Sister Wives season 20 is shaping up to be one of the most controversial and emotionally charged seasons yet. The newly released trailer on TLC’s YouTube channel has fans buzzing, not only because of the usual family drama, but because it teases something no one ever expected—Kody Brown and Christine’s new husband, David Woolley, appearing in the same storyline. Yes, you read that right. The ex-husband and the current husband may be crossing paths, and fans are both fascinated and furious about what this could mean.

The trailer highlights moments where Kody and David are not just in the same space but seem to be “hanging out.” While some speculate that this may be a carefully scripted plot created by TLC producers to keep the show alive, the optics are clear—Kody, who spent years neglecting Christine and their kids, is suddenly face-to-face with the man she says treats her like a queen. This dynamic sets the stage for what fans are calling one of the strangest “competitions” reality TV has ever seen.

Fans React with Outrage

Reddit threads immediately lit up after the trailer dropped, with viewers questioning how Christine could possibly allow such a storyline. Fans brought up Christine’s book, where she detailed how poorly Kody treated their children, particularly their youngest daughter, Truly. “If those stories are true,” one fan wrote, “how could Christine be okay with David even being in the same room with Kody, much less hanging out with him?”

Other viewers took a more cynical approach, insisting that everything we’re seeing is nothing but another fake storyline designed to squeeze money out of a franchise that’s long past its prime. They claim the Browns—and now David—are willing to do whatever it takes to keep TLC paychecks rolling in. As one blunt fan put it: “They’ve exploited their kids, sold out their dignity, and milked every dollar out of TLC. Why stop now?”

Manufactured Storylines & Old Patterns

The conversation has reignited criticism of Sister Wives as a whole. Early on, fans felt the show gave a rare glimpse into the challenges of polygamy, and for a while, the Browns were even seen as relatable. But over time, many believe the authenticity vanished. The family’s internal conflicts became storylines, children were dragged into the spotlight, and personal struggles turned into episodes.

Some longtime fans feel betrayed, realizing in hindsight that much of what they thought was “real” family drama was in fact manipulated, exaggerated, or outright fabricated. “Had we known from the beginning how fake it all was, we probably wouldn’t have watched,” a fan admitted. “They’ve sold their souls for money, and now it’s just gross.”

The Money Factor

One recurring theme in fan reactions is money. Critics argue that the Browns—and by extension, Christine and David—are doing all of this for financial survival. From multi-level marketing schemes to years of exploiting their family dynamic on TV, money has always been at the center of the Browns’ decisions.

Christine and David may appear more stable and independent than Kody and Robyn, but skeptics point out that both have lived through financial struggles and may not be immune to the lure of TLC paychecks. “Once you get used to that TV money, it’s hard to walk away,” one fan said. “They’ll fake friendships, fake feuds, and fake reconciliations if it means another season.”

A Family Still in Pieces

The reality behind the cameras is even more fractured than what’s shown on screen. Nearly all of Kody’s older children are estranged from him and Robyn. The only events that might bring the family together now are milestones like graduations or the birth of a grandchild. In fact, fans speculate that the “Kody and David hangout” scenes may have been filmed at a child’s birthday party or family gathering—places where both sides were expected to be present for the sake of the kids.

Even then, critics find the storyline distasteful, arguing that using children’s birthdays as a backdrop for drama is exploitative. “If this is really what they’re doing—filming awkward forced interactions at kids’ events—that’s disgusting,” one viewer said.

Christine Speaks Out

Christine herself recently fueled speculation during an interview on The Sarah Fraser Show podcast. When asked whether producers pushed for these Kody-David interactions, she didn’t outright deny it, leaving fans to wonder if TLC is orchestrating this bizarre “bonding” for ratings. Christine’s careful answers only added to the theory that producers are desperate to keep the show alive now that the original Sister Wives premise—four women sharing one husband—no longer exists.

Kody’s Agenda

Many fans believe that this sudden willingness to interact with David is part of Kody’s larger plan to repair his image. After years of being painted as the villain, he may see this as an “apology tour” to win back some public sympathy. But the problem is that very few are buying it. His history—refusing to support his daughters through medical issues, favoring Robyn while neglecting his other wives, and alienating most of his kids—overshadows any attempt at damage control.

And when it comes to David, viewers believe Kody’s motives are anything but sincere. Some suspect he’s trying to charm Christine’s husband into speaking negatively about her, while others think he’s simply desperate for airtime. Either way, fans predict that Kody will not be able to resist making the situation about himself.

David’s Role

David Woolley, meanwhile, finds himself in an awkward position. To fans, he represents Christine’s fresh start—a kind, supportive partner who is everything Kody was not. But by participating in these interactions, David risks being seen as complicit in TLC’s manufactured drama. “Whatever they’re paying David to spend time with Kody, it must be a lot,” one viewer quipped.

Where the Season is Heading

Season 20 premieres September 28th on TLC, and the anticipation is intense. Will Kody and David’s interactions be genuine attempts at peace for the sake of Truly and the other kids, or will they devolve into awkward, staged confrontations designed to stretch the show another year?

Fans are divided. Some are hopeful that David can hold his ground and not get pulled into Kody’s chaos. Others are bracing themselves for another season of fake storylines, recycled drama, and painful exploitation of the family’s most vulnerable moments.

Final Thoughts

At this point, Sister Wives is no longer the show it once was. What began as a groundbreaking look at plural marriage has turned into a cycle of forced storylines, endless money grabs, and increasingly unbelievable plots. Season 20’s biggest hook—Kody and David sharing scenes—may just be the last straw for fans who have already lost faith in the show’s authenticity.

But whether viewers love it, hate it, or can’t look away, one thing is clear: this season promises tension, awkward encounters, and plenty of speculation about what’s real and what’s just reality TV smoke and mirrors.

So buckle up—Kody Brown and David Woolley’s “competition” is about to take center stage, and no matter how staged it may be, fans will be watching.