Shivangi Sinha
TLC’s ‘Polyfamily’ offers a glimpse into the lives of a committed polyamorous quad made up of Taya and Sean Hartless, along with Tyler and Alysia. The show explores how the four of them came together as a family, their relationship dynamics, and what everyday life looks like in their unique household. Taya and Sean have shared that their journey into polyamory was rooted in deep trust and open communication. They describe their lifestyle as one built on mutual love, respect, and a shared commitment to raising their children together in a stable and supportive environment.
Taya and Sean’s Decision to Build a Life With Another Couple Helped Them Make a Family
Taya and Sean Hartless were married in 2015 and began what they described as a fulfilling and contented life together. However, after a few years, Taya felt the need to explore her sexuality more deeply and understand herself on a new level. She turned to an online platform in search of like-minded individuals but quickly realized that there were few single women who shared her interest in a similar lifestyle. After open conversations with Sean, the couple began considering the idea of moving beyond traditional monogamy. This led them to seek out other couples interested in exploring polyamory, and in 2019, they connected with Alysia and Tyler Rodgers. After weeks of conversation, the Rodgers made a long drive to meet Taya and Sean in person.
There was an immediate and natural connection between the two couples when they met. Taya recalled that on their very first night together, she and Alysia briefly switched partners, but when it came time to sleep, each returned to their respective spouses. This early experience reflected the mutual respect and understanding that would come to define their relationship. They began traveling together and spending more time as a blended unit. Alysia and Tyler’s two children were also introduced to the dynamic, understanding Taya and Sean as their parents’ girlfriend and boyfriend, respectively. By 2020, the four of them openly discussed the idea of living together full-time. That same year, they moved into a shared home in Lebanon, Oregon, and officially began their life as a committed, closed, polyamorous family.
Taya has explained their relationship dynamic by saying that while she is married to Sean, she is also dating Tyler, and similarly, Alysia is married to Tyler but is in a relationship with Sean. The four of them are in a closed polyamorous relationship, meaning they don’t engage romantically with anyone outside their group. Their sleeping arrangements are thoughtfully structured—Taya, for example, alternates nights between her husband and her boyfriend, and Alysia does the same. Taya admitted that it wasn’t always easy—especially when she first developed feelings for Tyler, which challenged her own expectations. She also shared that they faced significant “pushback” from friends and family who didn’t understand their lifestyle. However, the deep love and respect they shared ultimately helped them build a relationship that worked for all four of them.
Taya and Sean Are Quite Happy in the Life They Have Created
Taya and Sean Hartless have expressed immense satisfaction with where their relationship stands today. Though they are legally married, both Taya and Sean emphasize that there is no hierarchy within their polyamorous quad, and all partners are viewed as equals. In the early days, Taya used to spend more nights with Sean than with Tyler, but over time, they established a more balanced and inclusive routine. The group has celebrated major milestones together, most notably when Taya discovered she was pregnant in March 2021. She gave birth to her first son on August 11, 2021, and welcomed a second son, Quinty, on September 9, 2022. Taya has made it clear that she does not wish to know which partner is the biological father of her children and chooses instead to consider both Sean and Tyler as their dads.
Likewise, Alysia is a mother to both boys, just as Taya embraces the role of mother to Alysia’s three biological children. The couples make time for individual dates with both their partners. However, when it comes to major events, holidays, and family traditions, it’s always the four of them together, with their five children, functioning as one cohesive unit. Taya has explained that while the romantic relationships in the quad are heterosexual—she is romantically involved with both Sean and Tyler, and Alysia is as well—her bond with Alysia is no less meaningful. Though not romantic or sexual, they share a powerful connection as “metamours,” a term used in polyamory to describe the partner of one’s partner.
Taya and Sean Have a Systemized Way of Managing Their Household
Taya Hartless is a stay-at-home mom and has dedicated her time to caring for the five children in their blended polyfamily household and managing the day-to-day dynamics of their home. The kids lovingly refer to her and Sean as “Mama and Daddy,” while Alysia and Tyler are known as “Mom and Dad,” which is a reflection of a structure that reflects both love and clarity. In addition to parenting, Taya is also a content creator.
She shares glimpses of their polyamorous lifestyle, parenting challenges, relationship dynamics, and the joy of raising children in a supportive, unconventional household. She has amassed a following of over 127,000 on Instagram and also runs a YouTube channel where she shares Q&As, vlogs, and insights into their family life. Meanwhile, Sean works at a local high school, balancing his professional responsibilities with his role in their family structure. Together, they continue to normalize and celebrate their nontraditional but deeply committed lifestyle.
Read More: Are Alysia and Tyler Still Married? Polyfamily Update
