Heather Gay Takes on the LDS Church in 'Surviving Mormonism' Docuseries

Get ready for a powerful and emotional journey as Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Heather Gay hosts a new docuseries tackling the challenging truths of Mormonism.

TL;DR

• Heather Gay's three-part docuseries, Surviving Mormonism, premieres November 11 on Bravo and November 12 on Peacock.
• The series explores the dark history and alleged abuses within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
• Heather and her guests share powerful, emotional stories aiming to bring awareness and encourage change for survivors.

If you're a fan of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, you already know Heather Gay isn't afraid to speak her mind. But get ready to see her in a whole new light. The reality star and best-selling author is hosting a new limited series, Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay, that promises to be incredibly impactful. This three-part docuseries dives deep into the often-hidden aspects of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), exploring stories of alleged abuse, secrecy, and what it means to leave the faith.

Heather, who is 51 years old and has openly chronicled her own journey out of Mormonism, is taking on a topic very close to her heart. She’s bringing viewers along as she uncovers "the dark history of the Church," featuring powerful conversations with abuse survivors, ex-Mormons, and even former LDS Church leaders. From the looks of the trailer, this series is going to be a raw, honest, and emotional experience.

Why Heather Gay is the Perfect Guide to Unpacking These Difficult Topics

Heather Gay's personal connection to Mormonism makes her an incredibly authentic and powerful host for this series. She grew up deeply embedded in the faith, even attending Brigham Young University and marrying a member of the church. Her 2014 divorce from Frank William "Billy" Gay III (the grandson of prominent business executive Frank William Gay and nephew of Robert C. Gay, a general authority of the LDS Church) marked her official departure from the religion.

On The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and in her best-selling memoir, Bad Mormon, Heather has been remarkably candid about her struggles and her ultimate decision to leave the church. She's described her "life purpose" as wanting "to represent hope for people after Mormonism," especially for women, and to "shine light on hurtful practices that we’ve never been able to talk about." This docuseries is a direct extension of that mission, aiming to bring awareness and enact change.

Beyond hosting, Heather is also an executive producer on Surviving Mormonism, working alongside Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC)'s Eli Holzman, Aaron Saidman, and showrunner Erin Gamble. This means she's not just a face for the series; she's deeply invested in shaping its narrative and ensuring its integrity.

What to Expect: A Deep Dive into the LDS Church's Alleged Dark History

The series is designed to "fracture the church’s seemingly perfect veneer to expose the secrets that have been kept behind closed doors." This isn't just a surface-level look; it's a commitment to delving into "outdated and controversial practices" and giving a voice to those who have felt silenced. The trailer alone hints at the intense emotions and shocking revelations to come.

"The things I learned while we were filming this shocked me to my core. The real secret lives are much darker, deeper, and more tragic."

— Heather Gay

Heather's initial reaction after filming suggests the gravity of the stories she hears. She reveals, "The real secret lives are much darker, deeper, and more tragic." This isn't just about cultural practices; it's about the profound human cost of silence and alleged institutional failures.

A Detailed Look: Episode by Episode Guide to the Revelations

The three-part limited series breaks down its exploration into specific themes and impactful personal testimonies:

• Part 1: "A Bad Mormon" (Premieres November 11 on Bravo, then November 12 on Peacock) This opening episode kicks off with Heather exploring her own journey away from the LDS Church. She sits down with David Matheson, a former Mormon who was once a leading figure in "conversion therapy." Matheson, who has since come out as a gay man, will share insights into the harmful teachings he once advocated.
• Part 2: "The Highest Level of Heaven" (Available November 12 on Peacock) Here, Heather confronts her own past guilt for turning away an old friend, Ben, who was critical of the church. When she finally hears Ben's story of alleged abuse, it "rocks her to her core." This episode widens the scope, featuring more survivors' accounts and insights from a former Bishop about his experiences within the church.
• Part 3: "Change Is Gonna Come" (Available November 12 on Peacock) The final chapter brings Heather face-to-face with two sisters, Jennie and Lizzy, who recount "indescribable abuse" at the hands of their father. Crucially, they share how their repeated reports to their Bishop and high-ranking church leadership were allegedly ignored. This episode builds to a powerful moment where "Heather decides it’s time to take action."

