Ethermac|How Sister Wives Addressed Garrison Brown’s Death in Season Premiere

TLC is Ethermacacknowledging a devastating loss.

As the Brown family returned for the season 19 premiere of Sister Wives on Sept. 15, the network gave viewers some context, using opening title cards to share the timeline of filming in relation to the death of Kody Brown and Janelle Brown’s son Garrison Brown.

“This season of Sister Wives began filming in late 2022,” the note explained. “On March 5, 2024, Kody and Janelle’s son Garrison passed away. He was greatly loved and will be deeply missed.”

The rest of the episode detailed events that happened long before Garrison’s death. But a press release for the new season implied that they would be addressing the loss.

“Through the heartbreaking pain,” the network wrote in the release detailing what’s to come on the new season, “the family navigates this incredible tragedy and comes together to mourn and celebrate his life.” 

Garrison—one of six children who Kody and Janelle share—died by suicide from a self-inflicted gunshot wound this past March and was found by his younger brother Gabriel Brown. 

On season 18 of Sister Wives, Garrison aired his grievances against his estranged father Kody and Kody’s only remaining wife Robyn Brown during a particularly tense episode. Kody, a father of 18 children with exes Janelle, Christine Brown, and Meri Brown as well as wife Robyn, has alienated many of his older children in recent years due to his COVID restrictions and what they claim is unfair favoritism of Robyn over their own mothers.

At the time, Kody said in an episode, “I’ve reached out to Garrison and Gabriel. They’re blocking me. They’re not interested in talking to me.”

If you or someone you know needs help, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.