Married at First Sight fans got an announcement ahead of Season 20 that we certainly didn’t see coming. Despite Dr. Pepper Schwartz, Pastor Cal Roberson, and Dr. Pia Holec being confirmed to return after the first MAFS season on Peacock, it turns out they are not.
According to Variety, which broke the news, Kinetic Content, the production company behind Married at First Sight, has opted to scrap the experts and start over completely.
“We’re thrilled to be embarking on a brand new chapter of the MAFS journey with our partners at Peacock. We’re excited for the future and honored to have worked alongside Dr. Pepper, Pastor Cal, and Dr. Pia,” Kinetic founder and CEO Chris Coelen told Variety. “Dr. Pepper has been with us from the beginning and Pastor Cal joined us shortly thereafter; their unwavering wisdom, insight, and passion has been a guiding light for us throughout the seasons.”
Season 20 Married at First Sight sneak peek hinted at shakeup
Although the news that Married at First Sight is replacing th experts just hit on Tuesday, January 6, it was no secret to those behind the production.
Now, looking back at the MAFS Season 20 sneak peek that aired after the Season 19 reunion special, we see hints that there would be fresh faces in the upcoming season.
Kevin Frazier announced that there would be more couples than ever and perhaps, that had us so sidetracked that we never saw our beloved MAFS experts in the clip. While the careful editing always keeps the identities of the couples intact, we usually see the experts asking questions or inspecting someone’s closet as a part of the tease.
This time around, we’ll be getting to know the experts and the new couples all at the same time.
MAFS experts share their reactions to exit
Along with the announcement that the MAFS experts are changing as we await the Season 20 premiere date, all three shared a statement about their time on the show.
Dr. Pepper Schwartz, who has been a MAFS expert since Season 1, called her time on the show “one of the most meaningful chapters” of her life.
Pastor Cal echoed that sentiment, calling his time on the show “one of the great honors of” his life. While Dr. Pia wrote that she is “proud of the time we’ve spent,” she also shared that she is “prioritizing time with my family while focusing on my clinical work and educational projects centered on mental health, interpersonal relationships, and intimacy.”
