Jen Affleck has quickly become a familiar name for reality TV fans, thanks to her candid presence on Hulu's hit show, Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. But beyond the cameras and drama, Jen's life is much more layered—combining the realties of married life, motherhood, and personal growth under the public eye.
Jen Affleck and her family during a red carpet appearance (Alt: Jen Affleck and family at event, from 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives')
Jen Affleck, a Bay Area native, rose to prominence as one of the key cast members of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. The show follows a group of Mormon mom influencers navigating their faith, family, and controversies in Utah. Jen’s openness about her struggles and triumphs has made her a fan favorite.
Together with her husband, Zac Affleck, Jen shares two children, with a third on the way. Their relationship has been a constant point of interest for fans, especially amid the show's deeply personal storylines and off-screen rumors. Jen has addressed these topics head-on, offering viewers a glimpse into the highs and lows of her life.
One of the biggest questions viewers ask: Is Zac Affleck related to Ben Affleck? The rumor started when Jen mentioned it on social media, but as covered in this detailed article by PEOPLE, the connection is mostly just a family joke. The Utah Afflecks and the famous Boston Afflecks don't appear to have any close connection, but the story has added extra attention to their family dynamic.
Jen and Zac's relationship journey hasn't always been smooth. The couple went through a brief separation, which became a central storyline in the show's second season. Some viewers speculated that Jen's current pregnancy was a quick fix—or as some called it, a “band-aid baby.” Jen directly confronted the criticism, saying, “Finding out we were pregnant was the biggest blessing. I wasn’t in the right headspace during season 2—but this experience forced me to get help and focus on my mental health.” If you’re interested in her full response and thoughts on working through relationship struggles, check out her interview with Us Weekly.
Jen Affleck isn’t afraid to try unconventional methods to heal and reconnect. In a dramatic Season 2 moment, Jen and Zac underwent ketamine therapy together—a treatment designed to help reset negative thought patterns, manage anxiety, and cope with trauma. As Jen shared on the show and in follow-up interviews, the experience was transformative for her marriage and personal wellbeing.
For those curious about what ketamine therapy actually is, USA TODAY breaks it down: "Ketamine therapy, a combination of ketamine and cognitive behavioral therapy, aims to break cycles of negative thinking and help with major depressive disorder,” explains neuroscientist Dr. Shannon Eaton. For more on how this episode unfolded and the science behind ketamine therapy, read the full USA TODAY report.
Despite constant scrutiny, Jen Affleck keeps her focus on growth and authenticity. She credits the show—and her latest pregnancy—with helping her realize the importance of mental health and family support. “There is effort on both ends of a relationship and you’re both willing to put in that work. You can always make it work and that’s kind of what happens,” Jen shares.
As her family gets ready to welcome a new member, Jen continues to advocate for transparency, support, and resilience—both on-screen and off. Her journey is a testament to navigating public life with honesty and courage.
Jen Affleck’s rise to reality TV stardom isn’t just about the drama. It’s a window into the realities of marriage, motherhood, and faith—complicated by fame. By speaking openly about her struggles, therapies, and family life, Jen inspires others to prioritize mental health and embrace authenticity. For more updates on Jen and her journey, consider following the latest seasons of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and explore the insightful interviews linked above.