Kody Brown and his wife, Robyn Brown, have officially left Sister Wives after 16 years on the TLC reality series, with their absence becoming a major focus of Sunday’s Season 21 premiere. TLC previously announced that the couple would not return but has not disclosed a reason for their departure.
Kody’s former wives Christine Brown Woolley, Janelle Brown and Meri Brown expressed surprise over the decision. Christine called the development “just bizarre,” while Meri said she was surprised and Janelle said she was “very shocked.”
The departure fundamentally reshapes the series, which premiered in 2010 chronicling Kody’s plural family. Christine, Janelle and Meri have all ended their relationships with Kody in recent years, leaving Robyn as his only wife. Season 21 will now center on the three former sister wives as they navigate their post-Kody lives and lingering family disputes.