Season 19 of Sister Wives has taken an emotional turn that few were prepared for. The recent episodes exploring the tragic death and funeral of Garrison Brown have left viewers heartbroken—and stirred up fresh controversy.
While fans have praised the show’s efforts to honor Garrison’s memory, many are also pointing fingers at TLC and questioning some choices made during filming.
Tensions Surface at Garrison’s Funeral
In the wake of Garrison’s passing, details began to emerge not just about the pain of loss but also about the undercurrents within the Brown family.
According to insider accounts, some of Janelle Brown’s relatives were reportedly uncomfortable with Kody and Robyn’s presence at the funeral—particularly because the camera crews tagged along.
Kody, who has been no stranger to controversy, was said to have expressed a desire to take Garrison’s remains and bury him himself. However, Janelle had the final say, and her son was ultimately laid to rest in Wyoming.
Despite the sensitive nature of the gathering, the presence of cameras—and Kody’s perceived insensitivity—sparked criticism among fans.
Viewers Call Out TLC’s Interview Moment
But the most talked-about moment didn’t happen at the funeral—it happened on screen, during a sit-down with Janelle. As the episode aired, a segment where a producer asked Janelle, “I didn’t know him much. Tell me a little bit of stories about him,” struck a nerve with many viewers.
Online forums lit up with reactions. For many, the question felt jarring and poorly timed—especially for a grieving mother still processing her loss. “It would only remind her of the pain,” one fan commented.
In contrast, viewers applauded David Woolley, Christine Brown’s husband, for his gentle and thoughtful approach.
Rather than directly probe her grief, David asked Janelle about her “favorite stories” involving Garrison. This shift in tone made all the difference.
“David’s approach was great. He got Christine to think about the good times, the laughs, and the things she loved about Garrison. It probably helps that he’s been through this type of loss with his wife and he knows that it never really goes away. You just learn to carry on with it.”
“David understood her grief to a certain extent. Loosing a spouse isn’t the same as loosing a child but he understood the pain bc of how they both left this world. David is a great example of a mature stable man who loves and cares about others before himself. The total opposite of Kody.”
This episode seemed to mark a turning point in public perception of David Woolley. Fans who were once skeptical of his presence on the show found themselves reevaluating him in a new light.
“That scene really changed a lot of my perceptions about David. He was thoughtful and understanding towards Christine. He understands grief and loss and seems to know how to be there for her.”
“I told my spouse that I was seeing David as a beige flag at best until this episode. It was good to see that Christine found someone deeper than just finds her attractive, which was my concern.”
A Missed Opportunity for TLC?
As fans continued the conversation online, some suggested that TLC may have overlooked a major opportunity when it came to showcasing David.
Instead of allowing his character to grow on its own, the show seemed to funnel much of his screen time into drawing comparisons with Kody.
One fan noted that David was used as a vehicle for Christine to reflect on her former marriage—rather than letting his unique qualities shine on their own.
With his maturity, emotional intelligence, and quiet strength, many viewers believe he deserved more than just being a contrast to Kody’s past behavior.
As Sister Wives approaches the airing of Episode 25 on May 18, 2025, it remains to be seen whether the series will explore these deeper dynamics or continue leaning into the familiar drama.
What’s clear, though, is that even in its most heartbreaking moments, the show continues to provoke conversation—and sometimes, criticism.
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