'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives': Everything to know before Season 5

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Set us as preferred Explosive relationship scandals have ushered in a new era of reality TV intrigue in recent years.But when reports surfaced in March that Taylor Frankie Paul, one of the stars of Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” was facing assault allegations involving her on-again, off-again partner Dakota Mortensen, it went from standard messy TV drama to a full-blown legal and programming nightmare.The situation unraveled just as Paul was poised to make her debut as the heroine of the 22nd season of “The Bachelorette.” The crossover event between Disney-owned ABC and Hulu was an attempt at synergy casting that hinged on Paul to boost curiosity across both series.

But after a series of events, including a leaked video showing a fight between Paul and Mortensen, Paul’s season of “Bachelorette” was abruptly and indefinitely canceled by Disney and filming of Season 5 of “Mormon Wives” was paused.In the time since, the drama involving Paul and Mortensen, who share a child together, has fueled headlines, think pieces and ongoing coverage of their appearances in court.

It makes other recent relationship scandals in the reality TV universe seem quaint.Nearly three years ago, the phenomenon known as “Scandoval” rattled the Bravo TV universe.

Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix, stars of “Vanderpump Rules” who were a couple for nine years, split after it came to light that Sandoval had an affair with their co-star Raquel Leviss.The cheating scandal broke the internet and became a pop culture talking point.

Earlier this year, another relationship brouhaha — this one dubbed “Scamanda” — hit Bravo’s “Summer House” after a secret romance between long-time cast members Amanda Batula and West Wilson rocked the friend group.(Batula had been married to fellow co-star Kyle Cooke; Wilson had ...