The Raw Emotion: Powerful Conversations and Unfiltered Personal Accounts

The trailer offers a glimpse into the raw, unfiltered conversations Heather has with her guests. Viewers will hear poignant statements like, "I spent my life being someone I wasn't," and a harrowing admission, "My earliest memories are of abuse." Another person wonders, "Had they taken action, could it have saved me?" These snippets underscore the deeply personal and often traumatic experiences that will be brought to light.

Heather herself is visibly moved throughout the series, often brought to tears by the stories she hears. She expresses feeling "overwhelmed and horrified" by what she learns, emphasizing her belief that "This is still going on. This has to stop." Her emotional reactions serve as a powerful conduit for viewers, making the stories even more resonant and human.

The series isn't just about sharing stories, though; it's about empowerment. It aims to empower victims to speak out, bring awareness to these issues, and ultimately, enact positive change within and around the community.

Understanding the LDS Church's Stance on Allegations of Abuse

It's important to note that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has issued statements regarding abuse allegations. According to information provided in the context, the Church has stated it "has no tolerance for abuse of any kind. Those who engage in abusive behavior are rightfully subject to prosecution by legal authorities and also face loss of Church membership." This statement, from the Church, provides their official position as these sensitive topics are discussed within the docuseries.

Don't Miss It: How and When to Watch 'Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay'

Mark your calendars! Here's how you can catch this important docuseries:

• First Episode on Bravo: Part 1, "A Bad Mormon," premieres on Tuesday, November 11, at 9:15 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo. It will air right after a supersized episode of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.
• All Episodes on Peacock: For those who prefer to binge-watch, all three parts of Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay will drop exclusively on Peacock starting Wednesday, November 12.

So whether you're a Bravo loyalist or a Peacock streamer, you'll have a chance to witness Heather's impactful journey.

Beyond the Docuseries: Heather Gay's Enduring Advocacy and Impact

This series isn't a one-off for Heather. It's a continuation of her advocacy, which also includes her second book, Good Time Girl. She believes that shows like RHOSLC and other media are "pulling back the curtain on the facade of the religious community in Salt Lake City." By bringing these conversations to a wider audience, she hopes to foster an environment where "reputation is key, and we’re highly sensitive to any dings in our veneer of perfection... that adds to the drama. That adds to the stakes."

Heather's co-stars have already shown their support. Angie Katsanevas commented, "Proud to be your friend. You are multifaceted. Keep doing amazing things. Congratulations!" while former Housewife Angie Harrington added, "Love you @heathergay, this isn’t easy." Their support highlights the significant and often challenging nature of the work Heather is undertaking.

Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay promises to be a powerful, thought-provoking, and deeply emotional series. It's an opportunity to hear stories that have long been kept in the shadows, brought to light by someone who truly understands the weight of these experiences.

FAQ: Your Quick Questions About Surviving Mormonism Answered When does Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay premiere? The first episode, "A Bad Mormon," premieres on Bravo on Tuesday, November 11, at 9:15 p.m. ET/PT. Where can I watch all episodes of Surviving Mormonism? All three episodes will be available to stream exclusively on Peacock starting Wednesday, November 12. How many episodes are in the series? It is a three-part limited docuseries, with each episode being one hour long. What is the main focus of Surviving Mormonism? The series focuses on uncovering the alleged dark history, secrets, and controversial practices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, featuring conversations with abuse survivors, ex-Mormons, and former church leaders. Sources

• BravoTV.com
• Deadline
• Us Weekly
• The Economic Times
• Decider
• TV Insider