Dr. Pepper Schwartz, Pastor Cal Roberson, and Dr. Pia Holec are leaving the reality series Married at First Sight before its 20th season. The show, produced by Kinetic Content, will introduce new experts on Peacock. This marks a significant shift for the franchise that has explored modern relationships since 2014.
The departure of three key experts from Married at First Sight signals a new era for the popular reality series. Dr. Pepper Schwartz, a sociologist who joined at the show's 2014 debut, Pastor Cal Roberson, who came on board in 2016 for Season 4, and Dr. Pia Holec, an intimacy specialist who started in 2022 for Season 15, will not return for Season 20.
Kinetic Content founder and CEO Chris Coelen expressed appreciation for their contributions. "We’re thrilled to be embarking on a brand new chapter of the ‘MAFS’ journey with our partners at Peacock," he said. "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."
Each expert shared personal reflections on their time with the show. Dr. Schwartz highlighted the meaningful professional chapter, thanking the production team and participants for their bravery. "Being part of ‘Married at First Sight’ has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my professional life," she stated, noting the 19 seasons and nearly 13 years of collaboration.
Pastor Roberson emphasized the honor of serving as a spiritual advisor. "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, expressing gratitude to the cast for their trust in the process.
Dr. Holec praised her colleagues and the production staff. "I genuinely loved my time on ‘Married at First Sight’, and working alongside franchise OGs turned friends, like Dr. Pepper and Pastor Cal," she remarked, adding that she will now focus on family, clinical work, and projects on mental health and relationships.
The series, which has spawned eight spinoffs, transitioned from Lifetime to Peacock for Season 19 and will stay there for the upcoming season. New experts are expected to be revealed later.
