenes of the season, viewers watch as Kody Brown physically digs his son Garrison’s grave on their Wyoming property. The act, Kody claimed, was “the most significant thing” he had ever done. For a moment, the family patriarch stripped away his layers of defensiveness and control, showing raw vulnerability. “I’m doing my best to honor my son,” he said, overwhelmed with emotion. Despite a turbulent history with Janelle—his former wife and Garrison’s mother—she supported his decision to bury their son beside her own mother, Cheryl. “She was kind and gracious,” Kody said, finally acknowledging her compassion.

But while grief may have softened Kody momentarily, long-standing fractures within the family have only deepened. Gwen has pulled back significantly from the public sphere, halting the behind-the-scenes commentary videos she used to share on YouTube. Her once-regular recaps of Sister Wives episodes, where she offered personal insights and even introduced her now-wife Beatriz Keras, have stopped altogether in 2025.

The distance between Kody and his older children continues to grow. Gabriel, still reeling from Garrison’s death, has shared frustrations about feeling emotionally neglected and unheard. Gabe’s quiet strength and emotional intelligence stand in stark contrast to Kody’s increasingly defensive demeanor, and viewers are noticing.

Meanwhile, Robyn Brown’s role in the family has come under intense scrutiny. Once positioned as the peacemaker, Robyn now finds herself accused—both subtly by her stepchildren and directly by fans—of contributing to the family’s disintegration. Gwendlyn, without naming names, has hinted at how favoritism played a role in driving wedges between the siblings and parents. Many believe these comments are directed at Robyn and her children, whom Kody has often appeared to prioritize over the rest of the family.

Viewers have long speculated about Robyn’s influence over Kody, and recent events suggest those suspicions may not be unfounded. After legally divorcing Meri in 2014 to marry Robyn and adopt her children, Kody’s relationship with his other wives and older children seemed to sour. Now, with only Robyn remaining as his monogamous partner, some fans argue that Robyn’s integration into the family marked the beginning of the end.

The legacy of Sister Wives is changing. What began as a story about unity, love, and the exploration of plural marriage has turned into a complex and painful portrait of familial breakdown. With Christine having left Kody in 2021 and later marrying David Woolley in 2023, followed by Janelle and Meri ending their relationships with him as well, it’s clear that the original premise of one man with four wives has collapsed.

In the wake of these changes, the children are reclaiming their voices. Gwendlyn’s open discussion of her queer identity and transgender sibling Leon’s journey are part of a larger shift toward personal autonomy and healing. These younger Browns are not afraid to confront their past, challenge the family narrative, and speak truthfully about their pain.

As the family prepares for whatever comes next, the future of Sister Wives remains uncertain. With Kody increasingly isolated, Robyn facing public backlash, and the children choosing their own paths, the show may have to shift focus—or end entirely. What remains undeniable is that the real story is no longer Kody’s—it belongs to the children, their growth, and their courage to speak out against the toxic parenting they once endured.

Stay tuned to Sister Wives for more unfolding drama, revelations, and healing as the Brown family navigates the aftermath of loss and betrayal.