The Truth About Olivia Plath From Welcome To Plathville

Olivia Plath is the closest thing to an antagonist on TLC's Welcome to Plathville, which follows the ultra-conservative Plath family. They live on a farm in rural Georgia and don't believe in television or Coca Cola, among other things. The Plath family comprises of super-strict parents Kim and Barry and their nine children: Ethan, 21; Hosanna, 20; Micah, 18; Moriah, 17; Lydia, 15; Isaac, 13; Amber, 10; Cassia, 8; and Mercy, 6.

Their reliance on their faith to lead the way in life could be compared to the Duggar family, but the Plaths are, in some ways, even more dedicated, while their children appear to be more rebellious. Still, there's one element Welcome to Plathville boasts that Counting On, and other shows of its ilk, does not — and that's outsider Olivia Plath. Daughter-in-law of the Plath parents – married to eldest child, Ethan — Olivia caused her fair share of disruption during the first season of the show just by her presence alone.

Plath comes from a similarly religious, super conservative background to her in-laws (although apparently it wasn't quite as strict, as YouTuber Without A Crystal Ball revealed following an interview with her). She and Ethan got married in October 2018, with their wedding website confirming they met at a Christian family summer camp back in 2014, after which their relationship grew in spite of the physical distance between them. Their first date was in 2016 and involved Olivia coming to stay with the Plaths. Ethan proposed in 2017.

Although their courtship reads as very sweet and straightforward, Plath described in an interview with People how Ethan's parents, particularly Kim, made her feel very uncomfortable right from the outset. "Even when Ethan and I were dating, I was criticized for what kind of toothpaste I used, or what I ate, or what I wore, or what I did. I feel like I was constantly critiqued," she revealed, admitting visiting the Plaths gave her a knot in her stomach.

Welcome to Plathville's debut season showcased the tension between the two women. Certain factions believe it's because the Plath parents originally pitched the show but their daughter-in-law became its breakout star. According to Woman's Day, fans particularly enjoyed how Olivia flouted the Plaths' rules. Kim and Barry took serious issue with Olivia seemingly leading Ethan astray by giving him both his first sip of Coke and his first alcoholic beverage. Without A Crystal Ball even suggested they think she's possessed by evil spirits.

Olivia works as a wedding photographer, giving her a further layer of independence outside the Plath family. Back in March, during an appearance on the Hey Frase podcast, Olivia confirmed she hasn't seen Kim and Barry since the show ended, admitting they ignore her in public. She did confirm, however, that her relationship with Ethan is still going strong. As for a Season 2 of Welcome to Plathville, Olivia doesn't see it happening.