‘Married at First Sight’ Announces Shocking Season 20 Change
Married at First Sight has more or less stuck to its formula over the past 19 seasons, but the upcoming Season 20 is about to shake things up in a major way. As usual, a whole new cast of singles will be married to strangers, but the next season of the reality romance show will also introduce even more new faces to the mix.
The experts are essential to the Married at First Sight process, serving as matchmakers and guiding the new couples through the roadblocks in their relationships. Dr. Pepper Schwartz has been there since the show’s beginning, with Pastor Cal Roberson joining in Season 4 and Dr. Pia Holec in Season 15. The MAFS experts’ panel is undergoing a huge change ahead of the milestone season.
Variety has reported that new experts will sign on for Season 20, but Schwartz, Roberson, and Holec will step down. “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,” says Chris Coelen, founder and CEO of MAFS‘ production company, Kinetic. “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.”
Below, Swooon has broken down why the expert trio aren’t returning for Season 20 — and everything we know about who will fill their shoes next.
Why are Dr. Pepper, Pastor Cal, and Dr. Pia leaving Married at First Sight?
Dr. Pepper, Pastor Cal, and Dr. Cal have released statements about their surprising departures. Dr. Pepper, a sociologist, reflected on her nearly 13-year journey with the franchise, which she deemed “one of the most meaningful chapters of [her] professional life.”
“I am deeply grateful to Kinetic Content and the entire production team for their vision, trust, and dedication to creating a series that thoughtfully explores modern relationships and marriage,” she said, going on to thank her fellow experts, crew, and cast. “As I step away, I do so with immense pride in what this franchise has accomplished and deep confidence in its future. I leave this post with gratitude and optimism, knowing that the foundation we’ve built will continue to evolve and inspire. I’m excited to move on to new projects, carrying with me the lessons, relationships, and memories from this incredible experience.”
Pastor Cal, a marriage counselor, echoed Schwartz’s thanks to the other experts, cast, and Kinetic. “Serving as the spiritual advisor and relationship coach on Married at First Sight has been one of the great honors of my life,” he said, adding, “As I step away, I do so with a full heart; grateful for the journey, proud of what we built together, and hopeful for what lies ahead for this franchise. I am passing the torch with love and faith, believing the work will continue to touch lives in powerful ways. This is not goodbye; it’s a new, exciting chapter. I’m elated about the doors God is already opening, and forever thankful for the seasons we shared.”
Dr. Pia, an intimacy and relationship specialist, joined the show later than her fellow experts, but had similar sentiments to share about the reality show. “I’m prioritizing time with my family while focusing on my clinical work and educational projects centered on mental health, interpersonal relationships, and intimacy,” she explained.
Who are the new experts on Married at First Sight?
From the location to the premiere date, Season 20 details remain under wraps for now, and so do the identities of the next experts. We’ll update this page as soon as we know more.
What do you think about this Season 20 change? Tell us in the comments below!
